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Papers that examine questions in the research field of evolution & development (Evo Devo). Click on corresponding image to download a PDF version of each paper.
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Examining how the concepts of modularity and evolvability can be applied to questions of adaptive evolution over deep time by considering the developmental modes of insects. |
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Although mutant individual are rare in ant colonies, they may in fact be more common than though and hold important information about the developmental biology and evolutionary possibilities in ant form and colony function. This paper, currently under review, explores this from the starting point of a mutant discovered in the colony of the ant Pheidole morrisi. |
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The concept of ant, bee, and termite colonies as "superorganisms" has re-emerged as an important concept in biological research, however their relevance for the field of EvoDevo (evolution & development) remains under-explored. This paper reviews the superorganism concept and the role these organisms can play as model systems in the light or EvoDevo theory. |
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Much of the theory behind division of labor - be it in ants or in factory workers - is based on the premise that since workers specialize in different jobs, the the optimum proportion of different kinds of workers should change when conditions change. As intuitive as it is, surprisingly few demonstrations of this fundamental prediction actually have been found in nature. Within this study are some interesting findings as to how development might constrain natural selection in unexpected ways. |