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A genetic basis for intraspecific differences in developmental timing?
Oliver Tills1, Simon D Rundle, Moritz Salinger
1Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK. oliver.tills@plymouth.ac.uk
Evolution & Development
|September 29, 2012
Summary
Altered developmental timing (heterochrony) within a species is linked to genetic differences. This suggests that variations in embryonic development timing can fuel the evolution of new species.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Heterochrony, the alteration of developmental timing, is a recognized evolutionary pattern.
- The mechanistic basis of heterochrony and its role in generating species differences remain unclear.
- Understanding intraspecific variation in developmental timing is crucial for evolutionary insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To link heterochrony at inter- and intraspecific levels.
- To investigate the relationship between genetic distance and developmental timing variation within a species.
- To explore the potential of intraspecific heterochrony in driving speciation.
Main Methods:
- Studied embryonic developmental events in the pond snail, Radix balthica.
- Assessed both absolute and relative timing of key developmental events.
- Quantified genetic distance between individuals with varying developmental timing.
Main Results:
- Found significant associations between genetic distance and dissimilarity in developmental timing.
- Observed differences in genetic distance correlating with variations in the timing of events like hatching and organogenesis.
- Demonstrated a link between genetic variation and developmental timing within individuals.
Conclusions:
- Intraspecific variation in developmental timing has a genetic basis.
- Intraspecific heterochrony may provide the raw material for natural selection.
- This variation has the potential to contribute to the process of speciation.
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