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Quantitative genetics of geometric shape in the mouse mandible
1University Museum of Zoology, Department of Zoology, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Christian.Klingenberg@uni-kostanz.de
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|January 17, 2002
Summary
This study reveals that mandible shape in mice is influenced by both genetics and environment. Anatomical structure significantly impacts adaptive evolution potential, with correlated responses to selection often exceeding direct responses.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Quantitative genetics
- Morphometrics
Background:
- Understanding the genetic basis of morphological variation is crucial for evolutionary studies.
- Mandible shape is a complex trait influenced by multiple factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation in mouse mandible shape.
- To explore the potential for adaptive evolution of mandible shape.
Main Methods:
- Geometric morphometrics and multivariate quantitative genetics were employed.
- Procrustes superimposition and restricted maximum likelihood were used for shape analysis and variance estimation.
- Parent-offspring breeding designs and matrix permutation tests analyzed genetic and phenotypic covariance.
Main Results:
- Genetic and phenotypic covariance matrices for mandible shape were similar but not identical.
- Principal component analyses showed correspondence between phenotypic and genetic variation patterns.
- Correlated responses to selection on mandible shape were substantial, often exceeding direct responses.
Conclusions:
- Mandible geometry and anatomy are key determinants of genetic and phenotypic covariance patterns.
- These patterns significantly influence the potential for adaptive evolution of mandible shape.
- The study highlights the interplay between developmental constraints and evolutionary potential.
