Evolutionary Ecology and the Transition to Multicellularity: Hydrodynamics and the Volvocalean Green Algae as a Model System to Explain the Evolution of Multicellularity and Cellular Differentiation - Couverture souple

Solari, Cristian Alejandro

 
9783836492478: Evolutionary Ecology and the Transition to Multicellularity: Hydrodynamics and the Volvocalean Green Algae as a Model System to Explain the Evolution of Multicellularity and Cellular Differentiation
Couverture souple
ISBN 10 : 3836492474 ISBN 13 : 9783836492478
Editeur : VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2008

Synopsis

The fitness of any evolutionary unit can be understood in terms of its two basic components: fecundity and viability. The trade-offs between these fitness components drive the evolution of many life-history traits in extant multicellular lineages. Here, I show that the emergence of individuality at a higher level during the uni-multicellular transition can also be a consequence of these trade-offs. I argue that germ-soma separation evolved as a means to counteract the increasing costs of larger multicellular colonies. Volvocalean green algae are uniquely suited for studying this transition since they range from unicells to undifferentiated colonies, to multicellular individuals with germ-soma separation. In these flagellated organisms, the increase in cell specialization observed as colony size increases can be explained in terms of increased motility requirements. Standard hydrodynamics is used to analyze motility in the Volvocales as colony size increases. The results of my work show that the evolution of multicellularity and germ-soma separation are the expected outcome of reducing the cost of reproduction in order to realize the benefits associated with increasing size.

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Présentation de l'éditeur

The fitness of any evolutionary unit can be understood in terms of its two basic components: fecundity and viability. The trade-offs between these fitness components drive the evolution of many life-history traits in extant multicellular lineages. Here, I show that the emergence of individuality at a higher level during the uni-multicellular transition can also be a consequence of these trade-offs. I argue that germ-soma separation evolved as a means to counteract the increasing costs of larger multicellular colonies. Volvocalean green algae are uniquely suited for studying this transition since they range from unicells to undifferentiated colonies, to multicellular individuals with germ-soma separation. In these flagellated organisms, the increase in cell specialization observed as colony size increases can be explained in terms of increased motility requirements. Standard hydrodynamics is used to analyze motility in the Volvocales as colony size increases. The results of my work show that the evolution of multicellularity and germ-soma separation are the expected outcome of reducing the cost of reproduction in order to realize the benefits associated with increasing size.

Biographie de l'auteur

Cristian A. Solari, Ph.D.: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona. Currently: CONICET Researcher, Laboratory of Comparative Biology of Protists, FCEN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Continuous visiting researcher, laboratory of Dr. Raymond Goldstein, DAMTP, University of Cambridge, UK.

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
Date d'édition
2008
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
3836492474
ISBN 13 
9783836492478
Reliure
Broché
Nombre de pages
88
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
non disponible