Walking stick (Insect: Phasmida) Phylogeny and the Evolution of Insect Flight Based on Molecular Data

Authors

Taylor J. Maxwell, Brigham Young University
Dr. Michael F. Whiting, Brigham Young University

Keywords

walking stick, Phasmida, insect, wings, flight

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

The evolution and development of wings and flight has fascinated scientists for decades. From our research we happened upon an exciting discovery concerning flight in the phylogeny of walking sticks. A basic phylogeny was to be reconstructed from molecular data with the purpose of understanding the classification of the group. The phylogeny enabled us to discover the initial loss of wings and flight in phasmid history and the consequent gain of flight in later lineages. We are not aware of any other organism, which has lost and subsequently regained such a complex character.

Recommended Citation

Maxwell, Taylor J. and Whiting, Dr. Michael F. (2013) "Walking stick (Insect: Phasmida) Phylogeny and the Evolution of Insect Flight Based on Molecular Data," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1493.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1493