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Repeated evolution: Webbed foot evolved many times independently
The webbed foot is a specialized limb present in a variety of vertebrates that aids in locomotion. This adaptation is primarily found in semi-aquatic species, and has convergently (repeatedly) evolved many times across vertebrate taxa. It likely arose from mutations in developmental genes that normally cause tissue between the digits to apoptose. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webbed_foot one would think, that there was some […]
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Repeated evolution: Viral envelope has evolved several times independently
In sum, our extensive review has revealed a close association between cell walls and nonenveloped viruses that was not bound to particular types of host organism. The cell wall provides a physical barrier that hinders the interaction of receptors on the viral envelope with receptors in the cell membrane, an interaction that is central to […]