Perspectives

Abstract

There has been a recent trend in evolutionary developmental biology (evo–devo) towards using increasing numbers of model species. I argue that, to understand phenotypic change and novelty, researchers who investigate evo–devo in animals should choose a limited number of model organisms in which to develop a sophisticated methodological tool kit for functional investigations. Furthermore, a synthesis of evo–devo with population genetics and evolutionary ecology is needed to meet future challenges.

Author affiliations

1. Ralf J. Sommer is at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Department for Evolutionary Biology, Spemannstrasse 37, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany. 
   Email: ralf.sommer@tuebingen.mpg.de

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