Evolution in action: Roadkill breeds birds with shorter wings

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The American cliff swallow is best known for its yearly migration between North and South America, traditionally resulting in the annual return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California on March 19. Now it seems they also provide a lesson in the workings of natural selection. A three-decade long study carried out by a husband and wife ornithological team in western Nebraska has, thanks to long years of carefully recording all available data, shown that roadkill has exerted a selective advantage on swallows with shorter wingspans. .. Continue Reading Evolution in action: Roadkill breeds birds with shorter wings



Section: Science and Education



Tags: Birds, Evolution, Ornithology, Roadkill, University of Tulsa



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via http://www.gizmag.com/