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Published on: November 4, 2013
Evolving specialization of the arthropod nervous system
Erin Jarvis1, Heather S Bruce, Nipam H Patel
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3140, USA.
Summary
Arthropod body plan evolution is driven by conserved developmental genes. This review explores how neural segmentation and Hox genes enable nervous system evolution alongside body segments, facilitating appendage function during morphological changes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Arthropod diversity arises from variations on a segmented body plan, utilizing conserved developmental genes.
- Nervous system evolution in arthropods is linked to the specialization of body segments and appendages.
- Neural development shows conservation across segments and arthropod groups, with variations offering insights into body plan evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review developmental processes controlling neural segmentation and regionalization in arthropods.
- To highlight the role of Hox genes in specifying the central nervous system.
- To argue for a modular design enabling coordinated evolution of the nervous system and body plan.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on arthropod developmental genetics and neurobiology.
- Analysis of segmentation mechanisms in ectoderm and neural tissues.
- Examination of studies on Hox gene function in central nervous system regionalization.
Main Results:
- Conserved patterning genes generate diverse arthropod body plans through modular development.
- Segmentation mechanisms create both ectodermal and neural segments.
- Hox genes play a crucial role in regional specification within the arthropod central nervous system.
Conclusions:
- The modular design of the arthropod nervous system allows it to co-evolve with body segments and appendages.
- Understanding these developmental principles is key to studying macroevolutionary changes in arthropod body plans.
- This framework aids in understanding how morphological transitions can maintain appendage function.
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