Divergence time and environmental similarity predict the strength of morphological convergence in stick and leaf insects.

ABSTRACT: Independent evolution of similar traits in lineages inhabiting similar environments (convergent or repeated evolution) is often taken as evidence for adaptation by natural selection, and used to illustrate the predictability of evolution. Yet convergence is rarely perfect for two reasons. First, environments may not be as similar as they appear. Second, responses to selection are contingent upon available genetic variation and independent lineages may differ in the alleles, genetic backgrounds, and even the developmental mechanisms responsible for the phenotypes in question. Both impediments to convergence are predicted to increase as the length of time separating two lineages increases, making it difficult to discern their relative importance. We quantified environmental similarity and th

SUBMITTER: Boisseau RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11725862 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature