Plumage Color Speeds Up Evolution

Recently, researchers found new evidence to support a 60-year-old evolution theory. A study conducted by University of Melbourne scientists Dr Devi Stuart-Fox and Dr Andrew Hugall was published in the journal Nature. It described the investigation into the supposed link between multiple color variations within a species and faster evolution of that species.

This idea was first proposed in the 1950s by scientists such as Julian Huxley. However, this is the first study that has come out to support it. It confirms a major theory of evolutionary biology using the combined work of geneticists and birdwatchers worldwide.

Although this study focused specifically on birds, it was intended to support the theory applied broadly to polymorphism in other animals, such as fish, lizards, or insects. The researchers chose to study birds for purely practical purposes - there was already a wealth of information regarding bird coloration.

Specifically, the study used an accumulation of genetic codes to conclude that color polymorphic species tend to evolve at a faster rate into color monomorphic species. Existing species with different color forms are relatively young and rare.

Now that this has been observed and supported with evidence, the next step that the scientists intend to take is to test explanations for this phenomenon.

Photo Credit: Andreas Trepte (Wikimedia Commons)

NOS Themes:

1. Science is collaborative - The article made sure the mention that the study required a group effort that was global in scale. It also described how the study built upon information and theories that had come before in order to reach its conclusions. 
2. Science is based on evidence - Although the idea was proposed 60 years ago, it has not been considered fact until now, when there is enough evidence for it to be supported. 
3. Science is subject to debate and tentative - Until now, this idea has been discussed and treated as fair game to either be confirmed or dismissed. Now that there is evidence, it becomes harder to deny but not impossible, as new evidence could come out to disprove it. 

Link to article: Bird Color Variations Speed Up Evolution

Further Reading:

• Study Catches Two Bird Populations As They Split Into Separate Species
• Birds: Feather Color Is More Than Skin Deep