Published in Science Advances · View the paper (DOI)
A recent study sheds light on the genetic underpinnings behind color polymorphism in adult females of cuckoo birds, revealing a single mutation for female-only polychromatism over 1 million years ago. The study found that variations in gray or rufous coloration are associated with the full length of the female-limited W chromosome.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Grey cuckoo, red cuckoo: unveiling the genomic secrets of color polymorphism in female cuckoo birds Advanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY · Apr 24, 2024 · first to report
- Color variants in cuckoos: the advantages of rareness Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München · Apr 24, 2024