Here are several journal articles demonstrate microevolution in a laboratory setting. For instance, a study in Science found that the ability of populations to evolve and adapt over short periods (evolvability) can predict the amount of change seen in populations and species over long periods. Another study on Trypanosoma cruzi showed that hybrids exhibited genome erosion over generations, with varying rates between lines. Furthermore, research on Haemophilus influenzae in a pre-clinical model of otitis media revealed microevolution of genes related to hemoglobin binding and lipooligosaccharide (LOS)biosynthesis, highlighting the importance of adaptation during sequential disease episodes.
Here’s a more detailed look at a few examples:
- Microevolution of Trypanosoma cruzi
: Research on hybrids of T. cruzi showed that their DNA content decreased over time, with some lines exhibiting gradual erosion and others more intermittent patterns.
A review article on microbial experimental evolution highlights how controlled laboratory settings allow for the study of evolutionary mechanisms and the testing of evolutionary theories.
- Microevolution in Pathogenic Microbes:
Studies on C. neoformans and A. fumigatus demonstrated that mutations in DNA repair genes can accelerate microevolution and the generation of phenotypic diversity, including traits related to growth in vivo and resistance to stress.
Research on Wolbachia in mosquitoes showed that changes in their genome can lead to the emergence of new compatibility types, potentially impacting vector control efforts.
A study using a pre-clinical model of otitis media showed that nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) evolved during sequential disease episodes, adapting genes related to hemoglobin binding and LOS biosynthesis.
- Microevolution in Humans:
Some studies have suggested that microevolution can be observed in humans over relatively few generations, highlighting the need for incorporating evolutionary processes into studies of human demography and reproductive ecology.