Chromosomal Rearrangement Linked to Less Mobile Quail

The Scientist interviews evolutionary biologist Carles Vilà about how a large genomic inversion detected in common quail affects the birds’ physical characteristics and migratory behaviors.

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Back in 2015, researchers reported observations of strange quail in western mainland Europe and northwest Africa. The birds appeared to be common quail (Coturnix coturnix), but they were larger and had darker throat feathers. They also had rounded wings, a shape associated with less efficient flight, suggesting they may not migrate as far as a common quail should. Common quail are highly mobile animals that migrate thousands of kilometers between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa during the breeding season to increase mating opportunities, but so far, dark morphs have primarily been observed in Southern Europe.

But perhaps the strangest thing about these darker birds is that they exist at all. Usually, different morphs of species arise due to restricted gene flow. Phenotypic divergences might crop up in populations separated geographically, for instance. But with all their moving about—and laying eggs as they go—common quail shouldn’t have any real barriers to gene ...

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Meet the Author

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    Chloe Tenn

    Chloe Tenn is a graduate of North Carolina State University, where she studied neurobiology, English, and forensic science. Fascinated by the intersection of science and society, she has written for organizations such as NC Sea Grant and the Smithsonian. Chloe also works as a freelancer with AZoNetwork, where she ghostwrites content for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, energy, and environmental companies. She recently completed her MSc Science Communication from the University of Manchester, where she researched how online communication impacts disease stigma. You can check out more of her work here.

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