Abstract
We argue that developmental hormones facilitate the evolution of novel phenotypic innovations and timing of life history events by genetic accommodation. Within an individual’s life cycle, metamorphic hormones respond readily to environmental conditions and alter adult phenotypes. Across generations, the many effects of hormones can bias and at times constrain the evolution of traits during metamorphosis; yet, hormonal systems can overcome constraints through shifts in timing of, and acquisition of tissue specific responses to, endocrine regulation. Because of these actions of hormones, metamorphic hormones can shape the evolution of metamorphic organisms. We present a model called a developmental goblet, which provides a visual representation of how metamorphic organisms might evolve. In addition, because developmental hormones often respond to environmental changes, we discuss how endocrine regulation of postembryonic development may impact how organisms evolve in response to climate change. Thus, we propose that developmental hormones may provide a mechanistic link between climate change and organismal adaptation.
Highlights
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Evolutionary Developmental Biology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
We argue that developmental hormones facilitate the evolution of novel phenotypic innovations and timing of life history events by genetic accommodation
Because developmental hormones often respond to environmental changes, we discuss how endocrine regulation of postembryonic development may impact how organisms evolve in response to climate change
Summary
80% of animals undergo metamorphosis—the transition from a larval to an adult stage (Figure 1; Werner, 1988). One key tenant of metamorphosis is that the pre-metamorphic or larva stage and its subsequent adult stage often occupy different habitats (Bishop et al, 2006). Especially marine invertebrates, the larval stage is dedicated toward dispersal and much of their growth commences once they settle. Because of their distinct roles, the larvae and adults often look nothing like each other. In response to either internal or environmental signals, dynamics of endocrine regulators begin to change toward the end of the larval life. These endocrine regulators are secreted into the circulatory system and orchestrate
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