| Description |
1 online resource |
| Contents |
Introduction: The Emergence of the Mexican Cavefish as an Important Model System for Understanding Phenotypic Evolution -- Part I: Ecology and Evolution: Chapter 1. Cave Exploration and Mapping in the Sierra de El Abra Region -- Chapter 2. Hydrogeology of Caves in the Sierra de El Abra Region -- Chapter 3. Cave Biodiversity and Ecology of the Sierra de El Abra Region -- Chapter 4. Phylogeny and Evolutionary History of Astyanax mexicanus -- Part II: Genetic Diversity and Quantitative Genetics: Chapter 5. Regressive Evolution: Testing Hypotheses of Selection and Drift -- Chapter 6. Mapping the Genetic Basis of Troglomorphy in Astyanax: How Far We Have Come and Where Do We Go from Here? -- Chapter 7. Selection Through Standing Genetic Variation -- Part III: Morphology and Development: Chapter 8. Pigment Regression and Albinism in Astyanax Cavefish -- Chapter 9. Molecular Mechanisms of Eye Degeneration in Cavefish -- Chapter 10. The Evolution of the Cavefish Craniofacial Complex -- Chapter 11. Evolution and Development of the Cavefish Oral Jaws: Adaptations for Feeding -- Chapter 12. Neural Development and Evolution in Astyanax mexicanus: Comparing Cavefish and Surface Fish Brains -- Part IV: Behavior: Chapter 13. The Evolution of Sensory Adaptation in Astyanax mexicanus -- Chapter 14. Feeding Behavior, Starvation Response, and Endocrine Regulation of Feeding in Mexican Blind Cavefish (Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus) -- Chapter 15. Investigating the Evolution of Sleep in the Mexican Cavefish -- Chapter 16. Daily Rhythms in a Timeless Environment: Circadian Clocks in Astyanax mexicanus -- Chapter 17. Social Behavior and Aggressiveness in Astyanax -- Chapter 18. Spatial Mapping in Perpetual Darkness: EvoDevo of Behavior in Astyanax mexicanus Cavefish -- Part V: Future Applications: Chapter 19. Transgenesis and Future Applications for Cavefish Research -- Concluding Remarks: The Astyanax Community |
| Summary |
Biology and Evolution of the Mexican Cavefish features contributions by leading researchers in a comprehensive, unique work that examines a number of distinct areas of biology--evolution, development, ecology, and behavior--using the Mexican cavefish as a powerful model system to further understanding of basic biological processes such as eye degeneration, hearing, craniofacial development, sleep, and metabolic function. These fish are currently being used to better understand a number of issues related to human health, including age-related blindness, sleep, obesity, mood-related disorders, and aging. The recent sequencing of the cavefish genome broadens the interest of this system to groups working with diverse biological systems, and has helped researchers identify genes that regulate sleep, eye degeneration, and metabolic function. Mexican cavefish are particularly powerful for the study of biological processes because these fish evolved independently in twenty-nine caves in the Sierra de el Abra Region of Northeast Mexico. These fish have dramatic adaptations to the cave environment, and this can be used to identify genes involved in disease-related traits. This scholarly text will be of interest to researchers and students throughout diverse areas of biology and ecology. It includes photographs of animals and behavior in laboratory and natural settings that will also increase interest and accessibility to non-experts. Includes a mixture of images and illustrations such as the geographical distribution of cave pools and the developmental biology of the nervous system Features a companion site with geographical maps Fills a notable gap in the literature on a topic of broad interest to the scientific community Presents the recent sequencing of the cavefish genome as a groundbreaking development for researchers working with diverse biological systems |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
Online resource; title from PDF title page (EBSCO, viewed October 20, 2015) |
| Subject |
Astyanax mexicanus -- Evolution
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Astyanax mexicanus -- Habitat
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NATURE -- Animals -- Fish.
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SCIENCE -- Life Sciences -- Zoology -- Ichthyology & Herpetology.
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| Author |
Keene, Alex Carl, editor.
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Yoshizawa, Masato, editor.
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McGaugh, Suzanne E., editor.
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| ISBN |
9780128023655 |
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0128023651 |
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