Cichlid Fish Teeth Show Rapid Evolutionary Shifts Drive Diversification

Research from UC Davis reveals that the rapid diversification of cichlid fish in Africa's Great Lakes is linked to the evolutionary lability [ability to change] of their teeth. The study, led by Nick Peoples, examined over 30,000 fish species, focusing on 1,000 African cichlids. It found that while complex teeth evolved 86 times across fish evolution, cichlids uniquely switch between simple and complex teeth. This flexibility, facilitated by a retained genetic blueprint, allows for swift adaptation to changing environments, driving species formation. The study challenges the idea that evolutionary innovation alone drives diversification. Instead, the ability to rapidly gain or lose traits is crucial. Cichlids' dental adaptations, ranging from basic cone-shaped to complex multi-cusped teeth, enable them to exploit diverse prey. The research suggests the capacity to alternate between dental types is a significant factor in the emergence of new species. This adaptability may apply to other organisms with multistable traits, like adhesive toe pads in tree frogs. The findings highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation in evolution.