Evolution Is Changing For Panama Tree Frogs Due To Climate Change

[Judi Lynn]

Evolution Is Changing For Panama Tree Frogs Due To Climate Change
October 26, 2012



Though most of the over 6,000 species of frogs lay their eggs in water, many tropical frogs must lay their eggs out of water to protect them from aquatic predators, such as tadpoles and fish. The problem with this is that it increases the risk of the eggs drying out.

A post-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Justin Touchon, recently discovered that climate change in Panama may be altering the course of evolution for these frogs.

Touchon analyzed long-term rainfall data collected by the Panama Canal Authority to reveal that rainfall patterns are changing, just as climate-change models have predicted.

“Over the past four decades, rainfall has become more sporadic during the wet season,” said Touchon. “The number of rainy days decreased, and the number of gaps between storms increased.”

More:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112720894/evolution-climate-change-frogs-102612/

[LongTomH]

1. This will be a mind-fuck for both Creationists and Global Warming denialists!

On a serious note, I hate to see entire species threatened with extinction. Perhaps some will adapt to changing conditions.