Lizard Genetic Variation Followed Hurricane Survival
Researchers identified a gene linked to shorter toes that helped lizards survive high-speed winds.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, scientists analyzed Silver Key anoles and identified the hs6st1 gene as a factor in toe length. Shorter rear toes were found to improve clinging ability during high-speed wind conditions.
Why it matters
Understanding these genetic adaptations provides insight into how extreme weather events can act as a selective pressure on wildlife populations. This study illustrates how rapid physical evolution can occur to increase survival rates in changing environments.
Researchers analyzed 221,549 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and used CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt the hs6st1 gene. Laboratory trials tested lizard clinging performance in wind speeds reaching 118 km/h.
The players
hs6st1
This is the specific gene identified by researchers as a candidate for controlling rear toe length in anoles.
The details
The study revealed that lizards with shorter hindlimb digits experienced reduced wind resistance, allowing them to remain attached to perches for longer durations. Experiments showed that hindlimbs typically released from surfaces before forelimbs in 83.7 percent of the wind trials.
Timeline
Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the Turks and Caicos in September 2017.
Tissue samples were gathered by researchers throughout 2018.
The Big Picture
This study follows a pattern set by recent genomic research using the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tool to confirm adaptive traits in wild populations. By validating that a specific gene controls physical morphology, researchers have bridged the gap between ecological observations and molecular mechanisms.
The study provides evidence that specific genetic variations can offer survival advantages during extreme weather events. This understanding may help scientists predict how various species will adapt to shifting global climate patterns in the future.
The takeaway
Genetic studies confirm that physical traits, such as toe length, play a critical role in surviving environmental extremes. These findings highlight how quickly selective pressure can shape the biology of wild species during major weather disasters.
Further reading
For more on genetic studies, visit the Life Sciences section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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