Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly a Poisonous Plant and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution

The relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed is a fascinating example of evolutionary co-dependence and conflict. Monarchs rely on milkweed as a food source during their life cycle, yet the plant has evolved toxic defenses to deter the butterflies' larvae. This ongoing "arms race" between the two species has shaped their evolution over millennia. This delves into scientific discoveries, including the author’s own research, and explores the role of plant poisons in monarch biology and their cultural significance. It also addresses the decline in monarch populations, challenging conventional theories and offering new perspectives.

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