Male pipefish have a brood pouch in which they carry and protect developing embryos. The gene patristacin plays a major role in the formation and function of the pouch. An evolutionary analysis revealed that patristacin is involved in liver and kidney function in all other fish (other male fish do not produce a brood pouch). This provides an example of
A) co-option.
B) irreducible complexity.
C) group selection.
D) trade-offs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Co-option refers to the process where existing structures or genes are repurposed for new functions. In this case, the gene patristacin, originally involved in liver and kidney function, has been co-opted in male pipefish for the development and function of a brood pouch.

Male Pipefish Have a Brood Pouch in Which They Carry