Evolution strikes again!

[Mojo]

According to the BBC, mice accidentally introduced to a small South Atlantic island have over many generations developed characteristics distinctive of the population of that island. The BBC seem to have kept the E-word out of the story for some reason.

Interestingly, when I heard the story on Radio 4's Today programme they used the word "mutated" instead of "evolved." Perhaps they didn't want to upset whoever was presenting Thought for the Day.

 

[Rolfe]

I heard that too. Sounded absolutely gruesome! I wondered about the word "mutated" - I don't suppose anyone has done any genetic research on them to find out whether there are really mutated genes involved in this change, or whether it's just a shift in allele frequency, like getting a Rottweiler from the same generic "dog" gene pool.

Fascinating to investigate though - I wonder if anyone is looking at it?

Rolfe.

 

[Rolfe]

If the explanation on the BBC web page is correct, it sounds as if they believe it's an allele shift, and not mutation.

But mice aboard the ships have infested the islands, and grown large, partly because of the abundant new food source on which they have recently started to indulge.

"Mice and other small animals often do get bigger when they are put on islands, particularly islands at higher latitudes," Dr Cuthbert explained.

"It's an ecological rule: if it's a cold environment, you are better off being a larger animal."

I wonder if anyone is researching it in detail? Fascinating topic.

Rolfe.

 

[MRC_Hans]

And, presumably, there is no pressure from predators, so they need not be small to hide. However, I'm glad to see they don't suggest addressing the problem by importing cats, or something equally daft .

Hans

 

[Eos of the Eons]

The albatross chicks spend eight months sitting waiting for food from their parents.

Uh, that's not a very good survival tactic. If not for the mice, something else would eventually take advantage of the situation.