Lagartijas de muro verdes y agresivas eliminan variantes de color ancestrales

26 de abril de 2026

Reportado por IA

Investigadores han descubierto que las lagartijas de muro verdes y agresivas, apodadas lagartijas 'Hulk', están superando y eliminando rápidamente a los morfos de color amarillo y naranja que coexistieron durante millones de años. La lagartija de muro común, Podarcis muralis, presenta ahora solo individuos de garganta blanca en muchas poblaciones del Mediterráneo. Un estudio que analizó más de 10,000 lagartijas reveló este cambio en la dinámica evolutiva.

Durante millones de años, las poblaciones de la lagartija de muro común (Podarcis muralis) mantuvieron un equilibrio de tres morfos de color de garganta: blanco, amarillo y naranja. Cada morfo representaba distintas estrategias de supervivencia, como la competencia territorial y la atracción de pareja, fomentando la coexistencia en toda la región mediterránea. Tobias Uller, profesor de biología evolutiva en la Universidad de Lund, señaló: 'Estamos viendo cómo la coexistencia de varios morfos de color diferentes, algo que ha sido estable durante millones de años, se está perdiendo en una escala de tiempo evolutivo muy corta'.

Artículos relacionados

New green pitviper species uncovered in Sichuan mountains

Researchers have identified a new venomous pitviper species in the misty mountains of western Sichuan, China, previously mistaken for a common snake. Named Trimeresurus lii after the philosopher Laozi, the Huaxi Green Pitviper features distinct markings and eye colors between males and females. DNA analysis confirmed its unique evolutionary lineage in a global biodiversity hotspot.

Study suggests two cryptic species hide for every known vertebrate

3 de marzo de 2026 Reportado por IA

A new analysis indicates that Earth's vertebrate diversity is likely twice as high as previously estimated, with about two genetically distinct 'cryptic' species for every recognized one. Led by University of Arizona researchers, the study highlights how DNA sequencing reveals these hidden lineages that look nearly identical. This finding raises concerns for conservation efforts targeting undocumented species.

América

Invasive jackfruit tree simplifies habitat and affects frogs in Atlantic Forest

Ciencia

Research reveals key differences in dinosaur and mammal parenting

Medio Ambiente

Hellbender salamander remains in limbo for federal protection

Baby sauropods fueled Jurassic predators, study finds

A new study reveals that young sauropods, despite their parents' massive size, were vulnerable prey that sustained Late Jurassic predators. Researchers from UCL analyzed fossils from Colorado's Dry Mesa Quarry to reconstruct the era's food web. This abundance of easy meals may explain why predators like Allosaurus thrived without advanced hunting traits.

Fossils uncover early evolution of lungfish to land vertebrates

13 de marzo de 2026 Reportado por IA

Scientists have analyzed ancient fish fossils from Australia and China, providing new insights into how early vertebrates transitioned from water to land. The studies focus on lungfish remains over 400 million years old, revealing details about their anatomy and evolution. These findings highlight the role of lungfish as close relatives to tetrapods, including humans.

Ciencia