Tasmanian Devils, Facial Tumors and You
After spending more than a decade researching the effects of a cancer outbreak on the mating habits of tasmanian devils, scientists at the University of Tasmania in Australia have suggested that we’re “seeing evolution occurring before our eyes.” Something called devil facial tumor disease has severely shortened the species’ lifespan, forcing the critters to get it on younger and younger or risk dying before procreating. Researchers have proposed that this knee-jerk reaction is an evolutionary defense against the threat of extinction. (Prep yourself for that excuse the next time your girlfriend explains why she gave it up so early.)
Cartoon icon Taz was dismissive when reached for comment on his kin: “Just another instance of babies havin’ babies.”
(via PhysOrg.com)
