New Paper: genetics of belly colour differences in common lizards
Just out free and open access in Molecular Ecology , a paper led by Hans and Henrique to test the genetic basis of different ventral colourations and patterns in common lizards. Using samples from the hybrid zone where we have been studying reproductive mode, Henrique studied the gene expression (Honours thesis project) and Hans the GWAS and the colour phenotyping (NERC Postdoc). Now a bunch of new candidate genes that can be followed up for reptiles! Genetic basis and expression of ventral colour in polymorphic common lizards Hans Recknagel, Henrique G. Leitão, Kathryn R. Elmer Abstract Colour is an important visual cue that can correlate with sex, behaviour, life history or ecological strategies, and has evolved divergently and convergently across animal lineages. Its genetic basis in non-model organisms is rarely known, but such information is vital for determining the drivers and mechanisms of colour evolution. Leveraging genetic admixture in a rare contact zone between oviparous