DWORKIN, Ian M.; University of Toronto: Simplifying Waddington’s Legacy: Variation, Canalization and Asymmetry

Recent interest in how developmental mechanisms can influence the rate and direction of evolution has lead to new theory pertaining to canalization (developmental buffering). Several models have been explored which examine under what conditions canalization might evolve, and how canalizing mechanisms for genetic and environmental stresses may be correlated. I will present some data related to tests of predictions of some models. Using an introgression method, I have tested the effects of Two different mutations Distal-less and Sternopleural on several different traits in Drosophila melanogaster in a variety of genetic backgrounds. I will also provide evidence for a common mechanism between canalization and developmental stability in a bristle trait.