2024-01-07 17:05:00
Understanding evolution: Study reveals gradual process behind major biological innovations
In the vast and complex theater of evolution, scientists have long sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the major transformations of species. A recent study sheds light on this mystery, revealing that significant evolutionary changes occur through incremental steps rather than dramatic mutations.
This discovery might redefine our understanding of evolutionary advances such as the appearance of flight, vision or viviparous gestation.
Study revolutionizes understanding of evolution
Biologists have recently shed light on the evolutionary process that led to major innovations in the living world. By looking at the case of marine snails, which went from laying eggs to viviparous birth, a team from theUniversity of Sheffield and their collaboratorsUniversity of Gothenburg and theAustrian Institute of Science and Technology was able to demonstrate that these evolutionary changes accumulate gradually.
Their research, published in the journal Science, used complete genome sequences to determine whether this change in reproductive mode occurred rapidly or gradually. The results indicate a gradual accumulation of 50 genes associated with reproductive mode, spanning different periods in the past.
Major implications for evolutionary biology
The teacher Roger Butlin, from the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, highlighted the importance of understanding the evolutionary origins of key innovations. These can radically change the course of evolution, as did viviparous birth for the diversification of mammals or feathers for the flight of birds.
The discovery of this recent evolutionary change in marine snails makes it possible not only to understand these major changes, but also to apply the methods developed to other evolutionary transitions.
Roger Butlin adds that these results will change the way biologists think regarding major evolutionary transitions, shifting the focus from large evolutionary leaps to understanding the incremental benefits of small evolutionary steps.
Synthetic
The results of this study are a significant contribution to evolutionary biology, suggesting that evolutionary innovations develop through successive steps and not through large-scale mutations.
This perspective offers a new understanding of the mechanisms of evolution and might help decipher the genetic and historical basis of other adaptive traits, essential in a context of rapid environmental changes.
The research team now plans to study the functions of the identified genes to better understand the series of evolutionary steps that led to viviparous birth, as well as apply their methods to other types of adaptations.
For a better understanding
What did the study reveal regarding the evolutionary process?
The study showed that significant evolutionary changes, such as the shift from egg laying to viviparous birth in some marine snails, occur gradually and not in dramatic mutations.
Researchers analyzed the complete genome sequences of a group of marine snails to identify genes associated with reproductive mode and estimate the time of their origin.
How important is understanding the origin of evolutionary innovations?
Understanding the origin of evolutionary innovations is crucial because they can radically change the course of evolution and influence the diversification of species.
What are the future implications of this study?
This study might help to understand the genetic and historical basis of other adaptive traits and to apply the methods developed to other evolutionary transitions, particularly in the context of climate change.
What are the research team’s next goals?
The team plans to study the functions of the identified genes to understand the evolutionary steps leading to viviparous birth and apply their methods to other adaptations.
References
Main illustration caption: Adult snails adapted to different habitats. The larger snail is adapted to defense once morest crab attacks, while the smaller snail is adapted to life in areas heavily exposed to waves. Credit: University of Sheffield.
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