A Study on Adaptation of Anoles After Hurricanes
Hurricane season brings significant changes, not just to the environment, but also to the biology of local fauna. Researchers have focused on the silver key anole (Anolis sagrei) in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which underwent notable adaptations following hurricanes Irma and Maria about a decade ago.
Key Findings:
- The silver key anoles have developed a shorter fourth toe on their hind legs. This modification may enhance their ability to cling to surfaces during high winds.
- To test this hypothesis, scientists placed lizards in front of a fan and observed how long they could maintain their grip.
This intriguing study highlights how natural disasters can drive evolutionary changes in species, giving insights into survival adaptations in the face of climate change.
For more details, the full study can be found in the journal Current Biology.
For further inquiries or interests in science-related news, feel free to reach out at shortwave@npr.org. Support public media by exploring options at NPR+.
Listen to the latest episodes on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
