Abstract Detail

Discerning homologies: Gene expression, development, and morphology

Gleissberg, Stefan [1].

Homology assessments in Evolutionary Developmental Biology.

Homology is an indispensable concept in comparative biology, however it is also problematic because of differing perceptions and uses. In this presentation, I will first attempt a brief discussion of homology in relation to terms such as analogy and similarity. Then I will evaluate how the concept of homology may be developed in the framework of evolutionary developmental biology. It is discussed (1) how phylogenetic and non-phylogenetic connotations of homology relate to each other, (2) how the use of homology can be extended to developmental processes using the concept of heterochrony, and (3) how homology assessments at different organizational levels (whole organism to genetic) are interrelated.

1 - Johannes-Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Institute of Systematic Botany, Bentzelweg 9a, Mainz, D-55128, Germany

Keywords:
homology
heterochrony
EvoDevo
organizational level.

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 14-4
Location: Ballroom 1 (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 2:00 PM
Abstract ID:217