Bioluminescence evolved in ostracod crustaceans some 200 Million Years ago, first used to ward off predation, later as a courtship signal. How did this eco-system-altering trait originate? The final version of a paper led by Lisa Mesrop, just released, addresses this question. 🧪🦑 #evolution #evodevo - ThreadSky

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ostratodd.bsky.social • 111 days ago

Bioluminescence evolved in ostracod crustaceans some 200 Million Years ago, first used to ward off predation, later as a courtship signal. How did this eco-system-altering trait originate? The final version of a paper led by Lisa Mesrop, just released, addresses this question. 🧪🦑 #evolution #evodevo

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ostratodd.bsky.social•111 days ago

The bioluminescence of these ostracods (Luminini) is secreted with mucus from a gland called the upper lip (labrum of many arthropods). Previous work established the luciferase gene used to create the light.
https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/doi/10.1093/molbev/msae216/7824848?utm_source=authortollfreelink&utm_campaign=mbe&utm_medium=email&guestAccessKey=ae2533fa-edcc-4dd3-99c1-6a451b11df97

ostratodd.bsky.social•111 days ago

This paper reports luciferase is co-expressed with many genes, including new ones like luciferase itself, and those from ancient secretory pathways in a "legacy-plus-innovation" mode of evolution. The ancient gene families include some related to toxin production and high-output protein secretion

ostratodd.bsky.social•111 days ago

Perhaps the anti-predatation mucus has toxins or distasteful compounds, something that remains untested. No matter what, these results demonstrate that the legacy-plus-innovation mode - so common in evolution - applies to light-producing signals generated by bioluminescent secretions.

ostratodd.bsky.social•111 days ago

This extension broadens the paradigm of secretory diversification to include not only chemical signals used in olfaction, gustation, and nociception but also bioluminescent light as an important medium of ecological interaction and evolutionary innovation.

ostratodd.bsky.social•111 days ago

Among secretory innovations, bioluminescence is particularly important because it evolved convergently many times to influence predator–prey interactions, while often producing courtship signals (pictured) linked to increased rates of speciation.

cracklytoes.bsky.social•110 days ago

love it

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