Currently, approximately 3000 species of stick insects are known; however, chromosome numbers, which range between 21 and 88, are known for only a few of these insects. Also, centromere banding staining (C-banding) patterns were described for fewer than 10 species, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied exclusively in two species. Interestingly, 10-25% of stick insects (Phasmatodea) are obligatory or facultative parthenogenetic. As clonal and/or bisexual reproduction can affect chromosomal evolution, stick insect karyotypes need to be studied more intensely. Chromosome preparation from embryos of five Phasmatodea species (, , , , and ) from four families were studied here by C-banding and FISH applying ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) and telomeric repeat probes. For three species, data on chromosome numbers and structure were obtained here for the first time, i.e., , , and . Large C-positive regions enriched with rDNA were identified in all five studied, distantly related species. Some of these C-positive blocks were enriched for telomeric repeats, as well. Chromosomal evolution of stick insects is characterized by variations in chromosome numbers as well as transposition and amplification of repetitive DNA sequences. Here, the first steps were made towards identification of individual chromosomes in Phasmatodea.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5704240 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes8110327 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Functional monocentricity with holocentric characteristics and chromosome-specific centromeres in a stick insect.
Sci Adv
January 2025
Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Centromeres are essential for chromosome segregation in eukaryotes, yet their specification is unexpectedly diverse among species and can involve major transitions such as those from localized to chromosome-wide centromeres between monocentric and holocentric species. How this diversity evolves remains elusive. We discovered within-cell variation in the recruitment of the major centromere protein CenH3, reminiscent of variation typically observed among species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDivergence time and environmental similarity predict the strength of morphological convergence in stick and leaf insects.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
January 2025
Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812.
Article Synopsis
- Convergent evolution in similar environments supports the idea of natural selection but often shows imperfect similarities due to differing environmental factors and genetic variations.
- The study of 212 species of stick and leaf insects revealed that lineages independently adapted to similar habitats, demonstrating parallel morphological changes, though with variations in magnitude and direction.
- Findings indicate that environmental similarity drives closer morphological traits among lineages, while genetic divergence over time also plays a significant, predictable role in the extent of convergence.
Can sexual conflict drive transitions to asexuality? Female resistance to fertilization in a facultatively parthenogenetic insect.
Evolution
December 2024
Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Facultatively parthenogenetic animals could help reveal the role of sexual conflict in the evolution of sex. Although each female can reproduce both sexually (producing sons and daughters from fertilized eggs) and asexually (typically producing only daughters from unfertilized eggs), these animals often form distinct sexual and asexual populations. We hypothesized that asexual populations are maintained through female resistance as well as the decay of male traits.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomechanics and ontogeny of gliding in wingless stick insect nymphs (Extatosoma tiaratum).
J Exp Biol
December 2024
Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Many wingless arboreal arthropods can glide back to tree trunks following free falls. However, little is known about the behaviors and aerodynamics underlying such aerial performance, and how this may be influenced by body size. Here, we studied gliding performance by nymphs of the stick insect Extatosoma tiaratum, focusing on the dynamics of J-shaped trajectories and how gliding capability changes during ontogeny.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- This text presents a detailed catalogue of stick and leaf insect type specimens housed at the Zoological Museum Hamburg, totaling 305 specimens from 130 species.
- The catalogue includes various types, such as holotypes, lectotypes, and paratypes, with a focus on contributions from notable researchers like Redtenbacher and Zompro.
- The updated information will serve as a crucial resource for future research and taxonomy of the Phasmatodea group.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!