Article
Digit loss in archosaur evolution and the interplay between selection and constraints.
Nature - 22 Aug 2013
de Bakker Merijn A G, Fowler Donald A, den Oude Kelly, Dondorp Esther M, Navas M Carmen Garrido, Horbanczuk Jaroslaw O, Sire Jean-Yves, Szczerbińska Danuta, Richardson Michael K
Abstract excerpt
Evolution involves interplay between natural selection and developmental constraints. This is seen, for example, when digits are lost from the limbs during evolution. Extant archosaurs (crocodiles and birds) show several instances of digit loss under different selective regimes, and show limbs with one, two, three, four or the ancestral number of five digits. The 'lost' digits sometimes persist for millions of...
Read the complete abstract on PubMedTopics
Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.