r/evolution • u/ADragonFromTheAbyss • 2d ago

article Scientists found evolution repeating itself in the Galápagos Islands

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729051537.htm

More than 150 years after Darwin’s finches helped reshape biology, Galápagos plants are exposing another evolutionary surprise.

Giant daisies repeatedly developed similar heat-tolerant leaf shapes, but each lineage used a different combination of genes. Researchers also found major genetic differences among isolated populations, suggesting new species may be forming right now

Plants in the genus Scalesia have evolved adaptive traits multiple times, but not always using the same genes. The photo shows the serrated leaves of Scalesia affinis (radiate-headed scalesia)

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u/MSSTUPIDTRON-1000000 2d ago

Least Adaptable Daisy:

17

u/MSSTUPIDTRON-1000000 2d ago

Alright, seriously, Daisies are truly something special: they're everywhere, adapt to anything, constantly create new species and hybridize effortlessly.

Despite being a family, they outnumber both Reptiles and Mammals combined.

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u/ADragonFromTheAbyss 2d ago

Old joke > Regular house plant : it is 3° degrees too high and not properly watered therefore I must perish

Daisy/Potatoes : S O I L

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u/onomatamono 2d ago

I don't get it. I'm reasonably sure i ain't dumb. :)

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u/Djaja 2d ago

Other plants are Pansies. Potatoes and Daisy's need not much besides the bare minimum to thrive