Museomics Dissects the Genetic Basis for Adaptive Seasonal Coloration in the Least Weasel.

ABSTRACT: Dissecting the link between genetic variation and adaptive phenotypes provides outstanding opportunities to understand fundamental evolutionary processes. Here, we use a museomics approach to investigate the genetic basis and evolution of winter coat coloration morphs in least weasels (Mustela nivalis), a repeated adaptation for camouflage in mammals with seasonal pelage color moults across regions with varying winter snow. Whole-genome sequence data were obtained from biological collections and mapped onto a newly assembled reference genome for the species. Sampling represented two replicate transition zones between nivalis and vulgaris coloration morphs in Europe, which typically develop white or brown winter coats, respectively. Population analyses showed that the morph distribution acr

SUBMITTER: Miranda I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8476133 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature