Book Section
Blind cavefish
Yamamoto, Y. and Jeffery, W.R.
Record Number:
4139
Year:
2011
Pages:
1843-1949
Editor:
Farrell, A.P.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Book Title:
Encyclopedia of Fish Physiology
Abstract:
Blind cavefish have evolved a suite of troglomorphic traits that are shared with other cave animals. Troglomorphism includes regressive traits, such as loss of eyes and pigmentation, and constructive traits, such as amplification of the feeding apparatus. The genetic and developmental mechanisms of troglomorphism are best understood in the cavefish Astyanax mexicanus. A few of the genes involved in troglomorphism have now been identified. In some cases, the constructive and regressive traits are linked by pleiotropy. The evolutionary forces that generated troglomorphism probably include both neutral mutation and natural selection for traits that are beneficial to cave life.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: