Molecular and functional basis of phenotypic convergence in white lizards at White Sands.

ABSTRACT: There are many striking examples of phenotypic convergence in nature, in some cases associated with changes in the same genes. But even mutations in the same gene may have different biochemical properties and thus different evolutionary consequences. Here we dissect the molecular mechanism of convergent evolution in three lizard species with blanched coloration on the gypsum dunes of White Sands, New Mexico. These White Sands forms have rapidly evolved cryptic coloration in the last few thousand years, presumably to avoid predation. We use cell-based assays to demonstrate that independent mutations in the same gene underlie the convergent blanched phenotypes in two of the three species. Although the same gene contributes to light phenotypes in these White Sands populations, the specific mo

SUBMITTER: Rosenblum EB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2836677 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature