The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is an attractive species to study the neurobiology and evolution of learned behavior, the biology of vocal communication and other aspects of development, evolution and ecology. In this special series we include companion articles to the whole genome sequence.
Genomic organization and molecular phylogenies of the beta (β) keratin multigene family in the chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata): implications for feather evolution
The epidermal appendages of reptiles and birds are constructed of beta (β) keratins. The molecular phylogeny of these keratins is important to understanding the evolutionary origin of these appendages, especia...