Galápagos Daisies Evolution

The genomic basis of adaptive leaf variation in the Galápagos giant daisies

We are still able to learn much about evolution from the Galápagos. In this case, the evolution of daisy species on the islands provides a perfect example of parallel evolution. The authors of this paper determined the remarkable fact that the lobed leaves seen on various species of Galápagos daisies evolved several times during the last million years using differing genetic pathways. Basically, the same result was obtained via multiple routes. How sublime is that?

The researchers also discovered that populations of daisies of the same species which are isolated from each other have large genetic differences. This result makes it clear that these isolated groups will eventually evolve into different species if left undisturbed by human activities. This is a beautiful example of evolution in action.

Evolution via natural selection is so wonderful. It is what made, and continues to make, all life that exists on this planet. The simplicity of natural selection has led to the complexity we see all around us. Yet natural selection has no direction and no purpose. It simply is, and it is a serious mistake to assume that some other force or entity is driving it.

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License

Author: Flower Snark
Email: flowersnark@gmail.com

Made with GNU Emacs and Org Mode.

Page created on 2026-04-27T10:53:45-04:00.