Chapter 21 - Reconstructing and Using Phylogenies - 21.3 - Phylogeny Makes Biology Comparative and Predictive - 21.3 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 462: 2

Scientists used phylogenetic analysis of opsins from modern vertebrates to estimate the amino acid sequence of the visual pigment from the ancestral archosaur. A protein with the estimated sequence was produced in the laboratory. After testing, the biologists found a significant shift toward the lower-energy end of the spectrum in the light sensitivity capabilities of this protein relative to most modern opsin.

Scientists used phylogenetic analysis of opsins from modern vertebrates to estimate the amino acid sequence of the visual pigment from the ancestral archosaur. A protein with the estimated sequence was produced in the laboratory. After testing, the biologists found a significant shift toward the lower-energy end of the spectrum in the light sensitivity capabilities of this protein relative to most modern opsin.