Coat Color Evolution in Pigs
Author Information
Author(s): Fang Meiying, Larson Greger, Ribeiro Helena Soares, Li Ning, Andersson Leif
Primary Institution: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Hypothesis
Is the variation in coat color of domestic pigs due to human selection or natural drift?
Conclusion
The study found that coat color variation in domestic pigs is primarily the result of human selection for specific mutations that arose after domestication.
Supporting Evidence
- Domestic pigs show a high degree of homozygosity at the MC1R locus.
- Nine unique mutations in domestic pigs alter the amino acid sequence, leading to coat color diversity.
- Wild boars maintain camouflage coat color through purifying selection.
Takeaway
This study shows that the different colors of pigs today are because people chose pigs with certain colors, not just because they changed over time on their own.
Methodology
The study analyzed the MC1R gene sequences from 68 domestic pigs and 15 wild boars to assess genetic variation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of specific breeds and regions for analysis.
Limitations
The study's conclusions are based on a limited number of breeds and may not represent all domestic pig populations.
Participant Demographics
68 domestic pigs from 51 breeds and 15 wild boars from China and Europe.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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