Whale evolution
We may be able to see evolution in action with the orca whale. These ‘killer whales’ (though they are generally not a threat to humans in the wild) have split into two distinct types; a normal orca and a pygmy one which is much smaller. Scientists have discovered a gene mutation which has occurred in the last 150,000 years (which is recent in evolution terms!)
The two types of orca are rapidly diverging; with different diets and distinct markings which some scientists believe may show they are actually separate species.
