Monday, 20 November 2017

A warbler's flashy yellow throat? There are genes for that


Research might have pinpointed some of the genetic machinery responsible for the plumage colouration in Audubon's and myrtle warblers, related but distinctly feathered North American songbirds

Date:  November 8, 2017
Source:  University of British Columbia

Summary:
Birds get their bright red, orange and yellow plumage from carotenoid pigments -- responsible for many of the same bright colors in plants. But how songbirds turn carotenoids into the spectacular variety of feathered patches found in nature has remained a mystery. Now research might have pinpointed some of the genetic machinery responsible for the plumage coloration in Audubon's and myrtle warblers, related but distinctly feathered North American songbirds.
    

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