Related Experiment Videos
A research programme for testing the biological homology concept.
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8106, USA.
Novartis Foundation Symposium
|May 20, 1999
Summary
This study proposes a new research program to test the biological homology concept, linking developmental and variational differences in anatomical structures. It aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of character identity in evolutionary biology.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- The classical homology concept, while useful, has limitations with increasing knowledge of evolutionary, genetic, and developmental processes.
- A biological homology concept is needed to mechanistically contextualize anatomical patterns and define character identity based on variational properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a research program for testing the biological homology concept.
- To demonstrate a link between developmental and variational differences between putative homologues.
Main Methods:
- Identify putative homologues within a clade.
- Determine phylogenetic distribution and intra/interspecific variation patterns.
- Describe developmental modes and assess phylogenetic congruence; model the effect of developmental differences on variational tendencies.
Main Results:
- The research program provides a framework for empirically testing the biological homology concept.
- It facilitates the demonstration of a connection between developmental pathways and evolutionary variation.
Conclusions:
- The proposed research program offers a mechanistic approach to understanding homology.
- This framework advances the study of character evolution by integrating developmental and variational data.