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Rapid evolution of a polyphenic threshold.

Armin P Moczek1, H Frederik Nijhout

  • 1Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. arminmo@email.arizona.edu

Evolution & Development
|May 20, 2003
PubMed
Summary
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Polyphenisms in Onthophagus taurus beetles evolve rapidly, with exotic populations showing significant divergence in male horn development thresholds. This rapid evolution may drive phenotypic diversification.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Animal behavior

Background:

  • Polyphenisms are crucial for phenotypic diversity and novel trait evolution.
  • The evolutionary capacity of polyphenic developmental mechanisms in natural populations remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolution of male phenotype expression in polyphenic beetles, Onthophagus taurus.
  • To contrast phenotype expression patterns between native and exotic populations of O. taurus.
  • To determine the rate and direction of evolutionary changes in polyphenic thresholds.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of male phenotype expression in native and exotic O. taurus populations.
  • Examination of historical museum collections and contemporary field samples.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Statistical analysis of body size thresholds for horn development.

    • Main Results:

    • Exotic and native O. taurus populations exhibit significant differences in the body size threshold for male horn development.
    • These threshold divergences evolved rapidly, within 40 years post-introduction, and in opposite directions in different exotic ranges.
    • The magnitude of divergence rivals differences observed between species.

    Conclusions:

    • Components of developmental control mechanisms underlying polyphenic development can evolve quickly in natural settings.
    • Rapid evolution of polyphenic thresholds contributes to phenotypic differentiation and diversification.
    • Developmental control mechanisms play a key role in the origin of allometric diversification.