International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 162-173 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 167 Figure 2 Many genes have evolutionary rates correlated with longevity phenotypes as demonstrated by analysis with RERconverge (Adopted from Kowalczyk et al., 2020) Image caption: (A) A subset of species used for this analysis alongside their maximum longevity values. Lifespan varies widely across mammals independent of phylogeny. (B) Mammal body size and maximum lifespan values for 61 species. Lines represent the 3L phenotype and the ELL phenotype. (C) RERconverge pipeline to find correlation between relative evolutionary rates of genes and change in lifespan phenotypes. (D and E) Distribution of p-values from correlations between evolutionary rates of genes and change in the 3L and ELL phenotypes indicate an enrichment of significant correlations (Adopted from Kowalczyk et al., 2020) 7.4 Evolution of reproductive strategies and mechanisms Reproductive strategies in mammals are highly diverse and have evolved to maximize reproductive success in varying environmental contexts. The Peromyscus genus serves as an excellent model for studying this diversity, with species exhibiting different reproductive phenologies and litter investments that are likely locally adaptive (Wilsterman and Cunningham, 2022). The platyfish, although not a mammal, offers insights into the evolution of viviparity (live birth), a trait that has independently evolved in several mammalian lineages. Genes associated with viviparity in the platyfish show signatures of positive selection, suggesting similar genetic mechanisms may be at play in mammals (Schartl et al., 2013). Furthermore, marine mammals have undergone convergent evolution in reproductive traits, with genes related to reproductive physiology showing adaptive changes to support life in aquatic environments (Foote et al., 2015). 8 Molecular Techniques in Evolutionary Studies 8.1 Advances in genomics and sequencing technologies The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has significantly advanced our understanding of genomics and evolutionary biology. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have enabled the rapid sequencing of entire genomes, providing comprehensive data on genetic variation across a wide range of organisms. This genomic revolution has facilitated the annotation of genomes, allowing researchers to link genetic sequences with
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