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Related Experiment Videos

Developmental genetics and traditional homology

J A Bolker1, R A Raff

  • 1Indiana Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA.

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
|June 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Homology, defined by shared gene expression, is a flawed concept. Developmental genetics can aid homology identification but doesn't necessitate a new definition of evolutionary homology.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental genetics
  • Comparative morphology

Background:

  • The concept of homology evolved from comparative morphology to evolutionary theory.
  • Recent proposals redefine homology based on shared gene expression patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the proposed redefinition of homology based on gene expression.
  • To assert that a biological level must be specified for meaningful homology assignments.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of homology definitions.
  • Comparison of classical and developmental genetic criteria for homology.

Main Results:

  • The proposed definition conflates homology definition with identification criteria.

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  • Developmental genetic data are neither necessary nor sufficient for defining homology.
  • Meaningful homology requires specifying a biological level (e.g., molecular, developmental, morphological).

    • Conclusions:

    • Shared gene expression does not constitute a sufficient basis for a new definition of homology.
    • Classical and evolutionary concepts of homology remain valid.
    • Developmental genetic data should be integrated with, not replace, existing frameworks for understanding homology.