Finches sequenced

Magdalena Skipper

Nature, 2015, vol. 518, issue 7539, 308-308

Abstract: Beak evolution genetics in Darwin's finches Darwin's finches, from the Galápagos archipelago and nearby Cocos Island, are the iconic model for studies of evolution and particularly of speciation. Comprehensive genome sequencing of 120 individuals, including all Darwin's finch species and two close relatives, reveals important discrepancies with morphology-based taxonomy, including evidence that hybridization has given rise to species of mixed ancestry. Beak shape has traditionally featured prominently in discussions of finch adaptation. The study shows how a haplotype encompassing the ALX1 gene — encoding a transcription factor affecting craniofacial development — is strongly associated with beak shape diversity across Darwin's finches and in the medium ground finch (a species that has undergone rapid evolution of beak shape in response to environmental changes).

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/518308a

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