Developmental bias, or genetic channeling, can influence the tempo and direction of
evolution and, thus, become reflected in patterns of biodiversity. Twenty years ago, this …

Eyespots are found in a variety of animals, in particular lepidopterans. The role of eyespots
as antipredator mechanisms has been discussed since the 19th Century, with two main …

Why are animal signals reliable? This is the central problem for evolutionary biologists
interested in signals. Of course, not all signals are reliable; but most are, otherwise receivers …

Life history theory seeks to explain the evolution of the major features of life cycles by
analyzing the ecological factors that shape age-specific schedules of growth, reproduction …

According to what we term the balance hypothesis, an imbalance in the concentration of the
subcomponents of a protein–protein complex can be deleterious. If so, there are two …

A new voice in the nature-nurture debate can be heard at the interface between evolution
and development. Phenotypic integration--or, how large numbers of characteristics are …

Sexual and natural selection pressures are thought to shape the characteristic wing patterns
of butterfly species. Here we test whether sexual selection by female choice plays a role in …

The butterfly Bicyclus anynana exhibits phenotypic plasticity involving the wet–season
phenotype, which possesses marginal eyespots on the ventral surface of the wings, and the …

This article reviews the latest developments in our understanding of the origin, development,
and evolution of nymphalid butterfly eyespots. Recent contributions to this field include …

Background Predators preferentially attack vital body parts to avoid prey escape.
Consequently, prey adaptations that make predators attack less crucial body parts are …