Brown tree snakes, an invasive species on Guam, have baffled biologists for years. Their population is believed to have started with only a small number of snakes. New research reveals these snakes carry thousands of genetic variations, which aids adaptation. This genetic diversity helps them survive inbreeding and expand rapidly.

How an Inbred Snake Invader Took Over an Island Paradise: Hidden genetic diversity may have given it an advantage

Brown tree snakes, an invasive species on Guam, have baffled biologists for years. Their population is believed to have started with only a small number of snakes. New research…