Unhelpful adaptations can speed up evolution

Guppies moved to predator-free zones show changes in gene activity

guppies!

GUPPY GAINS Trinidadian guppies from the Guanapo River basin (shown) make unhelpful changes in gene activity when they first enter a new environment. Those missteps speed up evolution, a new study suggests.

Pierson Hill

When organisms enter a new environment, they’re bound to make some missteps.