Yorkshire scientists hope for insight into learning from bird's gene secrets

SCIENTISTS at a Yorkshire university have taken the first step in unearthing the secrets of birdsong and plumage after unravelling the genetics of a single species.

Researchers in Sheffield were part of an international team which has sequenced the entire genome of the zebra finch, mapping out which genes are responsible for certain traits.

The zebra finch, which is described as a "model organism" for behavioural neurologists, is only the second bird species, after chickens, to have its genome sequenced.

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The Sheffield team of Dr Jon Slate, Professor Tim Birkhead, Dr Jess Stapley and Professor Terry Burke built a genetic map, which they described as "scaffolding" onto which zebra finch DNA sequences could be added.

Dr Slate said: "Sequencing the zebra finch genome is tremendously exciting for several reasons. First, it provides far greater understanding into how bird genomes have evolved over the last 100 million years.

"Second, the genome assembly will be a great resource to researchers all over the world because the genome provides the tools to find the genes responsible for the remarkable diversity of bird plumage, song and behaviour that have fascinated biologists and ornithologists for centuries."

The academics chose the zebra finch because they and other songbirds have an important trait in common with humans in that they learn how to vocalise by listening to their parents.

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It is hoped that by mapping the genes responsible for this in birds it will help scientists to learn more about the genetic processes involved in learning and memorising words and other sounds.

Tools from the genome project will also help researchers to better understand biological processes such as immunity and fertility.

Dr Slate added: "Discovering the genes that explain the differences in fertility is now possible, and it is likely that the same genes will have similar effects in humans as well."

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