Published in Science · View the paper (DOI)
Researchers discovered a single key enzyme, ALDH3A2, fine-tunes red and yellow pigments in parrots' plumage, controlling the balance of hues. This simple mechanism offers insight into the rapid evolution of diverse colors in parrots, a process driven by a single gene with a large effect.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Uncovered: the molecular basis of colorful parrot plumage American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) · Oct 31, 2024 · first to report
- HKU and BIOPOLIS-CIBIO biologists reveal the genetic ‘switch’ behind parrot color diversity The University of Hong Kong · Nov 15, 2024