一项基因研究揭穿了伦敦地下蚊子在二战时代地铁中演化的神话,表明它起源于2000至3000年前的地中海和中东。 A genetic study debunks the myth that the London Underground mosquito evolved in WWII-era subways, showing it originated 2,000–3,000 years ago in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

新的基因研究揭示了“伦敦地下蚊子”在二战期间 并没有在城市的地铁系统里 发展成长久以来所相信的“伦敦地下蚊子”。 A new genetic study reveals the "London Underground mosquito" did not evolve in the city's subway system during WWII, as long believed. 研究人员分析了全世界800多个蚊虫的DNA,包括历史样本,发现该物种起源于地中海和中东2000至3000年前。 Researchers analyzed DNA from over 800 mosquitoes worldwide, including historical specimens, and found the species originated in the Mediterranean and Middle East 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. 它从干旱地区的食鸟蚊子演变而来,通过灌溉,在向北扩散之前适应人类环境。 It evolved from bird-biting mosquitoes in arid regions with irrigation, adapting to human environments before spreading north. 昆虫只在较寒冷的气候下转入地下以生存冬季,在1920年左右,在北欧首次出现地下目击。 The insect only moved underground in colder climates to survive winter, with first underground sightings in northern Europe around 1920. 这些研究结果发表在《科学》中,消除了长期的科学神话,并突显了人类活动如何影响其全球传播。 The findings, published in Science, dispel a longstanding scientific myth and highlight how human activity shaped its global spread.