Environment-Dependent Genotype-Phenotype Associations in Avian Breeding Time.

ABSTRACT: Understanding how genes shape phenotypes is essential to assess the evolutionary potential of a trait. Identifying the genes underlying quantitative behavioral or life-history traits has, however, proven to be a major challenge. The majority of these traits are phenotypically plastic and different parts of the genome can be involved in shaping the trait under different environmental conditions. These variable genotype-phenotype associations could be one explanation for the limited success of genome-wide association studies in such traits. We here use avian seasonal timing of breeding, a trait that is highly plastic in response to spring temperature, to explore effects of such genotype-by-environment interactions in genome-wide association studies. We genotyped 2045 great tit females for 38

SUBMITTER: Gienapp P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5543038 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature