Dolph Schluter has shown in practice that Darwin’s theories of natural selection are correct – with the help of recent studies of finches and finches.
Among other things, he placed spikes from the sea in ponds with fresh water. At a detailed level, Schluter was able to observe how the fish changed genetically – and how fish with traits important to their survival reproduced at a higher rate than others.
“With his studies, Dolph Schluter was able to show that what for Darwin were initiated thoughts really do happen in nature when the conditions are right. He is undoubtedly one of our foremost authorities on the role ecology plays in how species are created and diversified,” says Kerstin Johannesson, professor of marine ecology and member of the Swedish Academy of Sciences, in a press release.
As a prize winner, Schluter is awarded six million Swedish kronor.
The Crafoord Prize is awarded in collaboration between the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Crafoord Foundation in Lund. The subject areas of the award vary.