Evolution in the Lab

Scientists have forced evolution to occur in caterpillars. This story from Fox News relates the attempts to alter the color of the caterpillars over time by subjecting them to different environmental stresses. As is noted:

Because the variations are based on temperatures, and thus in the wild would be dependent on seasons, the two types would tend to occur at different times of the year and may never meet in nature, he said.

The next step, the researchers said, is to see if the variations do indeed occur in the wild.

The researchers are quick to note also that this appears to have no selective bearing on the caterpillars, themselves. Interesting.