Evolutionary benefits of sex explained
The experiments found that when organisms adapted to different environments reproduced sexually, the species more rapidly adapted to both environments. The findings contradicted an evolutionary biology theory but mirrored what occurs in the real world. Image: usas/iStockphoto University of Auckland scientists have provided the first experimental explanation of how sexual reproduction helps species adapt in challenging real-world environments, solving a classic conundrum in evolutionary biology.“According to classic evolutionary theory, sexual reproduction should actually retard species’ ability to adapt to complex environments and in the long run prevent the evolution of new species,” explains lead researcher Dr Mat Goddard. “But in the real world, sex is a highly successful strategy that doesn’t prevent new species from evolving, so what we see in nature doesn’t tally with the theory. Our experimental work provides the first explanation for this and supports an alternate evolutionary theory.”As organisms adapt to environmental challenges they accumulate genetic changes that...