Question

I need to formulate an evolutionary hypothesis that can be tested, along with an experimental plan of how to go about it over around a 3 year timeframe. It has to be a little specific (narrow it down to a focused aspect of ONE species or comparing a FEW species). You don't need to provide a complete plan, but the more detailed the better... any ideas are appreciated! I mainly need help with the hypothesis part (along with some papers I can look at for more information/help with the testing part), so I can write this thing.

Answer 1

The Evolutionary Hypothesis: The thermoregulatory mechanism in individuals residing in a particular region alters on a biomolecular level after a permanent change in environmental temperature.

Summary: More often than not, people who migrate to different countries and live there for extended periods develop an inexplicable tolerance to environmental conditions that bear a stark contrast to their native regions. For example, a person from the Middle East(where the climate is arid and hot) might develop exceptional tolerance for sub-zero temperatures in North America over a period of several years. This immense environmental adaptability is what makes us present this hypothesis. it's logical to assume that this adaptability can be attributed to changes taking place at a biomolecular level, rather than just a superficial phenomenon.

Experimental Plan: Pockets of individuals who migrate from Eastern/Middle Eastern countries can be tested for biomolecular parameters like enzyme levels, endocrinological fluctuations, and blood constitution over the course of 3 years. Each pocket would consist of individuals that differ in age, the age-brackets would be 7 - 15 years, 15 - 25 years, 25 - 40 years, 40 - 60 years, and 60 years and above. These samples will be collected periodically, more specifically, every 6 months of the experimental timeline.