Selection Signatures in Racing Pigeons¶
Published title: Signatures of selection on standing genetic variation underlie athletic and navigational performance in racing pigeons
Authors: Gazda MA et al. (2018)
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msy030
Plain-language summary (an analogy)¶
This study is like doing archaeology on the pigeon genome - it scanned the racing pigeon genome for the marks left by long-term artificial and natural selection and found that flight and navigation ability are the product of many genes working together. It breaks the myth of single-gene determinism.
Abstract¶
This genomic study explored the genetic variation linked to flight and navigation ability and analysed the signatures that natural selection has left on standing genetic variation in racing pigeons. The results suggest a complex polygenic architecture rather than a single-gene effect.
Research question¶
Does the genetic variation associated with flight and navigation ability in racing pigeons show signatures of natural selection?
Background¶
The flight and navigation ability of racing pigeons is the result of long-term selection. Genome scans can identify the genetic loci that have been under selection.
Methods¶
Population genomics methods were used to scan the racing pigeon genome for regions under selection and to analyse the variants associated with flight and navigation.
Findings¶
Several regions under selection were identified in association with flight and navigation ability, pointing to a polygenic architecture for these traits.
Interpretation of results¶
The research suggests that flight and navigation ability are complex polygenic traits rather than being determined by a single gene. This is association evidence.
Limitations¶
What population genomics identifies is regions under selection; the specific causal genes and their functions still need further verification.
Significance¶
It supports a polygenic view of the genetics of racing pigeon performance and avoids the oversimplification of single-gene determinism.
Evidence grade¶
Association (association-level evidence)
Testing services on the main site¶
Testing services built on this research literature - visit the Seno Genetic Testing Center main site → Knowledge Center.