Dolphins and orcas have passed the point of no return in evolution to live on land again – The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel
Marine mammals like dolphins and orcas have hit an evolutionary “point of no return.” What does this mean for their survival amid climate change? Discover the surprising truths behind their adaptations and our oceans’ future.A recent study from July 2023 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B sheds light on how marine mammals, like dolphins and orcas, have hit an evolutionary “point of no return.” These creatures, which once roamed the land, are now so perfectly adapted to life in water that going back to their terrestrial roots is a no-go. This raises some big questions about how certain evolutionary changes can be permanent and what this means for biodiversity.Earth’s history is full of amazing shifts between water and land habitats. Around 375 million years ago, the first fish made their bold move from water to land, becoming tetrapods (that’s science-speak for ancestors of all land vertebrates). Fast forward to about 250 million years ago, and you’ll find some mammals deciding to head back into the water. This reverse journey happened more than once, giving rise to whales, dolphins, and orcas.These sea-loving mammals picked up several major adaptations that helped them thrive underwater. They got bigger bodies that helped keep them warm in chilly waters. Plus, they switched to a carnivorous diet to fuel their high-energy lifestyles. Their bodies also went through some pretty big anatomical changes, making them top-notch swimmers and divers.Bruna Farina, a Ph.D. student at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, took a deep dive into this evolutionary puzzle. By looking at over 5,600 mammal species, she aimed to figure out how these changes happen and why they’re irreversible. Her work sorted species into four groups—from those strictly on land to those fully aquatic.What she found was eye-opening: there’s a crucial tipping point between semi-aquatic and fully aquatic species. Once crossed, these marine adaptations become stuck—a concept that fits with Dollo’s law (a theory by Belgian paleontologist Louis Dollo suggesting evolution generally doesn’t go backwards).This discovery has big implications for how we understand evolution and marine biodiversity. Cetaceans like dolphins and orcas are now essentially “trapped” in their watery ways due to their super-specialized adaptations. While great for ocean living, these traits make it impossible for them to survive on land.In our current climate—literally—where climate change and ocean pollution are huge issues, these animals might struggle with adaptability. Their survival is tightly linked with the health of marine ecosystems, sparking important discussions about conservation efforts needed for these unique creatures.Although this study zoomed in on mammals alone, it’s paving the way for future research adventures. Virag Sharma, a researcher at the University of Limerick specializing in comparative genomics, wonders if similar patterns exist in other tetrapod lineages (think amphibians or reptiles). Exploring this could reveal broader trends in evolution and adaptation across species.As we mull over these findings, it’s key to remember evolution isn’t just a straight path—it’s full of twists with points you can’t go back from. Some burning questions pop up: How do these permanent adaptations impact resilience against environmental shifts? Are there other examples out there within the animal kingdom? And what does all this mean for conserving highly specialized marine animals?Figuring out how marine mammals reached this evolutionary dead-end gives us valuable clues about Earth’s past—and future hurdles—making us reflect on how adaptation plays out in our ever-evolving world.Got a reaction? Share your thoughts in the commentsEnjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.God has made us humans and all animals in thier perfect form right from the beginning. You have no evidence of evolution. You are denying the right of God to be recognized as the creator. Nothing is formed on its own and never has. It requires a forceThis is a stupid article. Why would Orcas or Porpoises want to go back to land ? From what I have seen they appear happy where they are. They are well fed and free. They have much greater range than they would on land. So this jerk would have them join us on land where misery is the predominant feeling? I guess misery loves company. Leave them alone, and stop catching them in our nets meant for lower food fish. If they would adapt to land, we, better watch out. Stupid article, an exercise in ignorance.So much evolution garbage nonsense, nothing evolved, time and chance do not create. We are what God made us and except for cutting and sewing we cannot do much to change ourselves and mutations to our genes are not beneficial. Just thank God for life he created on the earth he created in the universe he createdYes we are all creation of God. But what does it have to do with the biological evolution of animals and humans? God creates and allows evolution.Delusional statements re a god creating life in its present form are a reflection of childhood indoctrination into a cult that seeks to inhibit scientific enquiryMehGod created everything through evolution! Time is no where near the same to Him as it is to us!God created the heavens, the earth, and everything within them with wisdom and purpose. While the Bible provides a clear account of creation, science often seeks to understand the mechanisms through which God’s creation operates. The idea that dolphins and whales were once land animals is based on fossil evidence and genetic studies, showing transitions over millions of years. This doesn’t diminish God’s role as Creator; instead, it can highlight the incredible complexity and design of life.Scientific theories, like those regarding evolution, change as new evidence is discovered. This reflects humanity’s ongoing effort to understand the world God created. Faith, however, provides the foundation that God is ultimately behind it all. While evolution might explain processes, it cannot explain the purpose and meaning of life, which comes from God.The account of the Bible and that of science can sometimes appear to be at odds, leading to questions and debates. However, rather than seeing them as contradictory, we can view them as complementary: science explores the ‘how’ of creation, while faith reveals the ‘why.’ Both can inspire awe and deepen our understanding of the universe, allowing us to appreciate the incredible power and wisdom of God in creating and sustaining all things.Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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