Genetic Basis and Evolutionary Forces of Sexually Dimorphic Color Variation in a Toad-Headed Agamid Lizard.

ABSTRACT: In the animal kingdom, sexually dimorphic color variation is a widespread phenomenon that significantly influences survival and reproductive success. However, the genetic underpinnings of this variation remain inadequately understood. Our investigation into sexually dimorphic color variation in the desert-dwelling Guinan population of the toad-headed agamid lizard (Phrynocephalus putjatai) utilized a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing phenotypic, ultrastructural, biochemical, genomic analyses, and behavioral experiments. Our findings unveil the association between distinct skin colorations and varying levels of carotenoid and pteridine pigments. The red coloration in males is determined by a genomic region on chromosome 14, housing four pigmentation genes: BCO2 and three 6-pyruvoylte

SUBMITTER: Lu B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10963123 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature