The evolutionary importance of ontogenetic change has been noted since Darwin. However, most analyses of phenotypic evolution focus on single landmark ages. Here, we present an inheritance study that quantifies genetic variation in pigmentation across early-age (i.e., birth to 180 days) development in 2 populations of the common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis. The populations are phenotypica...

Skin pigmentation disorders pose serious dermatological concerns and bring immense psychological burdens to individuals suffering from them. Vitiligo is one such disorder resistant various conventional treatments. It caused by an autoimmune-mediated destruction of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in focal loss skin pigmentation. The hair follicle bulge holds a stem cell (SC) population directly...