The Evolutionary Story of Ginkgo Biloba: More Than Just a “Living Fossil”
Ginkgo biloba, often referred to as a “living fossil,” has fascinated botanists, evolutionary biologists, and laypeople alike due to its ancient lineage and distinctive, unchanging appearance. However, while its morphology has remained largely consistent for millions of years, the claim that its DNA has remained unchanged for over 250 million years is an oversimplification. Here, we explore the evolutionary nuances of this incredible tree (Royer, 2016; Zhou & Zheng, 2003).
Ancient Lineage: Roots in Deep Time
Ginkgo biloba is indeed part of an ancient lineage, with fossils of Ginkgo-like plants dating back over 200 million years (Shen et al., 2019). This species has persisted since the time of the dinosaurs, providing us with a glimpse into the prehistoric world. Its endurance over such an immense span of time is a testament to its resilience and adaptability (Crane, 2013).
Morphological Stasis: The Consistent Ginkgo Form
One of the key reasons Ginkgo is referred to as a “living fossil” is due to its morphological stasis—the overall appearance and structure of its leaves have remained remarkably similar to those seen in fossil records from millions of years ago (Royer, 2016). This enduring similarity has led to the tree becoming an icon of evolutionary continuity, capturing imaginations with its fan-shaped leaves that have changed little since ancient times (Zhou & Zheng, 2003).
