Birds are adapting to climate change because of their genes

When Earth's climate changes, species must adapt, change geographical ranges or face decline and in some cases will become extinct. Using genetics, UCLA biologists participating in the Genoscape project are racing against time to find the ability to adapt and the best way to protect vulnerable bird groups.

The most recent study of the project is published in the journal Science, focusing on the golden warbler. Found in most of North America, this bird lives winter in Central and South America, and flies north like Alaska and the Arctic in the summer.

Using more than 200 samples of blood, tissue and hair from across the reproductive range, the researchers discovered genes that seemed to respond to the climate and found that most bird populations were genetically adapted to with climate change.

UCLA evolutionary biologist Kristen Ruegg said previous studies focused on prolonged changes in temperature and precipitation, making birds change their geographical range. Genetic mapping provides an opportunity to consider another option - genetic ability to adapt to climate change.

"With these studies, we can talk based on the relationship between genes and environment, this is how populations will have to adapt to future climate change" - Ruegg, director The Genoscape Bird project said.

Rachael Bay, the lead author of this study and a researcher of the National Science Association, said using genetic maps and habitats of the most vulnerable populations to gas change. Post-present can be targeted for protection. These findings provide valuable information for conservationists who wish to protect species like gold falcon in the future, she said.

Yellow warbler is not currently in danger of extinction. It has been selected for research to help researchers better understand how genes relate to climate variables in their wide range.

Smith said the study is the first step for the next two important steps. First, it means that additional research is needed to understand how other species adapt to climate change. Second, these findings can be used now to regulate and provide information for future conservation management.

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