Swallows show evolution on a real-time scale

A recent paper on the Nature website has documented macro-evolution in cliff swallows in North America. A study done by scientists from the University of Tulsa and the University of Nebraska quantified the wing lengths of birds that died due to traffic on highways to birds that died of other causes. The results showed that the birds that died from vehicle related causes (read: hit by cars) had noticeably longer wings than those that died of other causes. What this means is, birds that are genetically predisposed to have shorter, more agile wings, survive in areas where birds with longer, less agile flight surfaces. While the study is certainly not the only example out there of evolution on a visible scale, it certainly is one that is fairly close to home.

http://www.nature.com/news/swallows-may-be-evolving-to-dodge-traffic-1.1...

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David Geurkink is a 12 year veteran of the conservation game. He began on a small ranch and worked his way through a zoo or two on his way to Austin. Now he's in the area looking for great opportunities to experience wildlife and he'll help you find the place to go to see the real wild life....

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