Natural Discoveries: Genetic changes in red deer in warmer climate

On Tuesday, a research team, including those from the University of Edinburgh and the Australian National University, revealed genetic changes in red deer that are causing them to breed earlier to adapt to the warmer climate.

Scientists have been recording the wildlife's breeding and migration time due to climate changes for decades. They found out that the deer's breeding time has shifted at a rate of about three days per decade since 1980s. This could be partly due to the warmer weather.

In this new study, researchers revealed that the red deer on a Scottish island are evolving. These genetic changes are causing the red deer to breed earlier with a higher success rate. As a result, red deer in general will have a higher population as the weather becomes warmer.

Some researchers have pointed out that this new discovery shows how environment changes lead to wildlife evolution. Dr. Timothée Bonnet, who led the study, said: "This is one of the few cases where we have documented evolution in action, showing that it may help populations adapt to climate warming."

Moreover, Sally Thomas, Scottish Natural Heritage's Director of People and Nature, said: "These findings are a fascinating example of the impact climate change may be having on wildlife. More and more research is demonstrating that climate change is influencing species across the UK and the world."

As the environment changes, wildlife are also responding to them.

(CGTN)