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Developmental constraints in a comparative framework: a test case using variations in phalanx number during amniote

Michael K Richardson1, Ariel D Chipman

  • 1Institute of Biology, Leiden University, The Netherlands. richardson@rulsfb.leidenuniv.nl

Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution
|March 27, 2003
PubMed
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Developmental constraints limit evolutionary change by affecting embryonic development. This study clarifies their definition and proposes a phylogenetic framework to test hypotheses about evolutionary transformations.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Phylogenetics

Background:

  • Developmental constraints are factors influencing evolutionary change during embryonic development.
  • Existing definitions and hypotheses regarding developmental constraints present conceptual challenges.
  • Clarifying the nature and testability of developmental constraints is crucial for evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define developmental constraints as factors affecting morphogenetic processes in ontogeny.
  • To propose a phylogenetic framework for analyzing and testing hypotheses about developmental constraints.
  • To clarify concepts such as constraint-breaking and universal constraints.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewed current classifications of evolutionary constraints.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Defined developmental constraints as generative or selective, impacting morphogenetic processes.
  • Developed a phylogenetic approach to identify constraints by comparing observed and expected transformation frequencies.

    • Main Results:

    • Statements about constraints reflect the relative frequency of evolutionary transformations.
    • Developmental constraints can be context-dependent, varying across different phylogenetic or developmental scenarios.
    • The phylogenetic framework allows for testing hypotheses about constraints by analyzing evolutionary patterns.

    Conclusions:

    • Developmental constraints are best understood as affecting the relative frequency of evolutionary transformations.
    • A phylogenetic approach, analyzing congruence in distribution patterns, is a valid method for testing constraint hypotheses.
    • The study provides a refined framework for investigating the role of developmental constraints in evolution, using amniote limb phalanx-number variation as a case study.