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- Title
Comparative anatomy and phylogenetic distribution of the mammalian cecal appendix.
- Authors
Smith, H F; Fisher, R E; Everett, M L; Thomas, A D; Bollinger, R Randal; Parker, W
- Abstract
A recently improved understanding of gut immunity has merged with current thinking in biological and medical science, pointing to an apparent function of the mammalian cecal appendix as a safe-house for symbiotic gut microbes, preserving the flora during times of gastrointestinal infection in societies without modern medicine. This function is potentially a selective force for the evolution and maintenance of the appendix, and provides an impetus for reassessment of the evolution of the appendix. A comparative anatomical approach reveals three apparent morphotypes of the cecal appendix, as well as appendix-like structures in some species that lack a true cecal appendix. Cladistic analyses indicate that the appendix has evolved independently at least twice (at least once in diprotodont marsupials and at least once in Euarchontoglires), shows a highly significant (P < 0.0001) phylogenetic signal in its distribution, and has been maintained in mammalian evolution for 80 million years or longer.
- Publication
Journal of evolutionary biology, 2009, Vol 22, Issue 10, p1984
- ISSN
1420-9101
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01809.x