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The echinoderm larval skeleton as a possible model system for experimental evolutionary biology
Hiroyuki Koga1, Yoshiaki Morino, Hiroshi Wada
1Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Japan.
Genesis (New York, N.Y. : 2000)
|February 20, 2014
Summary
Evolutionary novel structures, like the sea urchin larval skeleton, arise through multiple intermediate steps. Echinoderms offer an ideal model to study these transitional evolutionary stages.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Developmental evolution
- Echinoderm biology
Background:
- Body plan evolution involves acquiring and losing structures.
- Novel structures may require intermediate stages that are less adaptive.
- Echinoderms provide a valuable system for studying evolutionary transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary steps required for novel structure acquisition.
- To utilize echinoderms as a model system for studying intermediate evolutionary stages.
- To explore the co-option of existing genetic machinery in evolutionary innovation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative embryology of echinoderm lineages.
- Analysis of skeletogenic gene expression.
- Investigation of natural populations with varying developmental patterns.
Main Results:
- Larval skeleton acquisition in echinoderms involves multiple evolutionary steps.
- The larval skeleton likely evolved through co-option of adult skeletogenic pathways.
- Echinoderm embryology offers advantages for studying evolutionary intermediate stages.
Conclusions:
- Echinoderms serve as an excellent model for understanding the evolution of complex structures.
- The study of intermediate evolutionary stages is crucial for a complete understanding of evolutionary processes.
- Co-option of developmental pathways is a significant mechanism for evolutionary novelty.
