Volcano Eruptions: A Double-Edged Sword for Plant Survival and Evolution

Speedy Summary

• Nishinoshima Island,located 600 miles south of tokyo as part of the Ogasawara chain,experiences frequent volcanic eruptions that erase most plant life.
• The native purslane species (Portulaca oleracea) on Nishinoshima became extinct following a 2019 eruption, but researchers preserved samples beforehand for study.
• Genetic analysis indicated this purslane was closely related to plants from nearby Chichijima Island but displayed notable genetic variation due to a “founder effect.”
• The “founder effect” occurs when a smaller population branches off from a larger one with reduced genetic diversity.
• Factors such as natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions and hurricanes, contributed to genetic drift in this species.
• Researchers discovered that the tiny seeds had difficulties germinating in harsher environmental conditions on Nishinoshima and noted differences in their genetic makeup.
• the study offers insights into how some species adapt, evolve, or fail to survive after upheavals like natural disasters.

Image:
!Graphic of a phylogenetic tree
example of a phylogenetic tree (image Credit: VectorMine/Shutterstock)

Read More: Extinct Plant Species Experienced Founder Effect and Genetic Drift on a Volcanic Island

Indian opinion Analysis

The findings from Nishinoshima’s extinct purslane present an intriguing look at biodiversity and evolutionary processes under extreme environmental stress. For India-home to diverse ecosystems vulnerable to natural disasters-this research underscores the importance of preserving native flora amidst changing climates and geographic disruptions. Natural events like cyclones or volcanoes can cause localized extinctions, similar to what occurred with the island’s vegetation.

The concept of “founder effects” is especially relevant for India’s isolated islands like Andaman & Nicobar Islands.Conservation efforts focusing on preserving regional DNA banks could emerge as critical tools for maintaining biodiversity before it is possibly lost due to similar phenomena. Further collaboration between Indian institutions and global researchers may provide useful insights into safeguarding ecological resilience against such transformations.