Parallel evolution of regressive and constructive craniofacial traits across distinct populations of Astyanax mexicanus cavefish.

ABSTRACT: Life in complete darkness has driven the evolution of a suite of troglobitic features in the blind Mexican cavefish Astyanax mexicanus, such as eye and pigmentation loss. While regressive evolution is a hallmark of obligate cave-dwelling organisms, constructive (or augmented) traits commonly arise as well. The cavefish cranium has undergone extensive changes compared with closely-related surface fish. These alterations are rooted in both cranial bones and surrounding sensory tissues such as enhancements in the gustatory and lateral line systems. Cavefish also harbor numerous cranial bone asymmetries: fluctuating asymmetry of individual bones and directional asymmetry in a dorsal bend of the skull. This asymmetry is mirrored by the asymmetrical patterning of mechanosensory neuromasts. We ex

SUBMITTER: Powers AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7415521 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature