Evolution: Polymorphic genes and false convergence
Abstract
Hemiplasy - which arises due to discordance between gene trees and species trees - can cause traits to appear convergent despite a single origin. New evidence suggests it is widespread in the bird tree of life, with important implications for identifying genes underlying differences among species and for accurately inferring evolutionary history.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation
Origins and Evolution of Life
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Current Biology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- R396–R399
- Publication date
- 1 May 2026
- Language
- EN