Layered evolution of gene expression in "superfast" muscles for courtship.

ABSTRACT: Identifying the molecular process of complex trait evolution is a core goal of biology. However, pinpointing the specific context and timing of trait-associated changes within the molecular evolutionary history of an organism remains an elusive goal. We study this topic by exploring the molecular basis of elaborate courtship evolution, which represents an extraordinary example of trait innovation. Within the behaviorally diverse radiation of Central and South American manakin birds, species from two separate lineages beat their wings together using specialized “superfast” muscles to generate a “snap” that helps attract mates. Here, we develop an empirical approach to analyze phylogenetic lineage-specific shifts in gene expression in the key snap-performing muscle and then integrate these f

SUBMITTER: Pease JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9168950 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature