Homoplasy, a Moving Target

Wake, David B.

doi:10.1007/978-94-017-9412-1_5

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Indeed, the study of phenotypic similarities has traditionally been the central focus of research on parallel and convergent evolution (Pearce, 2012;Wake, 1999Wake, , 2015Wake et al, 2011). The distinction between these two terms is clear at the phenotypic level if we consider that similar adaptive solutions can evolve from either similar ancestral phenotypes (parallel) or dissimilar ancestral phenotypes (convergent; see Box 1 for definitions).…”

Section: A (S Emanti C) Fo Cus On S Imil Arit Y and The Environment T...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The concept of similarity is arguably more interesting when we consider ‘similar biological solutions’, which evolve at the phenotypic level (Figure 1a), the level at which natural selection mainly operates. Indeed, the study of phenotypic similarities has traditionally been the central focus of research on parallel and convergent evolution (Pearce, 2012; Wake, 1999, 2015; Wake et al, 2011). The distinction between these two terms is clear at the phenotypic level if we consider that similar adaptive solutions can evolve from either similar ancestral phenotypes (parallel) or dissimilar ancestral phenotypes (convergent; see Box 1 for definitions).…”

Section: A (Semantic) Focus On Similarity and The Environment The Rol...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Inconsistent definitions in science lead to confusion and disagreements, with a negative impact on our understanding of concepts, the testing of hypotheses and the training of future generations. Clear and accurate definitions are vital for effective communication within the scientific community, enabling a consistent and progressive build‐up of knowledge (Harrison, 2012; Wake, 2015). To tackle this challenge, I discuss the concepts of similarity and independence and propose a conceptual framework and terminology for investigating parallel and convergent evolution.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding natural selection and similarity: Convergent, parallel and repeated evolution

Cerca

2023

Molecular Ecology

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Parallel and convergent evolution offer some of the most compelling evidence for the significance of natural selection in evolution, as the emergence of similar adaptive solutions is unlikely to occur by random chance alone. However, these terms are often employed inconsistently, leading to misinterpretation and confusion, and recently proposed definitions have unintentionally diminished the emphasis on the evolution of similar adaptive solutions. Here, I examine various conceptual frameworks and definitions related to parallel and convergent evolution and propose a consolidated framework that enhances our comprehension of these evolutionary patterns. The primary aim of this framework is to harmonize the concepts of parallel and convergent evolution together with natural selection and the idea of similarity. Both concepts involve the evolution of similar adaptive solutions as a result of environmental challenges. The distinction lies in ancestral phenotypes. Parallel evolution takes place when the ancestral phenotypes (before selection) of the lineages are similar. Convergent evolution happens when the lineages have distinct ancestral phenotypes (before selection). Because an ancestral‐based distinction will inevitably lead to cases where uncertainty in the distinction may arise, the framework includes a general term, repeated evolution, which can be used as a term applying to the evolution of similar phenotypes and genotypes as well as similar responses to environmental pressures. Based on the argument that genetic similarity may frequently arise without selection, the framework posits that the similarity of genetic sequences is not of great interest unless linked to the actions of natural selection or to the origins (mutation, standing genetic variation, gene flow) and locations of the similar sequences.

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Section: A (S Emanti C) Fo Cus On S Imil Arit Y and The Environment T...mentioning

confidence: 99%