tion of two new species specialised on and preferring different habitats, usually a learned preference evolves instead of a genetic one. Thus, early learning is likely to play an important role in forming new species.
Contact: Professor JAJ Metz, Theoretical Biology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, van der Klaauw Laboratory, LEIDEN, 2311 GP, Netherlands

Associations between malaria and MHC genes in a migratory songbird by Dr H Westerdahl, PhD J Waldenstrm, Dr B Hansson, Dr D Hasselquist, Professor T von Schantz and Dr S Bensch (rspb.2005.3113)
Studies on humans have demonstrated that genetic factors play a key role for the outcome of malaria infections. We investigated associations between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes (genes that are important in the immune defence) and prevalence of three different avian malaria parasites in our study population of great reed warblers (a song bird). We found that birds with variable MHC genes were more likely to survive a malaria infection than birds with less variable MHC genes. Furthermore, we found that a variant of a specific MHC gene gave the same protection. Hence, genetic factors are important for survival in birds. Contacts: Dr H Westerdahl, Animal Ecology, Lund University, Ecology Building, LUND, 22362, Sweden

Environmental quality and evolutionary potential: lessons from wild populations by Dr A Charmantier and Dr D Garant (rspb.2005.3117)
Evolution depends on genetic variation: when there is little variation, the pace of evolution will be slower than when there is a lot. In this paper we compiled numerous studies of amphibians, birds, molluscs, fish, mammals and insects that have measured genetic variation for the same character in different natural environments. Our analysis shows that when the environment is more favourable, more genetic variation is expressed. This means that evolution may proceed more rapidly in favourable conditions tha
'"/>

Contact: Tim Watson
tim.watson@royalsoc.ac.uk
44-207-451-2508
Royal Society
28-Jun-2005

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Related biology news :

1. Study begins to reveal clues to the cause and progression of sepsis
2. Study finds gender differences in renal and other genes contributing to blood pressure
3. Study suggests estrogen deficiency can lead to obesity-induced high blood pressure after menopause
4. Study: Sticking to the sand might not be such good, clean fun for beachgoers
5. Study points to new way to predict death risk from torn aorta
6. Study identifies new gene therapy tools for inherited blindness
7. Study finds contaminated water reaching Floridas offshore keys
8. Study sheds light on why humans walk on two legs
9. Study explains how pathogens evolve to escape detection
10. Study finds hereditary link to premenstrual depression
11. Study identifies energy efficiency as reason for evolution of upright walking