Scribd
Upload
16 views10 pages

Understanding Evolutionary Development Biology

The document discusses the field of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), which examines how organisms develop and change over time. It covers fundamental principles like developmental genes and constraints, as well as concepts like heterochrony and modularity that influence evolution. Evo-devo helps explain the diversity of life through understanding the links between development and evolution.

Uploaded by

Banig Jeaniva L.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views10 pages

Understanding Evolutionary Development Biology

The document discusses the field of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), which examines how organisms develop and change over time. It covers fundamental principles like developmental genes and constraints, as well as concepts like heterochrony and modularity that influence evolution. Evo-devo helps explain the diversity of life through understanding the links between development and evolution.

Uploaded by

Banig Jeaniva L.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Evolutionary

Development
Biology
Evo-Devo
-short for evolutionary
developmental biology, is about
understanding how organisms
grow and change over time.

- Emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship


between development and evolution.
Fundamental Principles of Evo-Devo

Developmental Genes and Gene Regulation

Developmental Constraints

Heterochrony

Modularity

Evolutionary Novelties
Developmental Genes and Gene
Regulation

Hox genes play crucial roles in controlling


the body plan and patterning of organisms.

Changes in these genes can lead to new


body parts or features.

The evolution of tetrapod limbs from fish fins is


attributed to changes in Hox gene expression,
which guided the development of new
anatomical structures.
Developmental Constraints

Constraints are limitations or restrictions that


influence the direction or range of possible
outcomes within a system.

Developmental processes can constrain or


direct the course of evolutionary changes,
influencing the range of possible evolutionary
outcomes.
Constraints on human brain size due to the size
of the birth canal have influenced the evolution
of the human brain, limiting its size and shape.
Heterochrony
Heterochrony refers to changes in the timing or rate of
developmental processes, leading to alterations in the timing of key
developmental events.

The evolution of neoteny in axolotls, where adults retain larval features,


is a result of changes in developmental timing, prolonging the retention
of juvenile traits into adulthood.
Modularity
Modularity refers to the concept that developmental processes are
composed of discrete modules, or building blocks, that can be
independently modified or repurposed during evolution.

The mammalian middle ear evolved from jaw


bones through the co-option and modification
of developmental modules, demonstrating
how existing structures can be adapted for
new functions.
Evolutionary Novelties
Evolutionary novelties are new structures or functions that arise
during evolution, often through the modification or co-option of
existing developmental processes.
Camera-like eyes in vertebrates, including
humans, are evolutionary novelties that
enable detailed vision. They evolved
through modifications of existing
structures like light-sensitive cells, lenses,
and retinas, enhancing survival and
reproductive success by improving
sensory capabilities.
CONCLUSION
Evo-devo helps us understand how animals change and grow over
time.

By studying how bodies develop and evolve, we can learn more


about the diversity of life on Earth.

Scientists keep exploring evo-devo to unlock more secrets about


how animals become what they are.
Thank
You

You might also like