Environmental Genomics
Origins of biodiversity
Fur and feathers: same genes
One of the most spectacular examples of genetic variation in nature is the differences in colour between species. For example most male Galliformes (birds such as chickens, grouse and partridge) have very colourful plumage which varies across the species. This fantastic plumage is generally thought to have evolved by females selecting the most colourful males for mating (sexual selection).
Geneticists have already identified many genes that are involved in particular traits but it is important to know whether any or all of these genes are actually involved in the genetic changes that lead to adaptation. Genomic scientists set out to explore exactly which genes, and how many of them, underlie the variation in plumage colour.
The scientists found that some of the genes that give different feather colours in chickens and other birds are the same as those genes that give variation in coat colour in mammals.