Evolution and development of shape: integrating quantitative approaches

Review

Nature Reviews Genetics 11, 623-635 (September 2010) | doi:10.1038/nrg2829

Evolution and development of shape: integrating quantitative approaches

Christian Peter Klingenberg¹ About the author

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Abstract

Morphological traits have long been a focus of evolutionary developmental biology ('evo-devo'), but new methods for quantifying shape variation are opening unprecedented possibilities for investigating the developmental basis of evolutionary change. Morphometric analyses are revealing that development mediates complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors affecting shape. Evolution results from changes in those interactions, as natural selection favours shapes that more effectively perform some fitness-related functions. Quantitative studies of shape can characterize developmental and genetic effects and discover their relative importance. They integrate evo-devo and related disciplines into a coherent understanding of evolutionary processes from populations to large-scale evolutionary radiations.

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Author affiliations

1. Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
   Email: cpk@manchester.ac.uk

Published online 10 August 2010