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04:52
Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
Reframing developmental biology and building evolutionary theory's new synthesis
1Center for Philosophy and History of Science, Boston University, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. ait@bu.edu
Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
|May 25, 2010
Summary
Embryogenesis is influenced by environmental inputs, generating genetic and epigenetic variation crucial for evolution. This integrates developmental biology and ecology into "eco-evo-devo," expanding evolutionary theory beyond the Modern Synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Traditional developmental biology views embryogenesis as solely gene-driven.
- The Modern Synthesis of evolutionary biology did not incorporate developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new framework integrating environment, development, and evolution.
- To introduce the concept of "eco-evo-devo" (ecological-evolutionary-developmental biology).
Main Methods:
- Conceptual synthesis of existing research in developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
- Highlighting the role of environmental inputs in generating genetic and epigenetic variation.
Main Results:
- Embryogenesis is shaped by environmental factors, not just genetic blueprints.
- Epigenetic variation, alongside genetic variation, is a key driver of evolutionary change.
- Proposes a triad of variation: allelic, regulatory, and plasticity-derived epigenetic variation.
Conclusions:
- The integration of ecology and developmental biology ("eco-devo") necessitates a further synthesis with evolutionary biology ("eco-evo-devo").
- This "eco-evo-devo" approach offers a significant theoretical expansion of evolutionary biology.
- This new perspective reframes our understanding of development and evolution within broader biological shifts.
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