Phenotypic convergence or the independent evolution of similar traits in distinct evolutionary lineages is often considered compelling evidence for either external selective or internal developmental constraints. However, it is unclear whether such traits largely evolve through similar (i.e. convergent) or distinct (i.e. parallel) mechanisms. Studies uncovering the mechanisms underlying convergent plant traits will offer much-needed insight into the predictability and repeatability of evolution, and provide important functional insights that can be applied to plant conservation and crop improvement under current challenges of climate change.
Convergent evolution is widespread, if not ubiquitous, across the tree of life. Understanding how and why certain phenotypes arise repeatedly has been hampered by our ability to dissect traits at different levels of organization, and to conduct experiments in a wide range of taxa that have traditionally lacked detailed phylogenies, reference genomes, and protocols for transformation. The recent development of (epi)genetic and high throughput phenotyping tools in non-model plants now permits much broader, more comprehensive comparative analyses to reveal the underlying causes of repeated trait evolution over a range of evolutionary time scales. As such, the timing is right for an assessment of the types of convergent plant traits best suited for comparative analysis, and a re-examination of theories that frame the origins and recognition of biological convergence.
This Research Topic focuses on understanding the evolutionary and developmental origins of convergent plant traits that have contributed so profoundly to plant diversification and crop domestication. We encourage submissions of both Original Research articles and Reviews, including, but certainly not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Theoretical frameworks for understanding convergent trait evolution.
• Parallel evolution of mechanisms underlying plant trait convergence.
• Evolution of convergent complex traits in the genomics era.
• Comparative analysis of convergent plant breeding systems (e.g. flower morphologies, sex determination, flowering time, and meristem specification).
• Convergent molecular signatures of domestication-related traits.
• Repeated origins of physiological traits (e.g. annual and perennial life strategies, C4/CAM photosynthesis, and stress responses).
Please note that descriptive studies and those defining gene families or descriptive collection of transcripts, proteins, or metabolites, will not be considered for review unless they are expanded and provide mechanistic and/or physiological insights into the biological system or process being studied.
Phenotypic convergence or the independent evolution of similar traits in distinct evolutionary lineages is often considered compelling evidence for either external selective or internal developmental constraints. However, it is unclear whether such traits largely evolve through similar (i.e. convergent) or distinct (i.e. parallel) mechanisms. Studies uncovering the mechanisms underlying convergent plant traits will offer much-needed insight into the predictability and repeatability of evolution, and provide important functional insights that can be applied to plant conservation and crop improvement under current challenges of climate change.
Convergent evolution is widespread, if not ubiquitous, across the tree of life. Understanding how and why certain phenotypes arise repeatedly has been hampered by our ability to dissect traits at different levels of organization, and to conduct experiments in a wide range of taxa that have traditionally lacked detailed phylogenies, reference genomes, and protocols for transformation. The recent development of (epi)genetic and high throughput phenotyping tools in non-model plants now permits much broader, more comprehensive comparative analyses to reveal the underlying causes of repeated trait evolution over a range of evolutionary time scales. As such, the timing is right for an assessment of the types of convergent plant traits best suited for comparative analysis, and a re-examination of theories that frame the origins and recognition of biological convergence.
This Research Topic focuses on understanding the evolutionary and developmental origins of convergent plant traits that have contributed so profoundly to plant diversification and crop domestication. We encourage submissions of both Original Research articles and Reviews, including, but certainly not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Theoretical frameworks for understanding convergent trait evolution.
• Parallel evolution of mechanisms underlying plant trait convergence.
• Evolution of convergent complex traits in the genomics era.
• Comparative analysis of convergent plant breeding systems (e.g. flower morphologies, sex determination, flowering time, and meristem specification).
• Convergent molecular signatures of domestication-related traits.
• Repeated origins of physiological traits (e.g. annual and perennial life strategies, C4/CAM photosynthesis, and stress responses).
Please note that descriptive studies and those defining gene families or descriptive collection of transcripts, proteins, or metabolites, will not be considered for review unless they are expanded and provide mechanistic and/or physiological insights into the biological system or process being studied.