Journal Article
From cave dragons to genomics: Advancements in the study of subterranean tetrapods
Recknagel, H. and Trontelj, P.
Record Number:
5861
Year:
2022
Journal:
BioScience
Pages:
254-266
Volume:
72
Abstract:
Throughout most of the kingdom Animalia, evolutionary transitions from surface life to a life permanently bound to caves and
other subterranean habitats have occurred innumerous times. Not so in tetrapods, where a mere 14 cave-obligate species—all
plethodontid and proteid salamanders—are known. We discuss why cave tetrapods are so exceptional and why only salamanders
have made the transition. Their evolution follows predictable and convergent, albeit independent pathways. Among the many
known changes associated with transitions to subterranean life, eye degeneration, starvation resistance, and longevity are especially
relevant to human biomedical research. Recently, sequences of salamander genomes have become available opening up genomic
research for cave tetrapods. We discuss new genomic methods that can spur our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms
behind convergent phenotypic change, the relative roles of selective and neutral evolution, cryptic species diversity, and data
relevant for conservation such as effective population size and demography.
Keywords: cave adaptation, troglomorphism, salamanders, selection, biomedicine
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: