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Transcriptomics Reveal Molecular Signatures of a Resolved Sexual Conflict and Potential Association With Colour
Miguel Baltazar-Soares1, Melanie J Heckwolf2, Marc P Hoeppner3
1Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Molecular Ecology
|April 11, 2026
Summary
Sexual conflict in tawny owls (Strix aluco) drives sex-specific gene expression and molecular differences. These genetic variations contribute to distinct male and female phenotypes, resolving sexual conflict.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism arises from intersexual competition and the need to resolve sexual conflict.
- Sex-specific phenotypes can evolve through molecular mechanisms like differential gene expression.
- The tawny owl (Strix aluco) exhibits sexual dimorphism, making it a model for studying resolved sexual conflict.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate molecular signatures of resolved sexual conflict in juvenile tawny owls.
- To identify sex-specific transcriptional variations.
- To explore the genetic basis of phenotypic differences between sexes.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptional variation analysis in 32 juvenile tawny owls.
- Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis.
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and alternative exon usage analysis.
Main Results:
- Substantial sex-specific variations were found in genes related to life history, behavior, and growth.
- Males showed enrichment for functions related to melanogenesis and pigment granulation.
- A single up-regulated autosomal gene (RAB38) involved in melanogenesis was identified in brown males.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals sex-specific molecular signatures associated with resolved sexual conflict in tawny owls.
- Differential timing in pigmentation onset between sexes is suggested by genetic findings.
- Molecular mechanisms contribute to the evolution of sex-specific phenotypes and resolved sexual conflict.
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