How a new predator reshapes an old fish: rapid evolution in action
A study in *The American Naturalist* documents the rapid evolution of defensive traits in threespine stickleback fish following the introduction of brook trout. The research provides a clear example of contemporary natural selection and adaptation in response to a new selective pressure. By analyzing populations before and after the trout stocking, the study offers direct evidence of how predation can drive morphological and behavioral changes in prey species over observable timescales, contributing to our understanding of microevolutionary processes in natural ecosystems.
Why it might matter to you: This research provides a powerful, real-time case study of evolution by natural selection, directly relevant to core concepts in evolutionary biology. For professionals and researchers focused on adaptation, speciation, and population genetics, it offers empirical data on the speed and direction of evolutionary change. Understanding such dynamics is crucial for predicting how species may respond to environmental changes, including invasive species, which has implications for conservation biology and ecosystem management.
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