Scientists at Monash University in Australia have proven the hypothesis Charles Darwin , according to which During evolution, insects living on islands tend to lose their wings. According to the scientist, this gives the arthropods an advantage, since the strong wind carries winged insects into the sea. This point of view has been disputed by many researchers until now. This is reported in an article published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Experts have analyzed data on insects living on the arctic and subantarctic islands. The subantarctic islands are located between the 40’s and 50’s latitudes, known as the “Roaring Forties.” Strong winds blow here, often generating powerful storms. If Darwin was right, then in such conditions, wingless insects will have an advantage over those who retain the ability to fly.
Scientists have confirmed that the constant wind actually contributes to the disappearance of the wings. However, this does not happen exactly in the way that Darwin assumed. The wind makes it more difficult for insects to fly and makes it more costly in terms of energy consumption. Thus, insects stop investing resources in flight and the energy-consuming mechanisms (wings and muscles) that support it and redirect them to reproduce.