Mosaic and concerted evolution in the visual system of birds.

ABSTRACT: Two main models have been proposed to explain how the relative size of neural structures varies through evolution. In the mosaic evolution model, individual brain structures vary in size independently of each other, whereas in the concerted evolution model developmental constraints result in different parts of the brain varying in size in a coordinated manner. Several studies have shown variation of the relative size of individual nuclei in the vertebrate brain, but it is currently not known if nuclei belonging to the same functional pathway vary independently of each other or in a concerted manner. The visual system of birds offers an ideal opportunity to specifically test which of the two models apply to an entire sensory pathway. Here, we examine the relative size of 9 different visual

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez-Ibanez C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3951201 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature