Big takeaway #3: Selection acted on different targets within a particular repeated leaf developmental regulatory network (adaxial–abaxial polarity), not on a single “master” gene.
➡️ Multiple entry points into the same phenotype
➡️ Consistent with network/“omnigenic” architectures
Big takeaway #2: Same trait, different genes: leaf lobing evolved multiple times independently—but via different genes within the same developmental pathway.
➡️ Phenotypic convergence
➡️ Distinct genetic routes
We have a new paper out on one of evolution’s “classic” systems: Galápagos Scalesia plants! 🌿
How do you generate huge differences in leaf shape across species in <1 million years?
We combined genomics + morphology + transcriptomics across the full radiation 👇
Big takeaway #1: Adaptive radiation doesn’t always require lots of new, de-novo mutation.
Despite large their phenotypic diversity, different species not strongly differentiated.
Evolution repeatedly drew on overlapping genetic variation during Scalesia’s rapid diversification.
Big takeaway #4: Populations show strong genetic structure + long-term isolation → widespread incipient speciation
➡️ Many “species” may contain multiple lineages
➡️ Conservation should treat populations as distinct units
It was a big team effort—thanks to the many wonderful co-authors 🙌
THANK YOU to Dr. Vanessa Bieker for her excellent work, and the ‘dream team’ including:
@jleebensmack.bsky.social
@pablovargas1111.bsky.social
@pjaramillod.bsky.social
@plantdevo.bsky.social
@naturalselection.bsky.social
@mfmazuecos.bsky.social
@jazminrm.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
