A role for differential gene regulation in the rapid diversification of melanic plumage coloration in the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)

ABSTRACT: Plumage color plays a prominent role in reproductive isolation and thus understanding the genetic basis of pigmentation patterns can provide critical insight into speciation. Subspecies of the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) show marked differences in melanic plumage coloration known to have evolved rapidly since the Last Glacial Maximum just 18,000 years ago. To understand this rapid radiation we studied the pigment composition and the genetic basis of coloration in two divergent subspecies, the slate-colored and Oregon juncos. We used HPLC and light microscopy to investigate pigment deposition patterns in feathers from four body areas. RNA-seq data generated under common garden experimental conditions were then used to compare the relative roles of differential gene expression in growin

INSTRUMENT(S): Illumina HiSeq 2000

ORGANISM(S): Junco hyemalis

SUBMITTER: Etienne Kornobis 

PROVIDER: E-MTAB-6794 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress