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A genomic basis of vocal rhythm in birds.

Authors :
Sebastianelli, Matteo
Lukhele, Sifiso M.
Secomandi, Simona
de Souza, Stacey G.
Haase, Bettina
Moysi, Michaella
Nikiforou, Christos
Hutfluss, Alexander
Mountcastle, Jacquelyn
Balacco, Jennifer
Pelan, Sarah
Chow, William
Fedrigo, Olivier
Downs, Colleen T.
Monadjem, Ara
Dingemanse, Niels J.
Jarvis, Erich D.
Brelsford, Alan
vonHoldt, Bridgett M.
Kirschel, Alexander N. G.
Source :
Nature Communications; 4/23/2024, Vol. 15 Issue 1, p1-15, 15p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Vocal rhythm plays a fundamental role in sexual selection and species recognition in birds, but little is known of its genetic basis due to the confounding effect of vocal learning in model systems. Uncovering its genetic basis could facilitate identifying genes potentially important in speciation. Here we investigate the genomic underpinnings of rhythm in vocal non-learning Pogoniulus tinkerbirds using 135 individual whole genomes distributed across a southern African hybrid zone. We find rhythm speed is associated with two genes that are also known to affect human speech, Neurexin-1 and Coenzyme Q8A. Models leveraging ancestry reveal these candidate loci also impact rhythmic stability, a trait linked with motor performance which is an indicator of quality. Character displacement in rhythmic stability suggests possible reinforcement against hybridization, supported by evidence of asymmetric assortative mating in the species producing faster, more stable rhythms. Because rhythm is omnipresent in animal communication, candidate genes identified here may shape vocal rhythm across birds and other vertebrates. Little is known about the genetic basis of the rhythmic component of bird song, an important trait in sexual selection and species recognition. By studying a system with innate vocalizations, the Pogoniulus tinkerbirds, this study finds candidate genes that underlie differences in speed in vocal rhythm in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20411723
Volume :
15
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Nature Communications
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176805064
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47305-5