News
October 08, 2025
Lizard genetics provide new perspective on evolution
Some colourful lizards and a mathematical formula from the finance sector have been used to build a new framework to model evolution. The framework is the first mathematical model to combine short-term natural selection (microevolution) with the way species evolve over millions of years (macroevolution).
**Lizard genetics provide new perspective on evolution**
A surprising combination of vibrant lizards and a mathematical formula usually found in finance has yielded a groundbreaking new framework for understanding evolution. Scientists have developed a model that bridges the gap between short-term natural selection and the long-term processes that shape species over vast stretches of time. This innovative approach offers a more complete picture of how life on Earth changes.
Traditionally, scientists have studied evolution on two separate timescales. Microevolution focuses on the small, generation-to-generation changes within a population, like the gradual shift in beak size in finches due to food availability. Macroevolution, on the other hand, examines the large-scale patterns of evolution, such as the emergence of new species and the diversification of life over millions of years. Connecting these two perspectives has been a significant challenge in evolutionary biology.
The new model tackles this challenge head-on by incorporating both micro- and macroevolutionary forces into a single mathematical framework. Researchers drew inspiration from an unexpected source: a formula commonly used in finance to analyze market trends and predict future prices. This formula, adapted for the biological realm, allows scientists to track how short-term selective pressures can accumulate over time and ultimately drive the formation of new species and larger evolutionary trends.
The colourful lizards played a crucial role in validating the model. By studying the genetic variations and physical traits of these reptiles, researchers were able to test the model's predictions and refine its accuracy. The data from the lizards provided a real-world dataset to calibrate and improve the framework, ensuring its relevance and applicability to a wide range of evolutionary scenarios.
This novel approach represents a significant step forward in our understanding of evolution. By integrating micro- and macroevolutionary processes, the model provides a more holistic and dynamic view of how life evolves. It opens new avenues for research and could potentially help us predict how species will respond to future environmental changes. This new perspective on evolution promises to be a valuable tool for scientists seeking to unravel the complexities of life's history and its future trajectory.
A surprising combination of vibrant lizards and a mathematical formula usually found in finance has yielded a groundbreaking new framework for understanding evolution. Scientists have developed a model that bridges the gap between short-term natural selection and the long-term processes that shape species over vast stretches of time. This innovative approach offers a more complete picture of how life on Earth changes.
Traditionally, scientists have studied evolution on two separate timescales. Microevolution focuses on the small, generation-to-generation changes within a population, like the gradual shift in beak size in finches due to food availability. Macroevolution, on the other hand, examines the large-scale patterns of evolution, such as the emergence of new species and the diversification of life over millions of years. Connecting these two perspectives has been a significant challenge in evolutionary biology.
The new model tackles this challenge head-on by incorporating both micro- and macroevolutionary forces into a single mathematical framework. Researchers drew inspiration from an unexpected source: a formula commonly used in finance to analyze market trends and predict future prices. This formula, adapted for the biological realm, allows scientists to track how short-term selective pressures can accumulate over time and ultimately drive the formation of new species and larger evolutionary trends.
The colourful lizards played a crucial role in validating the model. By studying the genetic variations and physical traits of these reptiles, researchers were able to test the model's predictions and refine its accuracy. The data from the lizards provided a real-world dataset to calibrate and improve the framework, ensuring its relevance and applicability to a wide range of evolutionary scenarios.
This novel approach represents a significant step forward in our understanding of evolution. By integrating micro- and macroevolutionary processes, the model provides a more holistic and dynamic view of how life evolves. It opens new avenues for research and could potentially help us predict how species will respond to future environmental changes. This new perspective on evolution promises to be a valuable tool for scientists seeking to unravel the complexities of life's history and its future trajectory.
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Technology