Genomic diversity and evolution of the head crest in the rock pigeon

Science. 2013 Mar 1;339(6123):1063-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1230422. Epub 2013 Jan 31.

Abstract

The geographic origins of breeds and the genetic basis of variation within the widely distributed and phenotypically diverse domestic rock pigeon (Columba livia) remain largely unknown. We generated a rock pigeon reference genome and additional genome sequences representing domestic and feral populations. We found evidence for the origins of major breed groups in the Middle East and contributions from a racing breed to North American feral populations. We identified the gene EphB2 as a strong candidate for the derived head crest phenotype shared by numerous breeds, an important trait in mate selection in many avian species. We also found evidence that this trait evolved just once and spread throughout the species, and that the crest originates early in development by the localized molecular reversal of feather bud polarity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic / anatomy & histology
  • Animals, Domestic / classification
  • Animals, Domestic / genetics
  • Animals, Wild / anatomy & histology
  • Animals, Wild / classification
  • Animals, Wild / genetics
  • Breeding
  • Columbidae / anatomy & histology
  • Columbidae / classification*
  • Columbidae / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Feathers / anatomy & histology
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genome
  • Head / anatomy & histology*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • Receptor, EphB2 / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Receptor, EphB2

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AKCR00000000
  • GEO/GSE39333