We understand that the planet and its diverse residents, including both flora and fauna, are continuously undergoing evolution. In fact, some argue that [humans are presently evolving](https://bgr.com/science/theres-a-place-where-humans-are-evolving-right-before-our-eyes/) in various regions across the globe. However, a certain group of plants located in the Galápagos archipelago may be experiencing the reverse process and de-evolving. Researchers contend that, regardless of how controversial it may seem, tomatoes in the Galápagos are actually appearing to regress rather than progress.
## A contentious concept brought to fruition
De-evolution, or reverse evolution, stirs up debate among evolutionists, and rightly so. Evolution is not traditionally expected to possess a rewind function. Some organisms may reacquire ancient traits they previously lost, typically via novel genetic avenues. Yet, these tomato plants seem to be demonstrating an unforeseen phenomenon.
“It’s not something we usually anticipate,” shared Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside and the primary author of the study, in [a statement](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/06/23/tomatoes-galapagos-are-de-evolving). “But here it is, occurring in real time, on a volcanic island.”
The main reason the researchers assert these plants are de-evolving is due to their apparent reversion to a more primitive genetic configuration, complete with an archaic type of chemical defense. One of the significant changes observed is in alkaloids, a form of bitter molecule typically functioning as an inherent pesticide. These substances aid in deterring predators such as insects, fungi, and even grazing creatures.
## Chemicals hold the answer
Contemporary tomatoes and other plants all utilize alkaloids. However, it is not the existence of alkaloids that piqued the interest of scientists regarding these plants. Rather, it is the observation that the tomatoes seem to be producing incorrect alkaloids. Instead of generating the alkaloids the researchers anticipated in a tomato, the de-evolving plants are producing alkaloids with the same molecular signature as eggplant relatives from eons past.
What’s even more remarkable is that this isn’t the entirety of the tomatoes found in the Galápagos. Instead, the specimens located on the eastern islands appear to retain the same molecular structure as modern tomatoes discovered elsewhere. Conversely, those on the western islands yield alkaloids that are more characteristic of an ancient plant, implying they have de-evolved in some manner.
This revelation prompted the researchers to delve deeper, as they sought signs regarding how this de-evolution occurred. They found that merely four amino acids altering in a single enzyme were sufficient to result in the changes seen in these plants. They further validated this finding by synthesizing the identical genes that code for the new enzymes in the laboratory and inserting them into tobacco plants, which then swiftly began producing the ancient alkaloids. Their results are documented in *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59290-4)*.
