Fgfr1 signalling in the development of a sexually selected trait in vertebrates, the sword of swordtail fish.

ABSTRACT:

Background

One of Darwin's chosen examples for his idea of sexual selection through female choice was the "sword", a colourful extension of the caudal fin of male swordtails of the genus Xiphophorus. Platyfish, also members of the genus Xiphophorus, are thought to have arisen from within the swordtails, but have secondarily lost the ability to develop a sword. The sustained increase of testosterone during sexual maturation initiates sword development in male swordtails. Addition of testosterone also induces sword-like fin extensions in some platyfish species, suggesting that the genetic interactions required for sword development may be dormant, rather than lost, within platyfish. Despite considerable interest in the evolution of the sword from a behavioural or evolutionary point o

SUBMITTER: Offen N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2577654 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature