Leg length and bristle density, both necessary for water surface locomotion, are genetically correlated in water striders [Evolution]

Access to hitherto unexploited ecological opportunities is associated with phenotypic evolution and often results in significant lineage diversification. Yet our understanding of the mechanisms underlying such adaptive traits remains limited. Water striders have been able to exploit the water–air interface, primarily facilitated by changes in the density of hydrophobic bristles...

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - February 22, 2022 Category: Science Authors: Cedric Finet, Amelie Decaras, Maria Rutkowska, Pascale Roux, Samuel Collaudin, Pauline Joncour, Severine Viala, Abderrahman Khila Tags: Evolution Biological Sciences Source Type: research