Which gene is commonly associated with variation in armor plate number in sticklebacks?

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Multiple Choice

Which gene is commonly associated with variation in armor plate number in sticklebacks?

Explanation:
Armor plate number in sticklebacks is mainly controlled by a single major-effect gene, Eda. Eda encodes ectodysplasin A, a signaling molecule that drives the development of ectodermal structures like the bony plates along the fish’s sides. In many freshwater populations, a regulatory change near Eda reduces its expression during plate formation, leading to fewer plates. This pattern repeats across independent freshwater populations, showing parallel evolution driven by the same genetic mechanism. Other genes may influence different features (for example, Pitx1 is linked to pelvic spines), but Eda is the best-known driver of variation in armor plate number.

Armor plate number in sticklebacks is mainly controlled by a single major-effect gene, Eda. Eda encodes ectodysplasin A, a signaling molecule that drives the development of ectodermal structures like the bony plates along the fish’s sides. In many freshwater populations, a regulatory change near Eda reduces its expression during plate formation, leading to fewer plates. This pattern repeats across independent freshwater populations, showing parallel evolution driven by the same genetic mechanism. Other genes may influence different features (for example, Pitx1 is linked to pelvic spines), but Eda is the best-known driver of variation in armor plate number.

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