Evolution in Action

Putting out seeds and bread for the birds in winter can do more than fatten them up — it can alter the course of their evolution, according to scientists.

They say that the British fondness for bird tables has caused a group of the European blackcap to break their custom of migrating to Spain and instead spend the winter season in Britain. In fewer than 30 generations, birds visiting Britain have evolved different-shaped wings and beaks.

Interesting that this can be seen over one human lifetime.