Guam’s snake invasion began after WWII. Now DNA shows 19,000 changes

 Brown tree snakes invaded Guam after World War II, causing ecological damage. These snakes now exist in extremely high densities across the island. New research reveals thousands of hidden DNA changes in the snakes. This genetic flexibility helps them adapt to new environments and survive. The findings challenge previous understandings of invasive species and inbreeding. Brown tree snakes invaded Guam after World War II, causing ecological damage. These snakes now exist in extremely high densities across the island. New research reveals thousands of hidden DNA changes in the snakes. This genetic flexibility helps them adapt to new environments and survive. The findings challenge previous understandings of invasive species and inbreeding.