Wasp spider reveals rapid genetic adaptation during decades-long march into northern Europe

It has taken only a few decades: The wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi) has expanded its range from the Mediterranean region to northern Europe—even as far as southern Finland. In doing so, it has adapted genetically much faster than previously thought possible. This is shown in the results of a new study by researchers at the University of Greifswald. The results offer important indicators for understanding how species react to climate change—and how quickly evolution can actually occur.