What specific biological function showed distinct genetic signatures of local selection in Southern Hoiho subspecies?

Answer

Cilium function in clearing the respiratory tract.

Genomic scans comparing the populations provided molecular clues explaining the Southern chicks' resistance to clinical RDS despite carrying the YPGV. The Southern subspecies exhibited distinct genetic signatures indicative of local selection acting upon regions of the genome associated with cilium function. Cilia are the microscopic, hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract, responsible for sweeping pathogens and debris away. The localized optimization of these structures in the Southern groups suggests they possess superior mechanical or biochemical means of clearing the virus or mitigating its pathogenic effects within the airways, providing a direct, physical defense mechanism against the disease.

What specific biological function showed distinct genetic signatures of local selection in Southern Hoiho subspecies?

Related Questions

What fundamental finding dramatically redrew the evolutionary map of the Hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes)?Which sophisticated technique was employed to model the genealogical history across the Hoiho genome?What is the proposed scientific designation for the Enderby Island population of Hoiho?Approximately how long ago did the split occur between the Northern Hoiho subspecies and the Southern groups?Which distinct, smaller yellow-eyed penguin subspecies was found via ancient DNA analysis on the Chatham Islands?Despite carrying the Yellow-eyed penguin gyrovirus (YPGV), why do Southern Hoiho chicks avoid clinical Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)?What specific biological function showed distinct genetic signatures of local selection in Southern Hoiho subspecies?Genomic analysis showed enrichment for adaptations related to what environmental factors in the Northern Hoiho subspecies (M. a. murihiku)?What significant risk is associated with attempting genetic rescue between the isolated Northern and Southern Hoiho populations?Which principal iwi partnered with researchers regarding the proposed scientific designation of the Hoiho subspecies?Research on other penguin species shows a correlation between speciation and what geological event, which also influenced Hoiho evolution?
birdanimalevolutioneyepenguin