Will Global Warming Make Them Smarter?

I don't often find myself saying the words "benefit of global warming," but a recent study shows that climate change might prove advantageous for one species.

New Scientist reports that "When the heat is on, lizards become smarter – potentially giving them a competitive edge as the world warms."  How did scientists test it?  Researchers incubated two sets of eggs in different temperatures -- cold versus warm.  After they'd hatched, the two groups of lizards were put into separate aquariums, each equipped with two hideouts.  One hiding place was blocked off, while the other was completely accessible.

The team scared the lizards by touching a paintbrush to their tails.  Then they recorded how the lizards reacted. According to New Scientist, "After 16 trials, five of the nine cold-incubated lizards still headed for the inaccessible hideout. Just one of the 12 warm-incubated lizards made the same mistake."

What conclusion can be drawn?  According to Joshua Amiel, a researcher at the University of Sydney in Australia, "Climate change might not be so bad for these guys."