Flight loss linked to faster molecular evolution in insects.

ABSTRACT: The loss of flight ability has occurred thousands of times independently during insect evolution. Flight loss may be linked to higher molecular evolutionary rates because of reductions in effective population sizes (Ne) and relaxed selective constraints. Reduced dispersal ability increases population subdivision, may decrease geographical range size and increases (sub)population extinction risk, thus leading to an expected reduction in Ne. Additionally, flight loss in birds has been linked to higher molecular rates of energy-related genes, probably owing to relaxed selective constraints on energy metabolism. We tested for an association between insect flight loss and molecular rates through comparative analysis in 49 phylogenetically independent transitions spanning multiple taxa, includin

SUBMITTER: Mitterboeck TF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3735250 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature