We are all familiar with the Theory of Evolution, as proposed by Charles Darwin, and its implications on the millions of species that inhabit this world. However, evolution may sometimes lead to the species merely jumping from the frying pan to the fire itself. The recent adaptations of the Dragonfly are not only proof of the same but the reason why is truly upsetting.
A study conducted by Moore et Al, suggests that the dark spots on male Dragonfly wings are decreasing in size as a result of an increase in temperature. From an 8th-grade physics lecture, you may already know that darker colours absorb heat more than lighter ones do. So it makes perfect sense that decreasing the size of dark spots to absorb less heat (by as much as 2 Degrees Celsius) resulting in lower tissue damage and lower interference with the flight patterns of the insect. The research team compiled a database of the various patterns of the Dragonfly wing patterns from both observations and field guides. Not surprisingly, the researchers found that the Dragonflies from warmer regions were less likely to evolve spots than those in the colder region were. Furthermore, the group also selected 10 species and compared the patterns across warmer and colder regions and along a timeline. 7 out of the 10 species in warmer regions correspond to the finding above, and the warmest years, 2005- 2019, showed that the spots were the smallest in this time.
It is important to note this affects only the males and not the females; a proposed hypothesis for this is that females use more shaded regions. So what is the problem with this mode of adaptation?
The males not only use the dark spots to absorb heat in the cold climate but also to attract mates and ward off competitors. Moreover, if the spots change too rapidly, the females may be unable to recognise the male as a suitable mate. Studies suggest that different species have different patterns of spots. Coming back to Darwin's Theory of Evolution, survival is not the only aim of the organism, but also the need to breed and pass on its genes to its offspring, without which the species will not survive. This data may help us predict the future of a species in terms of bot its evolution and its fate.
The main reason for introducing this research was to both highlight evolution, but more importantly to touch upon the implications of human actions on the rest of the organisms we share the world with. Climate change, a result of our actions, has caused severe turmoil not only for these insects but for countless other species as well. Over the years, because of human actions, numbers are declining rapidly and it is indeed up to us to make a change. To live in a more environmentally friendly manner, for the sake of those who rely on us.
Article:
M.P. Moore et al. Sex-specific ornament evolution is a consistent feature of climatic adaptation across space and time in dragonflies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Vol. 118, July 13, 2021, p. e2101458118. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2101458118.
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