IU scientists support Darwin theory

Most modern scientists agree on the existence of evolution, but there is still debate as to whether Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection is sufficient in accounting for biological diversity. Some scientists argue that other forces, including chance, historical contingency and species level sorting, are more predominant forces in accounting for diversity between species. \nBut this controversy may soon be over. IU researchers Loren Rieseberg, Alex Widmer, Michele Arntz and John Burke have found evidence that supports Darwin's claim that natural selection largely accounts for the differences in shape and form both within and between species. \n"I was both surprised and pleased to see a strong signature of selection coming from data that seemed to be very noisy on the level of individual trait or study," said head researcher Loren Rieseberg.\nIn conducting their research, the researchers employed a new approach in which they analyzed previous studies. \n"This was largely a literature review," Rieseberg said. \nRieseberg, Widmer, Arntz and Burke applied analyzed 2,684 genes from 572 traits and 84 studies they found in literature. \nAccording to their report, the research provides the first "quantitative evidence that Darwin was right" in regards to the role of natural selection in both micro and macro-evolution. Their research also finds that life history traits are "more strongly selected than morphological ones." \nRieseberg said he found the rewarding aspects of the research to be a toss-up. \n"It is gratifying to see students develop into scientists, but I also like it when data confirms my pet theories," he said.\nWidmer, Arntz and Burke are all postdoctoral research assistants in the biology department. \n"It impressed me with how my coworkers had a very strong concept of what the goal of the project was," Widmer said. "They didn't let any obstacles get in the way."\nIn addition to keeping busy with research, Rieseberg also teaches an undergraduate course in ethnobotany and a graduate course in speciation. \n"(The biggest challenge) is finding adequate funding and time to simultaneously pursue the many different avenues of research that interest me," Rieseberg said. \nChristian Lexer, a research associate who works with Rieseberg, is currently working with him on another project, which involves conducting similar QTL studies in the research lab and in the wild. \n"(Rieseberg) is very enthusiastic," Lexer said. "He is the boss of a large research group, but when you walk into his office he always finds time."\nBecause this particular study of evolution was so comprehensive, it took the researchers around six months to reach a conclusion. \n"I am very happy with the results," Widmer said. "The results provide some very interesting backup on the theory of evolution: Selection has a very important role in evolution"