The evolution of degenerate characteristics remains a poorly understood phenomenon.
Only recently has the identification of mutations underlying regressive phenotypes become …

The evolutionary forces driving the reduction of eyes and pigmentation in cave-adapted
animals are unknown; Darwin famously questioned the role of natural selection in eye loss in …

Natural populations subjected to strong environmental selection pressures offer a window
into the genetic underpinnings of evolutionary change. Cavefish populations, Astyanax …

Background The loss of phenotypic characters is a common feature of evolution. Cave
organisms provide excellent models for investigating the underlying patterns and processes …

When surface species colonize caves, a characteristic suite of traits eventually evolves over
time, regardless of species. The genetic basis of the inevitable appearance of these very …

A long history of research has revealed many neurophysiological changes and concomitant
behavioral impacts of sleep deprivation, sleep restriction, and circadian rhythms. Little …

Understanding the molecular basis of repeatedly evolved phenotypes can yield key insights
into the evolutionary process. Quantifying gene flow between populations is especially …

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that a single phenotype can be produced by many
different genotypes; however, in natural systems, it is frequently found that phenotypic …

Recent years have witnessed renewed interest in defining the embryonic cell populations
that directly contribute to the bony skull. This question lies at the intersection of several …

Identifying the genetic factors that underlie complex traits is central to understanding the
mechanistic underpinnings of evolution. Cave-dwelling Astyanax mexicanus populations are …