rapid evolution

rapid evolution

columbine flowers appear to have adapted the length of their nectar spurs in fits and starts to adapt to the length of the tongues of their pollinators. when they are pollinated by hummingbirds, the spurs are one length and then when the pollinator switches to bumblebees or hawkmoths, the columbine quickly evolves and then reaches a period of evolutionary stasis as long as it is pollinated by the same animals. so evolution isn’t just a race. in some cases it’s also a kind of reaching for a comfortable niche.

wild columbine

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