Multiple loci linked to inversions are associated with eye size variation in species of the Drosophila virilis phylad.

ABSTRACT: The size and shape of organs is tightly controlled to achieve optimal function. Natural morphological variations often represent functional adaptations to an ever-changing environment. For instance, variation in head morphology is pervasive in insects and the underlying molecular basis is starting to be revealed in the Drosophila genus for species of the melanogaster group. However, it remains unclear whether similar diversifications are governed by similar or different molecular mechanisms over longer timescales. To address this issue, we used species of the virilis phylad because they have been diverging from D. melanogaster for at least 40 million years. Our comprehensive morphological survey revealed remarkable differences in eye size and head shape among these species with D. novamexi

SUBMITTER: Reis M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7393161 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature