Scientists Discover Tomatoes Are ‘De-Evolving’—Could This Happen To Humans? – Newsweek
In a fascinating discovery, scientists have found that wild tomatoes growing on the Galápagos Islands are actually reverting to a chemical state not seen in millions of years. In other words, these tomatoes are taking an evolutionary step backward—something researchers are calling a rare case of “reverse evolution.”
A team at the University of California, Riverside, led by molecular biochemist Adam Jozwiak, studied wild tomatoes believed to have arrived on the islands from South America, possibly carried by birds long ago. What they discovered was surprising: these tomatoes are now producing a toxic chemical blend similar to what their ancient ancestors once did.
“It’s not really de-evolution,” said Jozwiak. “It’s evolution moving in an unexpected direction—reverting to a form that existed millions of years ago.”
What’s Happening at the Molecular Level?
The secret behind this evolutionary U-turn lies in a group of natural chemicals called alkaloids. These substances help protect plants from pests. Most modern tomatoes produce a specific type of alkaloid, but these wild Galápagos tomatoes are now making an older version—one that closely resembles compounds found in eggplants.
The shift is linked to a single enzyme called GAME8. In most tomatoes, this enzyme builds the modern alkaloid. But in the Galápagos, a few mutations in GAME8 have caused the tomatoes to make the ancestral version of the chemical instead. To prove this, scientists inserted the altered enzyme into tobacco plants—and sure enough, those plants also started making the old-school alkaloid.
Why Is This Happening?
It turns out the tomatoes on the younger, harsher western islands are the ones making these ancient chemicals. In contrast, tomatoes on the older, more ecologically rich eastern islands still produce the modern versions. Researchers believe the older alkaloids may give the plants an edge in tougher environments—helping them survive and thrive.
Could This Happen to Humans?
The short answer: maybe—but don’t worry just yet.
“Humans are also shaped by evolution,” said Jozwiak. “If the environment changed drastically over millions of years, it’s theoretically possible that traits from our distant past could reappear. But it’s highly speculative.”
What About Our Food?
Don’t worry—these are wild tomatoes that aren’t eaten by people. So there’s no current risk to our health. But if similar changes happened in commercial tomatoes, there could be effects on digestion or gut health. Again, that’s all hypothetical for now.
The real takeaway? This discovery offers a powerful new look at how evolution can sometimes go backward to move forward.
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