Dark coloured Zelandoperla stoneflies (middle) mimic the poisonous Austroperla (top), which are abundant in forests. Recent forest clearance has eliminated Austroperla from many regions of NZ. In response, Zelandoperla populations have quickly evolved lighter colouration (bottom) Photo: supplied/University of Otago
Human destruction of natural habitats and the impact this has on the animal and insect life they support has been well documented, and a new study from the University of Otago takes that impact a step further, providing the most clear cut evidence human activities like deforestation can drive evolutionary change within a species.
Co-author Professor Jon Waters from Otago's Department of Zoology talks to Mihi about the significance of their discovery and why it isn't all bad news.
