Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Temporal Ordering of Dynamic Expression Data from Detailed Spatial Expression Maps
Published on: February 9, 2017
Rapid temporal change in the expression and age-related information content of a sexually selected trait
1Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary. everest@ludens.elte.hu
Abstract:
The expression of sexual signals is often phenotypically plastic and also evolves rapidly. Few studies have considered the possibility that proximate determination -- the pathway between genes and trait expression -- may also be subject to both phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary change. We examined long-term patterns in size, condition- and age-dependence, repeatability and heritability of forehead patch size, a sexually selected plumage trait in male collared flycatchers. We also estimated survival and sexual selection on the phenotypic value of the trait. Forehead patch size linearly declined during the 15 years, probably due to the significantly negative survival selection. In addition, the expression of genetic variation for the ornament apparently underwent an age-limited change, which implies a change in the information content of the signal to receivers. The persistent lack of condition-dependence makes phenotypic plasticity an unlikely explanation to our results. This raises the possibility of a microevolutionary change of both expression and proximate determination during the study period.
Related Concept Videos
X-linked Traits
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
X-linked Traits
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...
Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...

