Sparrows Are Now Adapting to Lead Exposure
A genetic study of Sparrows around Broken Hill and Mount Isa has revealed that the bird populations around mining areas have now adapted to the high amounts of lead in the area. The study, undertaken by researchers from Macquarie University, compared sparrows in these mining towns, to ones in other parts of Australia and provides the first evidence of animals that are now evolving in response to lead exposure. So, what does this mean for the future of these animals that are experiencing lead poisoning? Professor Simon Griffith from the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University joined Drive on the line to discuss his research more.
