A new study shows that the body shape of some warm-blooded animal species is undergoing change. This could be a result of these species adapting to climate change.
Animals are expected to develop longer beaks, larger legs, and bigger ears to better regulate their body temperature amidst rising global temperatures, CNN reported on September 7.
This information was revealed by Sara Ryding, an expert at Deakin University in Australia, and one of the authors of the study published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution.
Among the 30 animal species examined by the research team, the most significant change in appendage size was observed in certain Australian parrot species. Their beak size has increased by an average of 4-10% since 1871.
“This means that animals are evolving, but not necessarily because they are coping with climate change,” she stated.
A red-crowned parrot, one of the bird species with increased beak size. (Photo: CNN).
“We also do not yet know whether this shape change is actually beneficial for the survival of these species. The phenomenon of shape change is not positive, and it is even alarming, as climate change is driving animal species to evolve in such a manner over a short period,” she added.
The expert noted that while these changes are “functionally important,” they are quite subtle and may not be immediately recognizable.
While global warming is a “compelling argument” for explaining shape changes, the study suggests that it is difficult to confidently conclude due to the multifaceted impacts of climate change on the environment.
According to Allen’s rule, individuals in warmer climates have larger appendages—such as wings and beaks—because a larger surface area allows animals to regulate their body temperature more easily.
At the same time, body size tends to shrink, as smaller bodies retain less heat.
In the United States, a recent study of 70,716 migratory birds representing 52 species shows that they have been getting smaller over the past four decades, while their wingspans have been increasing.
While most studies on morphological changes over time have focused on bird species, the research also notes that the sizes of ears, tails, legs, and wings in shrews and bats have also relatively increased.
Furthermore, future research needs to explore various species across different ecosystems to determine the extent of this phenomenon and predict which species will undergo shape changes in the future.
