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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
10:34
Activity of Posterior Lateral Line Afferent Neurons during Swimming in Zebrafish
Published on: February 10, 2021
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Re-make, re-model: evolution and development of vertebrate cranial lateral lines
Vishruth Venkataraman1, Marco Lopez1, Victoria E Prince1
1Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60637, USA.
Summary
The evolution of vertebrate lateral lines, a key sensory system, involved reduction and reassembly, not simplification. This occurred before and during the origin of jawed vertebrates, impacting their sensory systems.
Area of Science:
- * Evolutionary developmental biology
- * Comparative anatomy
- * Paleontology
Background:
- * Lateral lines are ancient mechanosensory systems found in aquatic vertebrates, exhibiting diverse morphologies across species with varying craniofacial features.
- * Understanding lateral line evolution is crucial for comprehending head evolution due to its deep conservation and adaptability.
- * Previous research has lacked integrated palaeontological and developmental data for a comprehensive evolutionary history.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To integrate new fossil discoveries and developmental data from non-model organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history of vertebrate lateral lines.
- * To re-evaluate the evolutionary trajectory of lateral line systems in the context of vertebrate cranial evolution.
- * To investigate the relationship between lateral line system evolution and the emergence of jawed vertebrates.
Main Methods:
- * Review of palaeontological evidence, including new fossil discoveries.
- * Analysis of developmental data from non-model vertebrate taxa.
- * Integration of imaging and molecular techniques for studying ontogeny.
Main Results:
- * The diversity of lateral lines is not due to simplification but rather a complex process of reduction and reassembly.
- * The anterior lateral line systems in living jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) underwent reduction and reassembly preceding and overlapping the origin of jaws.
- * A significant spatial shift in lateral line system elaboration occurred, moving from postorbital to orbital-preorbital regions.
Conclusions:
- * The evolution of lateral lines in gnathostomes involved a significant restructuring event, not a simple simplification.
- * This evolutionary episode coincided with functional changes, likely enhancing the vestibular system of jawed vertebrates.
- * The study highlights the dynamic nature of sensory system evolution in response to major vertebrate innovations.
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