UW-Madison scientists have found all animals evolve due to changes in the genetic switches that control how genes work, according to a new report in the journal Nature.
The Howard Hughes Medical Research Institute at UW-Madison published the report, which argues evolution is a combination of both chance as well as ecological necessity. For example, research shows that while the markings on a fruit fly's wing initially appear to be accidents of development, the patterns go on to emerge at specific places on the wing, such as where veins meet. The patterns are useful for survival as well as attracting mates.
\The patterns on a wing are not just random graffiti. The spots emerge at specific places,"" said Sean Carroll, UW-Madison professor of genetics, in a statement.
While the evidence has just been discovered in flies thus far, the researchers believe the same genetic process occurs in all animals, including humans.
Other examples of seemingly random evolution that scientists believe may be a similar genetic process include the snout of the aardvark, the feathers of the peacock and the stripes on a zebra, the statement said.
""This is smoking gun evidence of how animal patterns evolve,"" Carroll said.
-Michael Worringer
