Genetic variation in fruit flies linked to higher temperatures
CLIMATE CHANGE
Fruit
flies on three continents appear to be genetically adapting to a hotter
world. Until now, most species' adjustments to global warming have
involved shifting population distributions or changing the time of
breeding and migration -- physiological changes associated more with
temperature and season length than genetics. Those species are still
vulnerable to extinction as temperatures rise. Now a team of
researchers from the University of Barcelona, the University of
Washington, and the College of William and Mary have found that a
chromosomal mutation typical of fruit flies in warmer climates is
becoming more common in fruit flies at many sites farther from the
tropics. The mutation appears to help protect the fruit fly in warming
climates, but scientists don't yet know how.
BOTTOM LINE: If fruit flies can genetically adapt to a hotter world, maybe some other insect or animal species can.
CAUTIONS: Organisms with longer intervals between generations will not be able to adapt as quickly.
WHAT'S NEXT: More research to make sure it is truly warmer temperatures -- not rainfall or other factors -- that is influencing the genetic changes.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Aug. 31 Science Express, the online edition of the journal Science.
BETH DALEY 
