Evolutionary Echoes: How Deforestation Redefines Stonefly Coloration

Scientists have uncovered a new case of human-driven evolution involving stoneflies in New Zealand. As deforestation removed predators, the stonefly Zelandoperla lost its mimicry coloration. The study highlights the predictable nature of genetic change and raises questions about reversing deforestation's impact on biodiversity.

Scientists have identified a striking example of human-driven evolution among stoneflies in New Zealand, showing how deforestation can alter a species' evolutionary path. The Zelandoperla stonefly, once mimicking the warning coloration of a toxic relative to deter predators, has lost these markings as their necessity diminished with predator disappearance.

This discovery comes from examining stonefly populations across deforested regions, which revealed a consistent evolution pattern driven by the loss of forest cover. The study underscores the potential of evolutionary theory to predict biodiversity changes as environmental conditions shift.

Further genetic analysis pinpointed a single gene responsible for the color change, illustrating how predictably these shifts occur over centuries. The research also hints at the capacity of native species to adapt and raises hopes that reforestation efforts could help restore complex ecosystems.

(With inputs from agencies.)