Admixture mapping in a hybrid zone reveals loci associated with avian feather coloration.

ABSTRACT: Identifying the genetic bases for colour patterns has provided important insights into the control and expression of pigmentation and how these characteristics influence fitness. However, much more is known about the genetic bases for traits based on melanin pigments than for traits based on another major class of pigments, carotenoids. Here, we use natural admixture in a hybrid zone between Audubon's and myrtle warblers (Setophaga coronata auduboni/S. c. coronata) to identify genomic regions associated with both types of pigmentation. Warblers are known for rapid speciation and dramatic differences in plumage. For each of five plumage coloration traits, we found highly significant associations with multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome and these w

SUBMITTER: Brelsford A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5698634 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature