Rhesus Macaque, Photo: Klub Boks (Pexel)
Rhesus Macaque , Photo: Klub Boks (Pexel) - The raw material for evolution is much more abundant in wild animals than we previously believed, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU). Darwinian evolution is the process by which natural selection results in genetic changes in traits that favour the survival and reproduction of individuals. The rate at which evolution occurs depends crucially on genetic differences between individuals. Led by Dr Timothée Bonnet from ANU, an international research team wanted to know how much of this "fuel of evolution" exists in wild animal populations. The answer: two to four times more than previously thought. According to Dr Bonnet, the process of evolution that Darwin described was an incredibly slow one. "However, since Darwin, researchers have identified many examples of Darwinian evolution occurring in just a few years," Dr Bonnet said.
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