A non-coding region near Follistatin controls head colour polymorphism in the Gouldian finch.

ABSTRACT: Discrete colour morphs coexisting within a single population are common in nature. In a broad range of organisms, sympatric colour morphs often display major differences in other traits, including morphology, physiology or behaviour. Despite the repeated occurrence of this phenomenon, our understanding of the genetics that underlie multi-trait differences and the factors that promote the long-term maintenance of phenotypic variability within a freely interbreeding population are incomplete. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of red and black head colour in the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), a classic polymorphic system in which naturally occurring colour morphs also display differences in aggressivity and reproductive success. We show that the candidate locus is a small (

SUBMITTER: Toomey MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6191701 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature