Evolutionary innovations in toxin secretion allowed rove beetles to radiate into tens of thousands of species, adapting to diverse ecological niches globally.
Researchers from Caltech uncovered an ancient genetic toolkit that equips rove beetles with powerful chemical defenses in their tergal gland.Beetles are everywhere, from our backyard to the deepest jungles. But with over 400,000 identified species – a quarter of all known lifeforms – scientists have long been puzzled by their incredible diversity.
It should come as no surprise then that the hundreds of thousands of beetle species in the world contribute to our environmental equilibrium and have much to teach us about the world because they exist in such impressive numbers,They represent an unparalleled evolutionary achievement, possibly the most diverse group on the planet.
They are innate innovators, superstar biological engineers built like a tank, practically indestructible. “World champions,” according to Joe Parker in a Caltech video, an assistant professor of biology and biological engineering at Caltech. They are “absolutely the most beautiful thing” under a microscope.
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