Convergence in feeding posture occurs through different genetic loci in independently evolved cave populations of Astyanax mexicanus

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1317192110
• Publication Date: 2013-10-02T04:24:52Z
• Authors: Johanna E. Kowalko; Nicolas Rohner; Tess A. Linden; Santiago B. Rompani; Wesley C. Warren; Richard Borowsky; Clifford J. Tabin; William R. Jeffery; Masato Yoshizawa
• Keywords: Convergent evolution; Characidae; Genetic architecture; Morphology

Significance Relatively little is known about the genetic basis of behavioral evolution, in particular for behaviors without any obvious related morphological changes. We have focused on changes feeding posture that evolved small tetra Astyanax mexicanus as it adapted from life rivers to very different ecological conditions found caves. Using comparative quantitative genetics/genomics, we find differences between surface and cave populations arose independently, through polygenic mechanisms multiple, independent populations. This work provides insights into architecture this trait shows hard-wired behavior can arise multiple routes.