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Arthropod evolution: great brains, beautiful bodies.
D Osorio1, M Averof, J P Bacon
1Dchool of Biological Sciences, Sussex University, Brighton, UK BN1 9QG.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Comparative genetic studies suggest mandibulate arthropods (insects and crustaceans) share a complex common ancestor with distinct body regions. This challenges previous theories of independent evolution from simpler organisms.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental genetics
- Comparative genomics
Background:
- Arthropod phylogeny remains a subject of debate.
- Understanding the evolution of morphological and behavioral complexity in mandibulate arthropods is crucial.
- Previous theories proposed independent evolution of insects and crustaceans from simple, worm-like ancestors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history of mandibulate arthropods.
- To shed light on the genetic control of segmentation and nervous system development.
- To reconcile conflicting views on arthropod evolution.
Main Methods:
- Comparative studies of genetic control of segmentation.
- Analysis of nervous system development across arthropod groups.
- Developmental genetic studies.
Main Results:
- Insects and crustaceans exhibit striking similarities in brain structure.
- Developmental genetic data supports a common ancestor with defined head, trunk, and tail regions.
- These findings suggest a shared, complex ancestral arthropod.
Conclusions:
- The common ancestor of insects and crustaceans likely possessed complex behaviors and distinct body regions.
- This challenges the influential view of independent evolution from simple, annelid-like organisms.
- Genetic and developmental studies offer new insights into arthropod evolutionary pathways.
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