Jan 18, 2024 at 10:22 PM Update: 6 hours ago
British researchers have investigated why some animal species do not grow larger, but rather smaller. This development goes against some important theories, which state that animals are getting bigger.
Cope’s Law is often cited in the theory of evolution. That line refers to the American paleontologist Edward Cope. He was one of the first to observe that animals are getting bigger.
But there are exceptions to Cope’s Law. The Equus alaskaeFor example, an extinct horse species that lived in an area stretching from Mexico to the US state of Alaska, became smaller and smaller. Some lizards and turtles also show the same evolution.
In the new research, led by Shovonlal Roy at the University of Reading, scientists simulated evolution in a computer model. This showed that there are a few reasons why animals sometimes become smaller instead of larger.
Animals adapt to competition
The first reason revolves around nutrients. If many animals eat the same nutrients, they have to compete with each other for them. They have to ensure that they eat enough to survive. When animals are smaller, they need less food. Then there is a greater chance that the animal species will survive.
The climate and other conditions also play a role. Animals also grow larger or smaller depending on the amount of competition they have for food.
Animals also adapt to the circumstances. For example, over time they become increasingly better able to withstand cold, heat, drought or a lot of water. The more often animals adapt, the greater the evolutionary pressure to become smaller, the researchers conclude.
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2024-01-18 21:22:00
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