Drosophila pigmentation evolution: divergent genotypes underlying convergent phenotypes.

ABSTRACT: Similar phenotypic changes have evolved independently in many animal taxa. It is unknown whether independent changes involve the same or different developmental and genetic mechanisms. Myriad pigment patterns in the genus Drosophila offer numerous opportunities to address this question. Previous studies identified regulatory and structural genes involved in the development and diversification of pigmentation in selected species. Here, we examine Drosophila americana and Drosophila novamexicana, interfertile species that have evolved dramatic pigmentation differences during the few million years since their divergence. Interspecific genetic analysis was used to investigate the contribution of five specific candidate genes and other genomic regions to phenotypic divergence by testing for ass

SUBMITTER: Wittkopp PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC149915 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature