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Colour polymorphism and correlated characters: genetic mechanisms and evolution.
Jeffrey S McKinnon1, Michele E R Pierotti
1Department of Biology and North Carolina Center for Biodiversity, Howell Science Complex N108, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. mckinnonj@ecu.edu
Molecular Ecology
|November 3, 2010
Summary
Colour polymorphisms (CP) are important in evolution and speciation. Genetic mechanisms like physical linkage and regulatory pathways explain how CP correlates with other traits, influencing trait evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Animal Ecology
Background:
- Colour polymorphisms (CP) are crucial in evolutionary studies, often linked to traits beyond color.
- Understanding the genetic basis of these correlations is key to CP evolution and speciation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for genetic mechanisms linking colour polymorphism with other traits in animals.
- To explore the evolutionary implications of these trait correlations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on genetic correlations between colour polymorphism and other traits.
- Analysis of genetic mechanisms including physical linkage and regulatory pathways.
Main Results:
- Genetic correlations between CP and other traits are widespread across diverse animal taxa.
- Physical linkage and regulatory mechanisms (transcription factors, cis-regulatory elements, hormones) underpin these correlations.
- Selection may act on suites of traits, influencing CP persistence and evolution.
Conclusions:
- Genetic correlations are a significant factor in the evolution and persistence of colour polymorphisms.
- Further research should focus on elucidating these mechanisms and applying comparative approaches.
- Investigating frequency-dependent selection on trait suites is recommended.
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