Evolution Can Result in Formation, Loss of New and Elaborate Structures

http://www.universityherald.com/articles/14720/20150111/evolution-can-result-in-formation-loss-of-new-and-elaborate-structures.htm

The article discusses a study conducted by the University of California, Riverside that observed the loss of a specific trait in geckos. The scientists observed that geckos who had lost the natural adhesiveness on their feet due to evolution had gained the ability to run faster and burrow. The scientists noted that this loss of features is beneficial, and leads to biodiversity. The geckos observed in the study had moved into terrestrial environments where adhesive feet was no longer an advantage. The scientists also noted that observing the loss of a trait can tell a lot about the function the trait had.

The article is relative to out current study because it deals with evolution, and specifically, natural selection. The adhesiveness of the feet of the geckos become a disadvantage, and so those organisms who retained more adhesive feet did not survive to produce offspring as often as those with less adhesive feet. As a result, the trait was lost over time. This is a very good example of Darwin's principle of natural selection.