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Convergent Evolution01:54

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Convergent Evolution and the Epigenome.

Sebastian Gaston Alvarado1,2, Annaliese Chang1,2, Maral Tajerian1,2

  • 1Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11361, USA.

Epigenomes
|November 24, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Epigenetic processes, like histone modification, are key to understanding how similar traits evolve independently across species. These mechanisms mediate gene-environment interactions and influence evolutionary paths toward convergence.

Keywords:
DNA methylationPRDM9convergent evolutionepigenetic regulationmutation biasnucleosome occupancyphenotypic plasticityrecombination hotspotsregulatory evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Trait convergence, or the independent evolution of similar traits, is common in animals and plants (e.g., eyes, wings, body shape).
  • Convergent traits arise from similar environmental pressures, despite different underlying tissues and gene patterns.
  • Current research focuses on gene-centric mechanisms like gene recruitment and duplication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose that epigenetic processes are essential mediators of trait convergence.
  • To highlight the role of epigenetics in gene-by-environment interactions during evolution.
  • To suggest an epigenetic framework for understanding evolutionary trajectories.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on conserved eukaryotic epigenetic processes, particularly histone-modifying machinery.
  • Investigate how epigenetic modifications mediate gene-by-environment interactions.
  • Explore the potential for epigenetics to bias mutation and recombination patterns.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modification, are proposed as essential for trait convergence.
  • Epigenetic modifications can mediate gene-by-environment interactions, influencing trait evolution.
  • Epigenetic processes may bias mutation and recombination, directing evolution toward convergence.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic processes are crucial for mediating trait convergence across diverse lineages.
  • An epigenetic perspective offers a parsimonious explanation for convergent evolution.
  • Considering the epigenetic landscape provides a unified view of evolutionary mechanisms.