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Related Experiment Videos

How does arthropod segment number evolve?--Some clues from centipedes.

Wallace Arthur1, Ariel D Chipman

  • 1Department of Zoology, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. wallace.arthur@nuigalway.ie

Evolution & Development
|December 13, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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Geophilomorph centipede segment number variation shows a latitudinal cline. This study suggests phenotypic plasticity, influenced by environmental factors like temperature, may explain this pattern in arthropod evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Arthropod biology

Background:

  • Intraspecific variation in geophilomorph centipede trunk segment number offers insights into arthropod evolution.
  • A notable latitudinal cline exists, with segment number decreasing at higher latitudes, but its cause is unclear.
  • The cline could stem from selection on genetic variation or phenotypic plasticity influenced by environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causality of the latitudinal cline in geophilomorph centipede segment number.
  • To explore the roles of genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity in this evolutionary pattern.
  • To resolve the paradox between the cline mirroring interspecific variation and the nonheritable nature of plasticity.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of intraspecific variation in geophilomorph centipede trunk segment number.
  • Examination of geographical patterns, specifically latitudinal clines.
  • Development of a theoretical model incorporating genetic and environmental factors.

    • Main Results:

    • Indirect evidence supports phenotypic plasticity as a factor in the observed cline.
    • The cline mirrors interspecific variation, presenting a paradox as interspecific differences typically arise from heritable variation.
    • A model is proposed where interacting genetic and environmental factors, through selection on developmental reaction norms, resolve this paradox.

    Conclusions:

    • Phenotypic plasticity, potentially driven by latitude-correlated environmental factors like temperature, likely contributes to the geophilomorph centipede segment number cline.
    • A proposed model integrating genetic and environmental influences on developmental plasticity offers a resolution to the apparent paradox.
    • This research advances understanding of how environmental factors and genetic elements interact to shape evolutionary patterns in arthropod development.