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Phenotypic complexity determines the predictability of molecular convergence.

Daohan Jiang1, Matt Pennell2, Lauren Sallan1

  • 1Macroevolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan.

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|March 23, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evolutionary predictability is linked to phenotypic complexity. Complex traits drive molecular convergence, while simple traits allow for divergence, impacting evolutionary outcomes.

Keywords:
Research Reportconvergent evolutiondeep homologyevolutionary innovationgene expressionparallel evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Convergent evolution suggests predictability but molecular bases can diverge.
  • A framework is lacking to predict when convergence occurs.
  • Phenotypic complexity's role in convergence is unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate how phenotypic complexity influences convergent evolution.
  • Determine when molecular convergence accompanies phenotypic convergence.
  • Develop a predictive framework for evolutionary outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Used evolutionary simulations with a minimal genotype-phenotype model.
  • Simulated regulatory gene expression programs under selection for shared optima.
  • Analyzed the relationship between phenotypic complexity and molecular convergence.

Main Results:

  • Low-complexity phenotypes arise from diverse expression programs, allowing molecular divergence.
  • High-complexity phenotypes funnel lineages to similar expression programs, causing molecular convergence.
  • Changes in gene interactions can increase molecular divergence despite phenotypic convergence.

Conclusions:

  • Phenotypic complexity is a key determinant of molecular convergence.
  • Predictability of evolutionary outcomes depends on trait complexity.
  • Results offer insights into deep homology and the evolution of complex traits.