Most people think that natural genetic evolution takes millions or at least tens of thousands of years, but apparently it can be pretty fast when a species is in a new environment requiring adaptation. A new study shows that a species of birds developed strong genetic features within just 130 years.

The speed of natural genetic evolution

Scientists know they can breed animals to have specific genetic features rather quick (just look at the variety of breeds of dogs and cats). But how fast is evolution in nature?

Apparently, it can work quite fast as well. A recent study looked at successful propagation of one bird species, European Starling, in the Northern America.

There were only 80 birds released in 1890 in the Central Park of New York, but it managed to propagate so well that about 160 million of birds spread around the continent within 130 years. And there are distinct genetic changes in the birds living in the Northern America as compared to their European counterparts.

The genetic signature affected parts of the genome responsible for adaptation to temperature and the level of rainfall. As compared to their European counterparts, the species undergone “rapid local adaptation”, according to researchers.

Not only birds had successfully adapted to new environments, spreading further and further across the continent, but also reproduced really quickly.

It’s all Shakespeare’s fault

The reason why starlings had been brought to America is rather fascinating. It was done because of William Shakespeare plays. All species of birds mentioned there were delivered to North America and released in small numbers.

Then it was evolution that determined which species survived.

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