Understanding Evolution with Astrophytum asterias

In this video we take a look at some of the incredible variation possible due to recessive alleles within the genome of Astrophytum asterias and use it as an illustration of how natural selection might work to create new species and forms in the environment. Filmed in the Greenhouse of @madamcacti (IG), we get a great look at some of the incredible forms possible to be coaxed out of a plant genome in a relatively short period of time and with only a few generations of breeding. We talk Mendelian Genetics, Recessive Alleles, and how human selective breeding mimics -albeit on a much smaller scale - what nature does 100x times better and how it can lead to the evolution of new species. Your contributions support this content. It sounds clichéd, but it’s true. Whether it’s travel expenses, vehicle repair, or medical costs for urushiol poisoning (or rockfalls, beestings, hand slices, toxic sap, etc), your financial support allows this content to continue so the beauty of Earth’s flora can be made accessible to the rest of us in the degenerate public. At a time when so much is disappearing beneath the human footprint, CPBBD is willing to do whatever it takes to document these plant species and the ecological communities they are a part of before they’re gone for good. Plants make people feel good. Plants quell homicidal (and suicidal!) thoughts. To support Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, consider donating a few bucks to the venmo account “societyishell“ or the PayPal account email crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt@... Or consider becoming a patreon supporter @ : Buy some CPBBD merch (shirts, hats, hoodies n’ what the shit) available for sale at : To purchase stickers, venmo 15 bucks to “societyishell“ and leave your address in the comments. Plants ID questions or reading list suggestions can be sent to crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt@ Thanks, GFY.