Scientists from Harvard University have made an astounding discovery in the rainforests of South America. A new type of butterflies has been found, which emerged as a result of the hybridization of two other types. The findings of the study have been published in the journal Nature.
Research led by Neil Rosser revealed that the genome of Heliconius Elevatus contains 1% genetic material from the type of H. Melpomene and 99% from H. Pardalinus. The merging of these two genomes occurred approximately 180 thousand years ago when the Amazon forests served as a biodiversity refuge during the global ice age.
Rosser, the leading author of the study and a researcher of National Geographic, remarked, “Our study shows that hybridization can be the driving force behind the evolution of new species. Despite the fact that the two parental species, Heliconius Elevatus, remained distinct for millions of years, their genomes mixed as a result of a rare event.”
Professor James Mallet, a professor of organism and evolutionary biology at Harvard, highlighted that the hybridization in this case is not uniform. He stated, “This opens up a new understanding of what we call the view.” Interestingly, the key sections of the genome that determine coloring, dietary preferences, and reproductive partner selection all came exclusively from H. Melpomene.
The study also revealed that not all predators are deterred by the bright warning colors of these butterflies. Rosser, who conducted behavioral studies by creating aviaries for the butterflies in Peru, mentioned, “Spiders prey on them, among other similar challenges.”
David Lokhman, a professor at the College of the City of New York who was not involved in the study, commented, “They discovered in nature what many had suggested but few could demonstrate. This is wonderful.”
Akito Kawahara, a professor at the University of Florida, stressed the importance of further research. He said, “There is a possibility that such hybrid species exist in Africa and Asia. We need to gather more genomic data on all butterflies.”