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What is evolutionary developmental biology?
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, UK.
Novartis Foundation Symposium
|August 10, 2000
Summary
Evolutionary changes in animal form and function stem from DNA alterations influencing protein production during embryonic development. Developmental mechanisms, while conserved, are modified through processes like gene duplication and altered growth rates to drive evolutionary innovation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Animal evolution is driven by changes in DNA, which dictate protein synthesis and cellular behavior during embryonic development.
- Evolutionary modifications of organs typically involve the refinement of existing structures rather than the de novo creation of new ones.
- Conserved developmental mechanisms and intercellular signaling pathways are fundamental to pattern formation across diverse species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular and developmental mechanisms underlying evolutionary changes in animal form and function.
- To investigate how modifications in developmental processes contribute to the evolution of complex structures.
- To highlight the conserved nature of developmental pathways and their role in evolutionary innovation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic changes (DNA alterations) and their impact on protein production.
- Examination of conserved developmental mechanisms, including gene duplication and altered growth rates.
- Comparative study of embryonic development and pattern formation across different animal lineages.
Main Results:
- DNA changes are the ultimate source of evolutionary alterations in animal form and function, controlling protein synthesis during development.
- Evolutionary changes in organs often result from modifications of existing developmental pathways, as seen in jaw and middle ear bone evolution.
- Conserved developmental mechanisms, utilizing similar genes and signaling pathways, are adapted through processes like gene duplication (e.g., Hox genes) and differential growth rates.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary innovation relies on the modification of conserved developmental programs, rather than entirely novel mechanisms.
- Gene duplication and changes in relative growth rates are key mechanisms enabling developmental programs to evolve new functions and structures.
- Understanding conserved developmental processes provides insights into the evolutionary trajectory of animal form and function.