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On the origin and evolutionary diversification of beetle horns
Douglas J Emlen1, Laura Corley Lavine, Ben Ewen-Campen
1Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA. doug.emlen@mso.umt.edu
Summary
Beetle horns evolve rapidly and diversely. Combining evolutionary and developmental studies reveals how these unique structures arise, change shape, and vary between sexes.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental genetics
- Insect morphology
Background:
- Scarab beetle horns are diverse and exaggerated structures.
- Previous research focused on evolutionary history or developmental mechanisms separately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate evolutionary and developmental perspectives on beetle horn evolution.
- To propose a conceptual model for major evolutionary trajectories of beetle horns.
Main Methods:
- Comparative studies using DNA sequence-based phylogenies.
- Developmental genetic experiments investigating horn growth and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Horns are readily gained or lost in evolutionary history.
- Horn form can diverge dramatically and rapidly.
- Developmental pathways are modulated by environmental factors like nutrition.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary and developmental studies converge on similar conclusions about beetle horn evolution.
- A conceptual model can explain horn origins, location, shape, allometry, and dimorphism.
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