Summary
Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty.
In depth
Small changes in regulatory genes can alter body plans. Hox genes are conserved from flies to mammals. Pax6 triggers eye formation in many animals. Heterochrony (timing change) and gene regulation modifications explain morphological novelty.
Evo-devo explains how big changes can come from regulatory tweaks: in sticklebacks, loss of an enhancer of Pitx1 removes pelvic spines in freshwater populations; in snakes, changes in Hox expression give long trunks without limbs; and the shape of Darwin's finch beaks depends on BMP4 and calmodulin expression. Tool-kit genes are shared widely, so novelty arises by changing when, where and how much they are expressed.
Heterochrony, changes in timing, explains neoteny in axolotls, which keep larval features as adults, and may have a role in human features such as flat faces. Co-option reuses existing genes in new contexts: butterfly eyespots use the leg-patterning network.
Key idea: because development is controlled by conserved genes, animal body plans share a genetic tool-kit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Evolutionary Developmental Biology?
Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty.
Which area of biology covers Evolutionary Developmental Biology, and how advanced is it?
Evolutionary Developmental Biology is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Evolution, Kin Selection, Cambrian Explosion.
Can you give an example of Evolutionary Developmental Biology?
Changes in Pitx1 expression led to loss of pelvic spines in freshwater stickleback fish.
What should I learn before Evolutionary Developmental Biology?
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Evolutionary Developmental Biology?
The closest topics to Evolutionary Developmental Biology are Evolution, Kin Selection, Cambrian Explosion, Sexual Selection. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Evolutionary Developmental Biology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Evolutionary Developmental Biology. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Evolutionary Developmental Biology different from Evolution?
Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty. Evolution: Change in the inherited characteristics of populations over successive generations. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Evolutionary Developmental Biology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Evolution and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.