Genomic Study of Galápagos Giant Daisies Reveals Parallel Evolution Through Distinct Genetic Pathways

New genomic research reveals how Scalesia plants evolved similar traits through different genes, mirroring Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 10:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

The Botanical Parallel to Darwinian Finches

The Galápagos Islands, long celebrated as a living laboratory for evolutionary theory, have revealed a new example of rapid biological diversification through the study of the Scalesia genus. Known commonly as Galápagos giant daisies, these plants have mirrored the evolutionary trajectory of the famous finches collected by Charles Darwin in 1835. While the finches adapted their beaks to different food sources, the Scalesia plants have evolved a wide variety of physical forms to thrive in environments ranging from humid highland forests to arid lowlands. This recent genomic analysis confirms that these plants arrived from mainland South America and underwent a burst of evolution that continues to shape the islands' landscape today.

Parallel Evolution Through Unique Genetic Routes

A significant discovery from the international research team, which included experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, is the identification of parallel evolution in leaf shapes. The study found that lobed leaves, which help plants dissipate heat and conserve water in dry climates, evolved several times independently across different branches of the Scalesia family tree. Interestingly, each time this trait emerged, it was driven by a different set of genes. This suggests that instead of relying on a single master gene, nature utilizes a complex network of interacting components to achieve similar physical outcomes, highlighting a high level of evolutionary creativity.

Rapid Diversification within a Million Year Window

The Scalesia genus is remarkably young in evolutionary terms, with all existing species having emerged within the last one million years. Despite this relatively short timeframe, the plants have transitioned from low shrubs to tall trees, displaying a dramatic range of morphological diversity. Professor Michael D. Martin noted that the serrated and deeply lobed edges of certain species' leaves represent a critical adaptation for survival in the harsher, sun-drenched environments of the Galápagos. By analyzing the complete genomes of every known species, the researchers were able to trace these changes back to the underlying biological systems that control leaf development.