Naslov
The role of phenotypic plasticity in the evolution of cave-dwelling animals

Autori
Bilandžija, Helena

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Subterranean Biology : ARPHA Conference Abstracts / Moldovan, Oana T. - : Pensoft Publishers, 2022

Skup
25th International Conference on Subterranean Biology

Mjesto i datum
Cluj-Napoca, Rumunjska, 18.07.2022. - 22.07.2022

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Plenarno

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
adaptive evolution ; cave colonization ; cavefish ; cave isopod

Sažetak
The surface ancestors of subterranean species are often hypothesized to possess pre-adaptations that enable them to successfully initiate colonization of caves. Nocturnal habits and the use of microhabitats such as the underside of rocks or leaf litter are two simple examples. However, there are many exceptions, and a mechanistic explanation for the evolution of a whole range of troglomorphic adaptations has yet to be found. To shed light on the phenotypic and molecular changes that accompany the early stages of cave colonization, we experimentally exposed the most closely related surface species or population of several cave- dwelling species including fish and crustaceans, from the earliest embryonic stage possible, to constant darkness, the single environmental condition characteristic of all subterranean habitats. Our results show that darkness induced a surprisingly large number of phenotypic changes, many of which resembled troglomorphic adaptations found in their respective cave-dwelling relatives (for example changes in fat content). However, some changes were contrary to what is considered adaptive in darkness, such as increased body pigmentation and enhancement in visual system, opposite to the two iconic features of troglomorphy. Overall, we conclude that phenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism for the rapid initiation of changes that may be favored or targeted by natural selection during critical initial steps in the evolution of cave-dwelling species.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA