Humans are reshaping nature in ways that go deeper than we realize—right down to the DNA of the plants and animals around us. Evolutionary biologist Menno Schilthuizen has discovered that city-dwelling creatures are rapidly evolving to thrive in a human-dominated world. From birds adapting their songs to higher pitches to cut through traffic noise, to mice in Central Park adjusting their genes to handle fat-laden street food, urban evolution is happening at lightning speed. Even Caribbean lizards are developing traits to better cling to smooth, man-made surfaces! This era in human history is giving rise to a new breed of urban wildlife: quick, clever, and perfectly suited to thrive in the concrete jungle.
Curious about how our animal neighbors are adapting to the urban environment? Click through the gallery to learn more.