Behavioral evolution contributes to hindbrain diversification among Lake Malawi cichlid fish.

ABSTRACT: The evolutionary diversification of animal behavior is often associated with changes in the structure and function of nervous systems. Such evolutionary changes arise either through alterations of individual neural components ("mosaically") or through scaling of the whole brain ("concertedly"). Here we show that the evolution of a courtship behavior in Malawi cichlid fish is associated with rapid, extensive, and specific diversification of orosensory, gustatory centers in the hindbrain. We find that hindbrain volume varies significantly between species that build pit (depression) compared to castle (mound) type bowers and that this trait is evolving rapidly among castle-building species. Molecular analyses of neural activity via immediate early gene expression indicate a functional role fo

SUBMITTER: York RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6934501 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature