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Synteny and Evolution

Synteny and Evolution

John H. Renwick first coined the term “synteny” in 1971, which refers to the genes present on the same chromosomes, even if they are not genetically linked. The species with common ancestry tend to show conserved syntenic regions. Therefore, the concept of synteny is nowadays used to describe the evolutionary relationship between species.
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Phylogeny

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Published on: August 14, 2018

A Phylogenetic Networks perspective on reticulate human evolution.

Miguel Caparros¹, Sandrine Prat¹

¹UMR 7194 "Histoire naturelle de l'Homme préhistorique" CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, Alliance Sorbonne Université, Musée de l'Homme, Palais de Chaillot, 17 place du Trocadéro, 75116 Paris, France.

|April 26, 2021

Summary

This study introduces a new phylogenetic method combining Maximum ParsImony and Phylogenetic Networks for human evolution. The approach redefines the genus Homo, supporting reticulate evolution in human origins.

Keywords:

Biological Sciences Evolutionary Biology Phylogenetics

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Last Updated: Nov 8, 2025

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A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

Published on: February 5, 2014

Area of Science:

Paleoanthropology
Evolutionary Biology
Phylogenetics

Background:

Understanding human evolution relies on accurate phylogenetic reconstructions.
Craniodental traits are crucial for inferring hominin relationships.
Previous methods may not fully capture the complexity of hominin evolutionary history.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and apply a novel phylogenetic reconstruction approach for studying human evolution.
To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of 22 hominin species using craniodental characters.
To explore the potential for reticulate evolution within the genus Homo.

Main Methods:

Combining Maximum Parsimony and Phylogenetic Networks methods.
Selecting and validating tree-like most parsimonious scenarios using numerical constraints.
Utilizing a reduced apomorphous character dataset for intermediate analysis.
Inputting multiple parsimonious trees into Phylogenetic Networks analysis to generate consensus and reticulate networks.

Main Results:

The phylogenetic tree-like definition of the genus Homo is relative and linked to craniodental characters.
The study supports hypothetical Last Common Ancestors within the most parsimonious scenario.
The inferred Homo reticulate network aligns with recent paleogenomic findings on evolutionary modes.

Conclusions:

The proposed methodological approach offers a robust framework for phylogenetic reconstruction in human evolution.
Craniodental data support a nuanced view of the genus Homo, acknowledging both tree-like and reticulate evolutionary patterns.
The findings suggest that human evolution, particularly within the genus Homo, may have involved reticulate processes, consistent with genetic evidence.