EVOLUTION: Of moth or bee

[JacksinPA]

Science Magazine - In other journals

The white moon petunia, Petunia axillaris, has white flowers that absorb ultraviolet light and emit volatiles to attract the nocturnal hawkmoths that

www.sciencemagazinedigital.org

A single gene determines whether petunia flowers are white and pollinated by night-flying hawkmoths, as shown here, or are pink and visited by day-flying bees.

The white moon petunia, Petunia axillaris, has white flowers that absorb ultraviolet light and emit volatiles to attract the nocturnal hawkmoths that pollinate them. Conversely, the related species Petunia secreta displays magenta-colored, ultraviolet light–reflecting flowers that are visited by bees during the daytime. Luthi et al. show that deleting a single gene that regulates the biosynthesis of UV-absorbing flavonol pigments in P. axillaris turns the flowers pink and UV-reflective and makes the flowers attractive to both social and solidary bees. Therefore, single genes can cause major phenotypic effects that contribute to adaptation and speciation of the organisms. —DJ
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As an example of how evolution creates new species, mutation of a single gene that regulates production of flower pigments in plant flowers produces a new species that attracts very different pollinating insects,

 

[Loulit01]

There are several varieties of trees with white bark. There was a large stand of these trees in the English Midlands populated by moths with white wings for camouflage. Then came the industrial revolution and the trees became spotted with coal soot. The moths' wings eventually turned white with black spots.

We call this evolution.

 

[JacksinPA]

There are several varieties of trees with white bark. There was a large stand of these trees in the English Midlands populated by moths with white wings for camouflage. Then came the industrial revolution and the trees became spotted with coal soot. The moths' wings eventually turned white with black spots.

We call this evolution.

This is a classic example of evolution that is in most biology texts as it is so easy to explain. Now same with petunia flowers.

 

[Demon]

Not too clear, and not about evolution, but the white lined sphinx moth, at least, will come out during the day. Dozens of them around these dianthus. (the moth is toward the bottom left)

 

[JacksinPA]

Not too clear, and not about evolution, but the white lined sphinx moth, at least, will come out during the day. Dozens of them around these dianthus. (the moth is toward the bottom left)

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As the key element here is an enzyme that is responsible for flower color, it probably works the same way in other flowering plants.

Enzymes are proteins that function as biochemical catalysts.

Those who deny evolution works are kidding themselves.

 

[Loulit01]

Alleles, baby, it's all about alleles.

 

[JacksinPA]

Alleles, baby, it's all about alleles.

Every allele has a close friend.