Hox gene variation and evolution
Article Abstract:
Hox genes are arranged in genomic clusters and are expressed in a spatially colinear fashion. On a single Hox gene cluster has been found in invertebrates. Prince and colleagues have unambiguously identified 34 Hox genes using an experimental method, based on the polymerase chain reaction. It was discovered that the zebrafish has three Hox genes, and has a further two additional Hox gene clusters. This is likely to cause some questioning of the simple 'more clusters, more complexity' model of evolutionary diversification.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Revised phylogeny of whales suggested by mitochondrial ribosomal DNA sequences
Article Abstract:
Cetacean mitochondrial ribosomal DNA sequences indicate that whale taxonomy should be revised. Specifically, sperm whales were found to be more closely related to the baleen whales than to the other toothed whales. Two additional findings are that all whale groups are monophyletic and that the baleen whales formerly used echolocation but lost the ability through subsequent evolution. Genetics is thus illuminating whale phylogeny or evolutionary history.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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DNA answers the call of pipistrelle bat species
Article Abstract:
Genetic sequencing research of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (MDNA) in the pipistrelle bat provides evidence that taxonomic classification of the species should be divided into two subgroups to represent different phonic types. Acoustic divergence probably came about through genetic isolation as opposed to natural selection. The geographical distribution of both types of MDNA genotypes and pipistrelle phenotypes is shown.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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