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Developmental evolution in fast-forward: insect male genital diversification.

Nunes, Maria D S; McGregor, Alistair P

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Authors

Maria D S Nunes



Abstract

Insect male genitalia are among the fastest evolving structures of animals. Studying these changes among closely related species represents a powerful approach to dissect developmental processes and genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic diversification and the underlying evolutionary drivers. Here, we review recent breakthroughs in understanding the developmental and genetic bases of the evolution of genital organs among Drosophila species and other insects. This work has helped reveal how tissue and organ size evolve and understand the appearance of morphological novelties, and how these phenotypic changes are generated through altering gene expression and redeployment of gene regulatory networks. Future studies of genital evolution in Drosophila and a wider range of insects hold great promise to help understand the specification, differentiation, and diversification of organs more generally. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.]

Citation

Nunes, M. D. S., & McGregor, A. P. (online). Developmental evolution in fast-forward: insect male genital diversification. Trends in Genetics, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2024.10.005

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 22, 2024
Online Publication Date Nov 21, 2024
Deposit Date Dec 11, 2024
Publicly Available Date Dec 12, 2024
Journal Trends in Genetics
Print ISSN 0168-9525
Electronic ISSN 1362-4555
Publisher Cell Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2024.10.005
Keywords sexual selection, insects, development, gene regulation, evolution, genitalia
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3210005

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