The role of timing in the development and evolution of the limb

The term heterochrony was coined to describe changes in the timing of developmental processes relative to an ancestral state. Limb development is a well-suited system to address the contribution of heterochrony to morphological evolution. We illustrate how timing mechanisms have been used to establish the correct pattern of the limb and provide cases where natural variations in timing have led to changes in limb morphology.

Automated summary

Heterochrony refers to changes in the timing of developmental processes relative to an ancestral state. Limb development is a suitable system to study the contribution of heterochrony to morphological evolution. We demonstrate how timing mechanisms have been utilized to establish the correct limb pattern and present cases where natural variations in timing have resulted in changes in limb morphology.