Retro tomatoes: a species of the plant is evolving backward

Environmental factors may play a role

Illustration depicting the history and evoution of tomatoes
Some tomatoes are able to produce alkaloids from millions of years ago
(Image credit: Illustration by Marian Femenias-Moratinos / Getty Images)

Some tomatoes have evolved to possess the characteristics of their ancestors. While it is rare, there have been instances of species displaying traits from further back in evolution. But for the first time, scientists have now been able to prove it through genetic evidence. And there's potential for similar evolutionary changes in the future as the environment changes, even in humans.

Blast from the past

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.