Bacteria Evolving for Thirty-Five Years

Since 1988, scientists have tracked twelve identical colonies of bacteria to observe real-time evolution. Over 80,000 generations have passed, revealing how life genetically adapts to change.

This experiment is one of the longest continuous studies in biological history. By freezing samples at every milestone, researchers can essentially travel back in time to compare modern bacteria with their ancient ancestors. They have witnessed the organisms developing entirely new traits, such as the ability to consume different food sources. It provides a rare, front-row seat to the slow but steady process of natural selection.