The genomics of mimicry: Gene expression throughout development provides insights into convergent and divergent phenotypes in a Mullerian mimicry system.

ABSTRACT: A common goal in evolutionary biology is to discern the mechanisms that produce the astounding diversity of morphologies seen across the tree of life. Aposematic species, those with a conspicuous phenotype coupled with some form of defence, are excellent models to understand the link between vivid colour pattern variations, the natural selection shaping it, and the underlying genetic mechanisms underpinning this variation. Mimicry systems in which multiple species share the same conspicuous phenotype can provide an even better model for understanding the mechanisms of colour production in aposematic species, especially if comimics have divergent evolutionary histories. Here we investigate the genetic mechanisms by which vivid colour and pattern are produced in a Müllerian mimicry complex o

SUBMITTER: Stuckert AMM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8457190 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature