<
https://theconversation.com/how-butterflies-conquered-the-world-a-new-family-tree-traces-their-100-million-year-journey-across-the-globe-205487>
"How old are butterflies, and where did they evolve? And perhaps more
importantly, how and when did they reach the isolated continent of Australia?
Answers to these simple questions have baffled scientists for decades. Until
recently we had very little idea when butterflies evolved, and hypotheses
concerning their place of origin were largely educated guesses.
In recent years, however, several studies have indicated butterflies most
likely arose sometime during the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs dominated
the Earth. Now, an international collaboration (of which I am a member) has
placed the time of origin much more precisely: 101.4 million years ago, give or
take 1.2 million years.
These early butterflies were different from nocturnal moths, their ancestors.
They flew during the day, rather than at night, and were attracted to brightly
coloured flowers for their rich nectar."
Via Susan ****
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
