Scientists have tried to identify the mechanism of evolution for years. Particular attention has been paid to the mechanisms of transition of the fin to limb. Researchers have identified particular genes that are responsible for the switch through putting genes of zebrafish to mice (Hogenboom n.p.). Of course, the data obtained had to be checked and other species had to be researched as well. Another research supports the data obtained (through the experiments with zebrafish) and the conclusion that the HoxA genes are responsible for the switch and the diversity in the development of species (Griffiths n.p.). The purpose of the present research was to choose an appropriate species to identify the role of certain genes in the process of evolution.
First, the scientists placed genes of teleost fish into mice embryos (Griffiths n.p.). It was found that there were no distinguishable changes in the development of mice embryos. It was decided to take another fish. Therefore, when scientists placed genes of the garfish, the processes similar to the development of mice embryos were triggered.
The scientists conclude that not all fish have the genes that can the trigger development of limbs. At some point, these genes developed in some species. It is stressed that there was a divide in species having different genomes. Thus, scientists have proved that there is a whole-genome duplication phenomenon that enables species to adapt to new environments. Of course, the central role of the Hox genes in the process of evolution has also been proved.
References
Griffiths, Sarah. “Putting the FIN in Finger: Scientists Discover Genes that May Have Caused Ancient Fish to Grow Complex Limbs and Crawl on Land.” Mail Online. 2014. Web.
Hogenboom, Melissa. “Genetic Clue to How Limbs Evolved from Fins.” BBC. 2014. Web.