A new evolutionary analysis of butterflies finds “false heads” arose from the coalescence of multiple traits



Summary

A new study reveals the evolutionary origin of “false heads” on butterfly wings. These deceptive markings, often featuring eyespots and antenna-like tails, didn’t arise from a single mutation, but rather from the gradual accumulation of multiple traits over time. Researchers used evolutionary analysis to trace the development of these features, demonstrating that eyespots, wing shape modifications, and tail-like extensions independently evolved and eventually converged to create the convincing illusion of a head. This highlights how complex mimicry can emerge from the coordinated evolution of seemingly unrelated traits, offering a fascinating glimpse into the power of natural selection.

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