Adapting to darkness: How behavioral and genetic changes helped cavefish survive extreme environment
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 - 22:21
in Biology & Nature
Biologists have identified how changes in both behavior and genetics led to the evolution of the Mexican blind cavefish from its sighted, surface-dwelling ancestor. They identified a behavioral shift that was advantageous for feeding success in the dark, and linked it to its genetic basis in the fish's lateral line. This is the first time that a clear link has been identified between behavior, genetics, and evolution in Mexican blind cavefish.