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Explain why studying microorganisms such as bacteria can help scientists understand how evolution works.

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Answer: New research shows that colonies of Escherichia coli can demonstrate a form of learning.

Explanation: Bacterial colonies can evolve the ability to anticipate changes in their immediate environment, say researchers led by Saeed Tavazoie at Princeton University in New Jersey. Other types of bacteria could too. This skill could give them the edge over other bacteria that merely adapt themselves to current conditions.

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