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Polyandrous birds evolve faster than monogamous ones, says research

Researchers at the University of Bath found that shorebird species with polyandrous mating systems exhibit faster evolution rates than monogamous species. Genetic changes in the sex chromosomes revealed that Z chromosome mutations are more influential due to genetic drift.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Male birds have stronger immune system than females, research suggests

A study published in Immunogenetics found that male Kentish Plovers have stronger immune systems than females due to the presence of two active copies of immune genes on their Z chromosome. This may explain why males tend to survive longer than females in this species.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalImmunogenetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Mutation speeds up sperm of zebra finches

Researchers found that a mutation causing an inversion on the Z chromosome increases sperm velocity and morphology, leading to higher fertilization rates and reproductive success. This study provides insight into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying infertility in zebra finches.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 17, 2017
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When butterfly male sex-bias flaps its wings

Researchers found dosage compensation to be widespread in butterflies and moths, with consistent expression of Z-linked genes between sexes. However, gonads showed imbalance due to masculinization of the Z chromosome and loss of female-biased genes.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 6, 2017