Cape Feather Coloration Signals Different Genotypes of the Most Polymorphic MHC Locus in Male Golden Pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus)

Abstract

Ornamental feather coloration is usually a reflection of male quality and plays an important role during courtship, whereas the essence of male quality at the genetic level is not well understood. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-based mate choice has been observed in various vertebrates. Here, we investigated the relationship between the coloration of cape feathers and the MHC genotypes in golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus). We found that feather coloration differed sharply among different individuals (brightness: 1827.20 ± 759.43, chroma: 1241.90 ± 468.21, hue: 0.46 ± 0.06). Heterozygous individuals at the most polymorphic MHC locus (IA2) had brighter feathers than homozygous individuals (Z = −2.853, p = 0.004) and were more saturated in color (Z = −2.853, p = 0.004). However, feather coloration was not related to other MHC loci or to overall genetic heterozygosity (p > 0.050). Our study suggested that coloration of cape feathers might signal IA2 genotypes in golden pheasants.

Differential expression of ASIP transcripts reveals genetic mechanism underpinning black‐tail independence from body plumage in yellow‐bodied chickens

“…However, tail‐feather color can differ from body‐plumage color in birds. For instance, the golden pheasant showcases varied colors across its entire body (Liu et al., 2021), while the peacock's famous tail evolved to exhibit fascinating and complex coloration (Zi et al., 2003). In chickens, the similarity between tail‐feather and body‐plumage color in some breeds led to the two traits being considered as one, instead of tail‐feather color being an isolated trait (Hellstrom et al., 2010; Kerje et al., 2004).…”

Disease outbreaks select for mate choice and coat color in wolves

“…In many insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and nonhuman mammals, disease resistance is associated with coloration ( 1 , 2 , 12 , 23 ), a trait that can act as a signal for pathogen resistance in mate choice ( 2 , 3 ). Recent findings have identified associations between disease-resistance MHC genes and coloration in mammals ( 10 , 24 ), amphibians ( 25 ), reptiles ( 26 ), and birds ( 27 ), possibly through pleiotropic effects or the action of “supergenes” ( 1 , 28 ). For example, in some bird species, carotenoid-dependent coloration ( 23 ) can drive mate choice through associations with disease-resistant MHC genes that influence the sensory functions of odor, vision, and hearing ( 24 ).…”