Traits are often lost during evolution, either because they are no longer beneficial or because they are too costly to maintain. When this happens, it is generally believed that the genes underlying the trait will eventually degrade as well, making it difficult if not impossible for the trait to re-emerge. Yet there are numerous examples in nature of once-lost traits re-emerging in descendent lineages. Traits are often lost during evolution, either because they are no longer beneficial or because they are too costly to maintain. When this happens, it is generally believed that the genes underlying the trait will eventually degrade as well, making it difficult if not impossible for the trait to re-emerge. Yet there are numerous examples in nature of once-lost traits re-emerging in descendent lineages. Evolution Molecular & Computational biology Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories
Study reveals maintenance of male-related genes after loss of males in stick insects
