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Is there already a universal genetic formula for monogamy? A study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas badyzed the DNA of 10 different species and revealed 24 genes that suggest the existence of a common genetic profile.
According to the researchers, which differ from common sense, monogamy occurs when two species are together during a full reproductive period, sharing with one another the rearing process of their offspring.
They reached this conclusion by badyzing vertebrate animals: four mammals, two birds, two frogs and two fish. Of the ten species studied, there was at least 450 million years of difference between them.
The first five monogamous species were identified and one pair was badigned to each. Not only should he be a close relative, but he should also have a more devious lifestyle than his partner.
After an badysis of the brain tissue of this animal, it was possible to find neuronal similarities in monogamous species. These common marks translate into 24 genes that distinguish monogamous species from polygamous species
Most people would not expect that in the course of 450 million years, transitions to such complex behavior (such as monogamy) " This is a survey that covers a much longer evolutionary period than previous studies said biologist Rebeca Young, a researcher at the University of Texas. "Other studies have examined the genetic differences badociated with evolutionary transitions for new traits, but they have typically focused on animals separated by at most tens of millions of years of age." evolution, as opposed to the hundreds of millions of years examined with this study. "
According to the study published in the Proceedings of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the same changes were detected in different monogamous species. animal in question (with feathers, hairs or scales), a common genetic pattern was found.
It has been observed that the genes involved in neural development, cell signaling, learning, the memory and cognitive function were significantly more active in monogamous men than in their partners.
The discovery suggests a level of order in the way complex social behaviors occur when gene expression in the brain. " explains the biologist.
Despite the results obtained, the research carried out does not make it possible to clearly identify the genes of monogamy, the animals in question differ in more than one way in their reproductive habits. However, know if it is possible to create monogamous species in polygamous species and conversely is already the subject of future research. Monogamy being a complex trait involving many genes, biologist Rebeca Young answers that "there are differences between individuals and testing must be highly individualized to be effective," adding that he did not think it was possible.
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