New
genomic data from 5 birds-of-paradise reveal genes that are shaped by selection
and help explain the origin of their spectacular plumage
Date: January 28, 2019
Source: GigaScience
A new
study published in the open access journal GigaScience explores the genomes of a fascinating group of
birds, birds-of-paradise, with work providing genome sequences from 5
birds-of-paradise species: 3 that did not have available genome sequences.
Birds-of-paradise, with their elaborate and colorful feathers as well as
complex courtship displays, have a special place in natural history. They serve
as a school-book example of sexual selection, which is the outcome of
generations of female mate choice of males that have "attractive"
features. The result is an unparalleled radiation of species where males
exhibit extreme morphological features and behaviors with no other evolutionary
meaning than to attract females for mating. However, very little is known about
the genetic variants that distinguish the lavishly colored birds-of-paradise
from their less conspicuous relatives, such as the collared flycatcher. Whole
genome availability of multiple species provides a rich resource for molecular
evolutionary to identify genes that came under the influence of sexual
selection, and a way to assess how these genes transformed the males' plumage
into a colorful asset for mating purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment