Evidence for GC-biased gene conversion as a driver of between-lineage differences in avian base composition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While effective population size (Ne) and life history traits such as generation time are known to impact substitution rates, their potential effects on base composition evolution are less well understood. GC content increases with decreasing body mass in mammals, consistent with recombination-associated GC biased gene conversion (gBGC) more strongly impacting these lineages. However, shifts in chromosomal architecture and recombination landscapes between species may complicate the interpretation of these results. In birds, interchromosomal rearrangements are rare and the recombination landscape is conserved, suggesting that this group is well suited to assess the impact of life history on base composition.

Results

Employing data from 45 newly and 3 previously sequ

SUBMITTER: Weber CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4290106 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature