As New Zealand’s Endangered Kākāpō Rebounds, Researchers Measure Genomic Signs of Inbreeding

The Kākāpō bird which used to flourish in New Zealand is now endangered due to mammalian predators. The population has now dwindled down to 201 birds which are on a predator free island and studied by conservationists and geneticists. Currently, due to the genetic bottleneck this bird faces, geneticists are studying the health impacts of inbreeding within this small population. The results from a study they conducted show that inbreeding isn't reducing their survival chances and that introducing genetic variety does not always produce the intended expectations. Since creating complex multigenerational pedigrees would not be possible for the founding population of this species, researchers began to use DNA sequencing and genome-wide mapping of single nucleotide polymorphisms for analysis. After studying this, they realized that the one male from the New Zealand mainland population as well as the birds found in the Stewart Island population were both inbred. This study led to an interesting concept of how combining two inbred populations in an attempt to diversify can actually tend to increase deleterious alleles. In conclusion, by using different methods to compare levels of inbreeding with survival in the Kākāpō bird suggested that decreased inbreeding did not relate to improved survival chances. This study has helped conservationists and researchers learn more about the species and how they can expand their efforts for the future. 

Hox Genes and Biodiversity

Hox genes play a key role in the development of an organism; they control where everything goes (i.e. arms, legs, head, etc). A genetic program has been developed to aid in modification of animals. The genetic program may also be used in other parts of vertebrates. As for evolution, the Hox genes have proven that their use was necessary in their ancestors. More specifically, Hox genes in paddlefish aid in the placement of sensory organs around the mouth of the fish. A group of Hox genes that aid in the development of limbs are called HoxD genes. Furthermore, a professor at San Francisco State located another site of regulation called HoxA genes that aid in producing the "vent" of the fish (the opening to the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems). Vents are present in all ray-finned fish, and therefore their ancestors must have had it as well. Since the Hox genes are so common in the fish, they must be rather old. The Hox genes may be produced by a broader variety of species than was previously thought, since they are so prominent in these fish.


                                    paddlefish
To reiterate, Hox genes are responsible for the morphological diversity of species and individuals within a species. By controlling the size, placement, and orientation of body parts, the genes guarantee proper development. However, not all Hox genes in an organism are active throughout life. Certain things trigger the turning "on" or "off" on specific Hox genes, such as environmental factors. The group of Hox genes that are used for limb placement has been a topic of interest for quite some time by many evolutionary biologists. The evolution of fins to limbs, as well as the development of the thumb, are key features that indicate an alteration in Hox genes over time. Since the finding that Hox genes were present in organisms close to 500 million years ago, there must be a myriad of features that utilize Hox genes that haven't been discovered yet.

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141119084949.htm
Supporting Article: http://creation.com/hox-homeobox-genesevolutions-saviour