Evolution,developmental instability and the theory of acquisition |
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Authors: | J A Kieser |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg |
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Abstract: | Despite major advances in the study of molecular and morphological evolution a substantial rift still exists between these
two fields of endeavour. Phenotypic alteration through evolution results from a reallocation of resources which has as its
origin the interplay between the production capability of the genes on the one side and the acquisitional need of the phenotype
on the other. This process of allocation is coordinated through the environmental arena and is subject to mechanical, biological
and economical constraints. Differences in the rates of morphological change at any level (molecular, cellular, organismal
or population) depend on the level of environmental challenge, on the availability of variability and on the economics of
supply and demand. Short run changes in response to severe environmental stress will be sudden and energetically expensive
and will rely on stress-induced unmasking of genetic variability and loss of canalization. Long run changes will be gradual,
energetically less costly and less dependent on genetic correlations. |
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Keywords: | evolution fluctuating asymmetry phylogeny |
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