The role of timing in the development and evolution of the limb
Meng Zhu, Clifford J. Tabin
Abstract
The term heterochrony was coined to describe changes in the timing of developmental processes relative to an ancestral state. Limb development is a well-suited system to address the contribution of heterochrony to morphological evolution. We illustrate how timing mechanisms have been used to establish the correct pattern of the limb and provide cases where natural variations in timing have led to changes in limb morphology.
Topics & Concepts
HeterochronyLimb developmentEvolutionary biologyBiologyMorphology (biology)Evolutionary developmental biologyComputer scienceOntogenyPaleontologyGeneticsGeneDevelopmental Biology and Gene RegulationPlanarian Biology and ElectrostimulationPaleontology and Evolutionary Biology