Potential Claimants to Planetary Possession

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In a world increasingly shaped by human activities, the natural world is adapting in response to the swift environmental changes taking place. Two recent studies have highlighted fascinating examples of this adaptation in fruit flies and Anole lizards.

Tess Grainger, a researcher, has observed evolutionary changes in fruit flies that have become larger, laid fewer eggs, and developed faster when exposed to a predatory, invasive species over one summer and the subsequent fall. This rapid adaptation is a testament to the resilience of life, even in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, Thor Hanson, the author of the book "Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid", has been studying animal adaptation to climate change. He predicts that we can expect to see more such evolutionary changes in other species due to the swiftness of the current environmental crisis.

One example of this is the Anole lizards, which developed larger toe pads to increase their grip on trees after hurricanes. This evolutionary change persisted over time and was observed in populations exposed to more frequent hurricanes.

However, not all species are equipped to handle these rapid changes. Specialist species, which rely on specific habitats or food supplies, are less likely to survive. As their habitats decline or their bodies are unable to withstand the demands of their new environment, they struggle to adapt.

On the other hand, generalist species, which can eat a variety of foods and adapt quickly, have an advantage in times of change. Algae, crustaceans, and smaller fish, with their shorter generation times and larger population sizes, are among those that have a higher likelihood of adapting.

Migratory species also have a higher chance of survival. Salmon, for instance, seek cooler water as water temperatures rise. However, their long-term survival is threatened by human-made blockades like dams and transportation systems on freshwater rivers where they spawn.

Despite these examples of adaptation, the current state of biodiversity loss due to human activities is so severe that it is being described as a "Mass Extinction". The Anthropocene, a period characterized by significant human influence on Earth's climate and environment, is associated with this mass extinction.

Many habitats and spaces are becoming unliveable at faster rates than they would from just climate change alone, due to mass construction, deforestation, travel, and overconsumption of resources. Larger fish and other species with longer generation times and smaller populations have lower chances of adapting to changing environments.

Thor Hanson, in his book, states that a species cannot adapt to a habitat that is no longer there. The Bramble Cay melomys, a rodent species from Australia, went extinct due to climate change-induced sea level rise, underscoring this point.

The future of our planet's biodiversity remains uncertain. It's too soon to say which species might still exist in many decades to come if climate change continues its course. The majority of living creatures inhabit places gravely impacted by human activity, and the race is on to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on our world's diverse species.

Potential Claimants to Planetary Possession