Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty.
Small changes in regulatory genes can alter body plans. Hox genes are conserved from flies to mammals. Pax6 triggers eye formation in many animals. Heterochrony (timing change) and gene regulation modifications explain morphological novelty.
Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty.
Evolutionary Developmental Biology is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Cambrian Explosion, Punctuated Equilibrium, Mass Extinctions.
Changes in Pitx1 expression led to loss of pelvic spines in freshwater stickleback fish.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Evolutionary Developmental Biology are Cambrian Explosion, Punctuated Equilibrium, Mass Extinctions, Gene Duplication. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Evolutionary Developmental Biology. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty. Cambrian Explosion: A rapid diversification of animal body plans about 540 million years ago. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Cambrian Explosion and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
A rapid diversification of animal body plans about 540 million years ago.
🦎 EvolutionSuggests species remain stable for long periods interrupted by short bursts of rapid change.
🦎 EvolutionFive major events, including the end-Permian and end-Cretaceous, that wiped out large fractions of species.
🦎 EvolutionExtra gene copies free one copy to acquire new functions, fuelling evolutionary innovation.
🦎 Evolution