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Mammals Evolve Faster in Hot Weather: Study

Faster metabolism thought to be why

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Jun 24, 2009 2:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – Evolution happens faster in warmer climates, a new study finds. Researchers found that DNA changes more frequently among mammals in the species-rich tropics than among comparable species elsewhere, the BBC reports. Scientists believe the germ cells that become sperm and eggs divide more often in hotter weather, perhaps because those mammals have greater metabolic activity.

Plant species and marine mammals also exhibit the same phenomenon. But because their body temperatures are regulated by the environment, scientists attributed the finding to changing metabolic rates. The weather doesn’t affect body temperature in mammals, but they do adjust their level of activity to the seasons. “In warmer climates annual metabolic activity is likely to be greater,” explains the study’s author.

Mammals vary their activity by the seasons, perhaps why those in hotter climates see faster gene mutation.
Mammals vary their activity by the seasons, perhaps why those in hotter climates see faster gene mutation.   (Shutter stock)
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We suspected the same effect might be happening in mammals, because seasonal changes affect the animals' activity. - Len Gillman, who led the study

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
Snarfeh
Aug 3, 2009 8:08 AM CDT
Genesis also states that god said, "let *us* make man in *our* image." Would that be god and mrs. god? I'd say, if you are going to quote the bible as *proof* of anything, the word "us" and "our" is proof of multiple gods or that god has multiple personality disorder. I kinda like the latter myself as it totally explains the angry god/loving god as well as that trinity thing.
rajanKazhmin
Jun 25, 2009 12:59 PM CDT
Hahahahahahahahaha
Snowleopard
Jun 25, 2009 6:23 AM CDT
you know, he can be both educated and undecided.

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