Radical alterations in the roles of homeobox genes during echinoderm evolution
Article Abstract:
The reorganization of body architecture in echinoderms involved substantial changes in the deployment and roles of homeobox genes. Research into the expression domains in echinoderms of the distal-less, engrailed and orthodenticle developmental regulatory genes indicates that these changes include shifts in the symmetry of expression domains. This research has revealed a great evolutionary flexibility in genes that have traditionally been regarded as interesting mostly for their conserved roles in arthropods and chordates.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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The ancestry of segmentation
Article Abstract:
New research has challenged conventional views about why the segments of arthropods and the backbone of vertebrates evolved. It has been found that a homologue of the engrailed gene is expressed in the posterior section of each of the first eight segments of amphioxus. A DNA-binding protein which specifies the posterior compartment of each segment is encoded in Drosophila by the engrailed gene. It has now been established that all Bilateria come from a complex ancestor, a significant change in evolutionary thought.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Food, song and speciation
Article Abstract:
Research is presented describing the study of finch beak shapes and songs to determine evolutionary speciation down to food availability and habitat.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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