How hurricanes triggered lizard evolution

September 8, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

In a recent episode of Short Wave, hosts Nate Rott and Regina Barber, joined by guest Elsa Chang, delivered a science news roundup covering three distinct developments: lizards evolving shorter toes to survive hurricanes, a new magnetic method for authenticating ancient pottery, and a data-driven look at the surprising health problems linked to extreme heat. The episode wove each story together with a playful multiple-choice quiz, but the substance beneath the banter was serious and revealing.

Hurricanes as a Driver of Lizard Evolution

The first story focused on the silver key anole, a lizard species living on Caribbean islands that were hit hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria about a decade ago. Researchers noticed that the lizards that survived these storms tended to have shorter toes on their hind feet. To understand why, evolutionary biologists at Princeton University tested the lizards by placing them in front of a fan to simulate tropical storm-force winds. The results were clear: lizards with shorter toes could cling to a branch for about half a minute longer than those with longer toes. The shorter toe provides better leverage, giving the lizard a mechanical advantage against strong winds.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **Show Introduction & Hosts** - Nate Rott and Regina Barber welcome back co-host Elsa Chang for a bi-weekly science news roundup, including a multiple-choice quiz.
2 (01:55) **Quiz: Ancient Pottery Age** - Elsa guesses the age of the oldest pottery artifacts.
3 (02:35) **Quiz: Heat Stroke Risk Factors** - Elsa is asked which condition makes heat stroke more likely: lightning strikes, high UV index, or increased humidity.
4 (03:38) **Story 1: Lizards Evolving for Hurricanes** - Researchers studied silver key anoles in the Caribbean after Hurricanes Irma and Maria to understand why survivors had shorter hind toes.
5 (06:52) **Broader Implications of Lizard Study** - The research could help geneticists understand how multiple genes interact with the environment to drive animal adaptations to rapid changes.
6 (07:21) **Story 2: Dating Ancient Pottery with Magnetism** - A new method uses magnetic signatures to authenticate ancient clay artifacts, addressing forgery issues faced by museums and law enforcement.
7 (09:32) **Practical Use of Pottery Dating Method** - The technique requires specialized equipment but could be used by curators to verify artifact authenticity.

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Show Notes

Hurricane season is upon us and it turns out that these powerful storms can quickly affect the biology of animals. After hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the islands that make up Turks and Caicos about a decade ago, the silver key anole adapted. They now have a shorter fourth toe on their hind legs! That could help them cling to objects better. But how do you know unless you put lizards in front of a fan and record how long they can hold on?

This study is out now in the journal Current Biology.

Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at [email protected].

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