The study found that insects can no longer fly due to deforestation

The researchers claimed that Elimination of Forests in the south
New Zealand It had a direct influence on the evolution of a species of insects. They actually discovered that the rock flies of the species Zelandoperla fenestrat They lost their ability to fly due to the change in their habitat. In their study published in Royal Publishing SocietyWednesday, and its aftermath NomiramaAnd The authors have implicated human activity.

Thus, in their work, they explained that the observed phenomenon had its origin in “human-caused environmental change”. Scientists especially pointed the accusing finger at the deforestation observed in demarcation zones, where climatic and natural conditions allow trees to develop. But also in which populationinsects.

Our new paper on the rapid evolution of insect flight loss after large-scale deforestation in New Zealand:https://t.co/r6tz8v5eU7 pic.twitter.com/sGZ35YTJVz

– Brodie Foster August 11, 2021

40% of New Zealand’s forest area has turned into grassland

Thus, the Zelandoperla fenestrat Equipped with wings when moving in a wooded environment. On the other hand, insects living at atrophied heights saw their wings through natural selection. Due to strong winds, only wingless specimens survived. According to New Zealand researchers, this situation is due to
Large-scale cutting of trees in this area.

In fact, extensive deforestation has been practiced there six or seven hundred years ago. 40% of the initially forested area in southern New Zealand is now grassland. deprived of the shelter of trees, Zelandoperla fenestrate The locals were just as exposed to the winds as their highland counterparts. Over time, they lost their ability to fly.

“These modifications could have occurred in less than 300 generations, given the relatively long generation time (two or three years) in mountain aggregations,” the study authors argued. From their point of view, the case of Zelandoperla fenestrat It is a “new example of rapid human-caused evolutionary change” and increased deforestation “may have consequences for the conservation” of this species.