Adaptive radiations: Insights from Evo-Devo

Parsons, K. J. (2016) Adaptive radiations: Insights from Evo-Devo. In: Kliman, R. M. (ed.) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Biology. Elsevier, pp. 37-45. ISBN 9780128004265 (doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800049-6.00141-4)

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Abstract

Adaptive radiations, whereby a number of species exhibiting ecological specializations arises from a common ancestor, have been an important focus for evolutionary studies. While traditionally investigated from the perspective of ecology research into adaptive radiations has also become an area of focus for evolutionary developmental biology (i.e., evo-devo). This follows a historical tradition where a persistent but steady minority of researchers have been interested in the underlying developmental mechanisms of adaptation. Vertebrate taxa have been a particular focus for this research with topics such as phenotypic plasticity providing an early common ground for ecologists and developmental biologists. Here, the author focuses on how evo-devo has merged itself into studies of adaptive divergence and provide several examples from key evolutionary systems (e.g., fish, birds, herpetofauna). This involves both how evo-devo thinking and its methods have been taken into the study of adaptive radiations. We are now at a precipice where evo-devo, and ecology seem to be merging and it is also discussed how this new transition is being aided by the study of adaptive radiation.

Item Type:Book Sections (Encyclopaedia entry)
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Parsons, Dr Kevin
Authors: Parsons, K. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Publisher:Elsevier
ISBN:9780128004265

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