Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
08:03
Methods for Staging Pupal Periods and Measurement of Wing Pigmentation of Drosophila guttifera
Published on: January 24, 2018
12.4K
THE EVOLUTION OF WING DIMORPHISM IN INSECTS
1McGill University, Department of Biology, 1205 Avenue Dr. Penfield, Montréal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada.
Summary
Wing dimorphism in insects evolves through genetic and hormonal mechanisms. Brachypterous (non-winged) morphs often show higher fitness and earlier reproduction, influencing dispersal evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Insect morphology
- Genetics
Background:
- Wing dimorphism, characterized by brachypterous (non-winged) and macropterous (winged) forms, is common in insects.
- The evolution of dispersal is significantly influenced by wing polymorphism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a framework for understanding the evolution of wing dimorphism.
- To explore the genetic and developmental underpinnings of wing dimorphism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on genetic control of wing dimorphism (single locus vs. polygenic).
- Analysis of life-history traits of 22 insect species.
- Application of a general threshold model for inheritance.
Main Results:
- Wing dimorphism can be explained by threshold models, with genetic systems ranging from single locus to polygenic.
- Brachypterous morphs often exhibit increased fecundity and earlier reproduction compared to macropterous morphs.
- Hormonal regulation, potentially juvenile hormone, is implicated in suppressing wing development.
Conclusions:
- Evolution of wing dimorphism involves increased production of wing-suppressing hormones and altered developmental thresholds.
- Habitat stability influences the evolutionary trajectory towards dimorphism.
- Further research is needed on male life-history traits in wing-dimorphic species.
Related Concept Videos
01:54Convergent Evolution
33.6K
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.
33.6K
01:07Speciation Rates
23.1K
Overview
23.1K
01:38Limits to Natural Selection
35.6K
Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.
35.6K
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
24.3K
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
24.3K
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
9.9K
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
9.9K
02:40Pollination and Flower Structure
78.6K
Flowers are the reproductive, seed-producing structures of angiosperms. Typically, flowers consist of sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. Sepals and petals are the vegetative flower organs. Stamens and carpels are the reproductive organs.
78.6K