After World War II, a few snakes reached Guam; they now number up to 30,000 per square mile, and scientists found 19,000 hidden genetic changes

Brown tree snakes invaded Guam after World War II, causing ecological damage. These snakes now exist in extremely high densities across the island. New research reveals thousands of hidden DNA changes in the snakes. This genetic flexibility helps them adapt to new environments and survive. The findings challenge previous understandings of invasive species and inbreeding.

By TOI Science Desk