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PLoS Computational Biology Issue Image | Vol. 15(4) May 2019

Gecko skin patterning and random versus genetic and environmental effects

The top three gecko patterns were generated with simulations of pattern formation using identical parameters. Differences in these patterns are due only to random effects in the patterning process. Kiskowski et al. use computational models to understand the role of random effects in a set of naturally occurring gecko patterns. Are the differences between similar gecko patterns attributable to random effects alone, or is variation in genes and environment required to explain these differences? Simulation parameters represent genetic and environmental influences on patterns. Variation of these parameters can produce very distinct patterns (bottom row).

Image Credit: Kiskowski et al.

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Gecko skin patterning and random versus genetic and environmental effects

The top three gecko patterns were generated with simulations of pattern formation using identical parameters. Differences in these patterns are due only to random effects in the patterning process. Kiskowski et al. use computational models to understand the role of random effects in a set of naturally occurring gecko patterns. Are the differences between similar gecko patterns attributable to random effects alone, or is variation in genes and environment required to explain these differences? Simulation parameters represent genetic and environmental influences on patterns. Variation of these parameters can produce very distinct patterns (bottom row).

Image Credit: Kiskowski et al.

https://doi.org/10.1371/image.pcbi.v15.i04.g001