Repeated evolution of similar phenotypes: Integrating comparative methods with developmental pathways

Author(s)

Pereira, Anieli Guirro ; Kohlsdorf, Tiana

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY; v. 46, n. 1, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-01.

Abstract

Repeated phenotypes, often referred to as 'homoplasies' in cladistic analyses, may evolve through changes in developmental processes. Genetic bases of recurrent evolution gained attention and have been studied in the past years using approaches that combine modern analytical phylogenetic tools with the stunning assemblage of new information on developmental mechanisms. In this review, we evaluated the topic under an integrated perspective, revisiting the classical definitions of convergence and parallelism and detailing comparative methods used to evaluate evolution of repeated phenotypes, which include phylogenetic inference, estimates of evolutionary rates and reconstruction of ancestral states. We provide examples to illustrate how a given methodological approach can be used to identify evolutionary patterns and evaluate developmental mechanisms associated with the intermittent expression of a given trait along the phylogeny. Finally, we address why repeated trait loss challenges strict definitions of convergence and parallelism, discussing how changes in developmental pathways might explain the high frequency of repeated trait loss in specific lineages. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/14780-1 - Evo-Devo in dynamic environments: implications of climatic changes in the biodiversity
• Grantee: Tiana Kohlsdorf
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/21712-5 - Molecular evolution of HOX genes: are there convergent genetic patterns on the multiple origins of the snakelike phenotype in Tetrapoda?
• Grantee: Anieli Guirro Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral