Island life changed how Brazil’s Noronha skink reproduces, but the lizard’s strategy might be failing in a rapidly evolving world

The Noronha skink, which made its way to Brazil's Fernando de Noronha Island millions of years ago, has adapted a unique reproductive strategy due to the isolated environment, but now faces potential extinction as climate change and human activity accelerate. This lizard, which likely traveled on drifting vegetation, has evolved to reproduce without males, but rapid environmental shifts may be outstripping its ability to adapt, highlighting broader concerns about species survival in a changing world. The skink's situation underscores the urgent need to protect island ecosystems from the threats of climate change and human encroachment.