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Tracking and Quantifying Developmental Processes in C. elegans Using Open-source Tools
Published on: December 16, 2015
Development is an evolutionary phenomenon
Comptes Rendus Biologies
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo) is reframing gene function from "control" to "contribution." Key evolutionary mechanisms like natural selection and descent with modification are now understood to operate within the developing organism, explaining ontogeny and phylogeny as a unified process.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo)
- Genetics
- Evolutionary theory
Background:
- EvoDevo previously used metaphors like "architect genes" and "control" for gene function, which are incompatible with modern evolutionary theory.
- Biological order is a consequence to be explained, not a causal factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the role of homeotic genes and the concept of "control" in EvoDevo.
- To integrate the two pillars of Darwinian evolution—natural selection and descent with modification—into the study of development.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of EvoDevo metaphors and terminology.
- Application of natural selection and descent with modification to somatic development and cellular phylogeny.
Main Results:
- The verb "to control" is inappropriate for gene function; "contribution" is a more suitable term.
- Natural selection and descent with modification operate within the developing organism (soma), not just in adult organisms.
- Ontogenesis and phylogenesis are unified into ontophylogenesis, studied by EvoDevo.
Conclusions:
- EvoDevo should adopt evolutionary mechanisms to explain biological order, moving beyond outdated metaphors.
- The integration of natural selection and descent with modification within development explains individual stability and species regularity.
- Ontophylogenesis offers a unified framework for understanding evolution and development.
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