Lizards evolving to escape fire ants

FLORA AND FAUNA

disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only

by Staff Writers
State College, Pa. (UPI) Jan 20, 2009
Scientists say they've discovered U.S. fence lizards in the southeastern United States are evolving to avoid potentially fatal attacks by fire ants.

Penn State Assistant Professor Tracy Langkilde said she's determined the lizards are adapting by developing behaviors that enable them to escape from the ants, as well developing longer hind legs that can increase the effectiveness of their behavior.

"Not only does this finding provide biologists with an example of evolution in action, but it also provides wildlife managers with knowledge that they can use to develop plans for managing invasive species," said Langkilde.

Fire ants from South America were introduced to the United States accidentally during the 1930s.

The study will be detailed later this month in the journal Ecology.

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