Genomic study ties insect evolution to the ability to detect airborne odors
Thursday, August 2, 2018 - 19:40
in Biology & Nature
A new study reveals that all insects use specialized odorant receptors that enable them to detect and pursue mates, identify enemies, find food and -- unfortunately for humans -- spread disease. This puts to rest a recent hypothesis that only some insects evolved the ability to detect airborne odors as an adaptation to flight, the researchers said.