Modular skeletal evolution in sticklebacks is controlled by additive and clustered quantitative trait Loci.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the genetic architecture of evolutionary change remains a long-standing goal in biology. In vertebrates, skeletal evolution has contributed greatly to adaptation in body form and function in response to changing ecological variables like diet and predation. Here we use genome-wide linkage mapping in threespine stickleback fish to investigate the genetic architecture of evolved changes in many armor and trophic traits. We identify >100 quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling the pattern of serially repeating skeletal elements, including gill rakers, teeth, branchial bones, jaws, median fin spines, and vertebrae. We use this large collection of QTL to address long-standing questions about the anatomical specificity, genetic dominance, and genomic clustering of loci controllin

SUBMITTER: Miller CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4012497 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature