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Evolution of developmental decisions and morphogenesis: the view from two camps
1Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405.
Development (Cambridge, England). Supplement
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Developmental biology and evolutionary biology are reconnecting. Studying diverse organisms like sea urchins reveals how developmental mechanisms rapidly evolve, offering new evolutionary insights.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Comparative genomics
- Developmental evolution
Background:
- Developmental biology traditionally uses model organisms, often overlooking evolutionary context.
- Evolutionary biology recognizes developmental insights but lacks integration with experimental approaches.
- A historical divide between these fields has limited synergistic understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the complementary roles of developmental and evolutionary data.
- To explore how expanding experimental organisms can bridge the gap between fields.
- To investigate the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of molecular genetics data for gene function and evolutionary relationships.
- Comparative studies across diverse experimental organisms, moving beyond standard models.
- Examination of radical developmental changes in closely related sea urchin species.
Main Results:
- Developmental and evolutionary data offer complementary insights into biological change.
- Molecular genetics facilitates probing both gene function and evolutionary history.
- Closely related sea urchins exhibit alternate developmental modes, showcasing evolutionary plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Mechanisms of axial determination, cell lineage patterning, and gastrulation are not as constrained as previously thought.
- These developmental processes can evolve readily, driving rapid evolutionary change.
- Reintegration of developmental and evolutionary biology, aided by new tools and diverse organisms, is crucial.