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Related Concept Videos

Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
Convergent Evolution01:54

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.The structures that arise from convergent evolution are called analogous structures. They are similar in function even if they are dissimilar in structure. Further, structures can be analogous while also...
Genetics of Speciation02:16

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.The genetics of speciation involves the different traits or isolating mechanisms preventing gene exchange, leading to reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation can be due to reproductive barriers that have effects either before or after the formation of a zygote. Pre-zygotic mechanisms prevent fertilization from occurring, and post-zygotic mechanisms...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Genome Editing in Astyanax mexicanus Using Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs)
07:42

Genome Editing in Astyanax mexicanus Using Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs)

Published on: June 20, 2016

Regressive evolution in Astyanax cavefish.

William R Jeffery1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. Jeffery@umd.edu

Annual Review of Genetics
|July 31, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cavefish evolve by losing eyes and pigment. Studies on Astyanax mexicanus reveal the genetic and molecular basis of this regressive evolution and parallel adaptations in distinct cave populations.

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Genome Editing in Astyanax mexicanus Using Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs)
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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Cave ecosystems harbor diverse fauna, often exhibiting regressive evolution characterized by eye and pigment loss.
  • The mechanisms underlying these regressive phenotypes and parallel evolution are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving eye and pigment loss in cave-dwelling animals.
  • To understand the evolutionary forces and genetic basis of parallel evolution in isolated cave populations.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics and genetics of surface-dwelling and cave-dwelling Astyanax mexicanus populations.
  • Developmental and molecular analyses of eye and pigment loss.
  • Investigation of gene mutations and their effects on phenotype.

Main Results:

  • Identified specific genes and mutations responsible for eye and pigment loss in Astyanax mexicanus.
  • Elucidated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying trait modification during cave adaptation.
  • Provided insights into the genetic basis of parallel evolution in independent cave populations.

Conclusions:

  • Astyanax mexicanus serves as a powerful model for studying regressive evolution and adaptation to aphotic environments.
  • Recent genetic and developmental studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of cavefish evolution.