Phylogenetic comparison and artificial selection. Two approaches in evolutionary physiology.

摘要: Interspecific comparison has a long and productive history in physiology. Conceptual statistical advances over the last 15 years have demonstrated several ways which comparisons can be enhanced by consideration of phylogenetic information, i.e., empirical estimates organisms are related (evolutionary trees). Choice species to compared should informed information. For example, three that inhabit high altitude with live at low would suspect if each two groups were composed closely-related (e.g., within single genera). To avoid such "phylogenetic pseudoreplication," one might instead study from different genera, containing high-altitude low-altitude inhabitant. Unfortunately, many studies not been so carefully designed, sometimes because accessible or incorporated data literature. Fortunately, new methods correct for problems caused relatedness descent modification, most common being phylogenetically independent contrasts. Another tool used comparative physiology is selective breeding, practiced millennia applied scientific contexts century. In 20 years, ecological evolutionary physiologists begun using selection experiments processes genetic adaptation physiological behavioral traits. house mice maintained cold multiple generations see what adaptations may occur naturally response reduced ambient temperature ("laboratory natural selection"). Our own laboratory breeding create four replicate lines exhibit levels voluntary wheel-running behavior, as well various morphological characteristics cause allow elevated locomotor activity. Similar could hypoxia.