Evolution of endothermy in fish: mapping physiological traits on a molecular phylogeny.

Full Abstract

Mackerels, tunas, and billfishes (suborder Scombroidei and Teleostei) provide an ideal taxonomic context in which to examine the evolution of endothermy. Multiple origins and diverse strategies for endothermy exist among these fish. Here a molecular phylogeny of the Scombroidei has been determined by direct sequencing of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The distribution of endothermic species within this proposed genealogy indicates that the ability to warm the brain and retina arose independently in three lineages, each time in association with a movement into colder water. This suggests that the evolution of cranial endothermy in fish was selected in order to permit thermal niche expansion and not selected for increased aerobic capacity.

Author information

Author/s: Block, B A (BA); Finnerty, J R (JR); Stewart, A F (AF); Kidd, J (J);

Affiliation: Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, IL 60637.

Grants: AR40246 (Agency:NIAMS NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.) (Science), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1993-Apr; vol 260 (issue 5105) : pp 210-4

Dates: Created 1993/05/10; Completed 1993/05/10; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 8469974, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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