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The evolution of 'bricolage'
1Department of Zoology and Animal Biology, University of Geneva, Switzerland. denis.duboule@zoo.unige.ch
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|April 1, 1998
Summary
Animal diversity arises from shared genes used differently across species. This functional interdependence influences variation tolerance, driving evolution through a
Area of Science:
- Developmental genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Comparative genomics
Background:
- Most genes are conserved across the animal kingdom.
- Animal diversity may stem from differential gene usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how shared genes and their differential usage contribute to animal diversity.
- To propose a 'transitionist' evolutionary model based on functional interdependence.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of gene usage across species.
- Theoretical modeling of genetic networks and functional interdependence.
- Review of developmental genetics findings.
Main Results:
- Shared genetic components are recruited differently, leading to functional interdependence.
- Increased interdependence limits the tolerance for novel variations.
- Evolutionary complexity progresses through phases of gradualism and punctuation.
Conclusions:
- Differential gene usage is a key driver of animal diversity.
- Functional interdependence shapes the pace and pattern of evolution.
- The 'transitionist' model reconciles gradual and punctuated evolutionary theories.