Observe Evolution in Action: A Guide to At-Home Experiments with Short-Lived Insects

Can You See Evolution in Action?
If you define evolution as 'change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations,' then absolutely you can observe evolution in action. In fact, you don't even need to devise an experiment to see it; simply observe the heritable characteristics that you, your parents, and perhaps even your grandparents have inherited. That is the essence of evolution.

Speeding Up Evolution: A Visit to a Breeder

To observe or learn about evolution at an accelerated pace, visit a plant or animal breeder. They can explain how they select desirable traits and eliminate unwanted ones. For instance, take a wolf and, over successive generations, eliminate much of the genetic diversity and perhaps select for a few mutations, potentially leading to breeds like dachshunds or poodles. These breeds have reduced genetic diversity, making them more susceptible to diseases and genetic issues. This is evolution in action.

Simple Antibiotic Resistance Experiment with Bacteria

If you are more advanced, you can try the experiment with bacteria, as suggested by Adam Wu. This experiment showcases how bacteria adapt to antibiotics. However, it is important to note that when the antibiotic is removed, the resistant bacteria often struggle to compete with the parent population because they have lost genetic diversity and have lower reproductive rates. This is the opposite of what the common ancestry belief system might require, but it is still a testament to evolution.

Fruit Flies and Sterility

Numerous experiments have been conducted with fruit flies to observe evolution. One such experiment selected fruit flies based on the number of hairs. Those with higher hair counts were chosen and continued to breed within this group. This study lasted over 10 years, and at the end, the result was sterility or non-viability. Far from being "fruitful," this experiment highlights the complexities of evolution.

Additional Insights: No Fruit Fly Evolution

Another notable experiment involved fruit flies, where researchers specifically aimed to observe evolution. After 600 generations, the researchers found that there was no significant evolution. This further emphasizes the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of evolutionary processes.

In conclusion, while you can observe evolution in your own life and see it at work in the hands of breeders, more controlled experiments, such as those with bacteria or even fruit flies, offer a more direct and observable view. These experiments not only demonstrate evolution but also highlight the intricacies of genetic changes over time.