Advantage of diabetes?
Article Abstract:
The relatively high incidence of diabetes among westernized Nauruan islanders in Micronesia may be linked to an evolutionary reason for the predisposition for diabetes. A study of pregnant women, with and without gestational diabetes, reveals that the pregnant body initiates a dietary energy saving state during which more energy is produced from less food and a higher influx of food may lead to the development of diabetes. This study may indicate an evolutionary purpose behind the predisposition for diabetes to manage times of food scarcity without losing energy level.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Natural selection out on a limb
Article Abstract:
It has been possible to use a long-term study of Anolis lizards introduced experimentally onto 14 extremely small Bahamian islands to identify trends attributable to evolutionary biology. It was found that the lizard populations differentiated, especially in relative hindlimb length, showing that they are adapting to the short, thin vegetation which characterizes these islands. The adaptive changes seen in these small populations reflects to a certain extent the across-species adaptive radiations witnessed in Anolis lizards in the Greater Antilles.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Birds face sexual discrimination
Article Abstract:
The Seychelles warbler, Acrocephalus sechellensis, exhibits an adaptive sex-ratio variation that correlates with Fischer's equilibrium sex-ratio theory. Adaptive sex-ratio variation in Acrocephalus sechellensis is affected by the availability of resources or food. Adult warblers in high-quality territories produce more females compared to warblers in low-quality territories. The low numbers of female offspring in low-quality territories will reduce competition for food among warblers.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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