Turtles (Testudines) have captivated evolutionary biologists for decades due to their distinct morphology and ancient origins. Recent studies have elucidated the evolutionary transformations that led ...

In vertebrates, the formation of feathers, hair, and scales is typically governed by molecular genetic factors. However, crocodile head scales are an exception, as they form through a purely ...

A study shows that turtles use both genetic signals and mechanical forces to form the scales on their heads, revealing a shared heritage with crocodiles and dinosaurs. In vertebrates, the formation of ...

One head, two mechanisms The laboratory of Michel Milinkovitch, professor in the Department of Genetics and Evolution at UNIGE's Faculty of Science, had previously elucidated this mechanism in ...