Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
08:51
Microinjection for Transgenesis and Genome Editing in Threespine Sticklebacks
Published on: May 13, 2016
Convergent evolution as a generator of phenotypic diversity in threespine stickleback
Matthew D McGee1, Peter C Wainwright
1Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA. mcgee.matthew@gmail.com
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Convergent evolution drives similar traits in response to similar pressures. In sticklebacks, parallel evolution created functionally similar but morphologically distinct populations, increasing biodiversity.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Convergent evolution demonstrates natural selection's role in biodiversity.
- Functional convergence with morphological divergence is rare in nature.
- Threespine sticklebacks offer a model for studying rapid adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate parallel evolution in North Pacific threespine sticklebacks.
- Determine if functional convergence leads to morphological divergence.
- Assess the impact of functional convergence on morphospace occupation.
Main Methods:
- Field observations of stickleback populations.
- Ecological and morphological analyses.
- Comparative studies of ancestral and derived populations.
Main Results:
- Ecologically similar, morphologically divergent phenotypes rapidly evolved in parallel freshwater benthic habitats.
- Functional convergence was observed in parallel colonizations.
- Functional convergence expanded morphospace occupation.
Conclusions:
- Convergent evolution can produce functionally similar yet morphologically distinct populations.
- This process rapidly increases morphological diversity.
- Convergent evolution is a significant, underappreciated source of biodiversity.
Related Concept Videos
01:54Convergent Evolution
Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.
01:07Speciation Rates
Overview
02:16Genetics of Speciation
Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
02:39Gene Flow
Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
02:37Gene Duplication and Divergence
The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.