Convergent Evolution and Predictability of Gene Copy Numbers Associated with Diets in Mammals.

ABSTRACT: Convergent evolution, the evolution of the same or similar phenotypes in phylogenetically independent lineages, is a widespread phenomenon in nature. If the genetic basis for convergent evolution is predictable to some extent, it may be possible to infer organismic phenotypes and the capability of organisms to utilize new ecological resources based on genome sequence data. While repeated amino acid changes have been studied in association with convergent evolution, relatively little is known about the potential contribution of repeated gene copy number changes. In this study, we explore whether gene copy number changes of particular gene families are linked to diet shifts in mammals and assess whether trophic ecology can be inferred from the copy numbers of a specific set of gene families.

SUBMITTER: Wilhoit K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11797053 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature