The zebra finch is an important model organism in several fields 1 , 2 with unique relevance
to human neuroscience 3 , 4 . Like other songbirds, the zebra finch communicates through …

Emergence of polyphagous herbivorous insects entails significant adaptation to recognize,
detoxify and digest a variety of host-plants. Despite of its biological and practical importance - …

Understanding the causes and consequences of variation in the rate of recombination is
essential since this parameter is considered to affect levels of genetic variability, the efficacy of …

The rapid wide‐scale spread of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has caused serious
crop losses globally. However, differences in the genetic background of subpopulations and …

Background Obtaining a draft genome sequence of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata),
the second bird genome to be sequenced, provides the necessary resource for whole-genome …

Genes linked to sex chromosomes may show different levels of functional change than
autosomal genes due to different evolutionary pressures. We used whole-genome data from …

Sex-biased gene expression is becoming an increasingly important way to study sexual
selection at the molecular genetic level. However, little is known about the timing, persistence, …

Selection modulates gene sequence evolution in different ways by constraining potential
changes of amino acid sequences (purifying selection) or by favoring new and adaptive …

Birds have female heterogamety with Z and W sex chromosomes. These evolved from
different autosomal precursor chromosomes than the mammalian X and Y. However, previous …

Background Penguins are flightless aquatic birds widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere.
The distinctive morphological and physiological features of penguins allow them to live …