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Carl Zimmer in today's Science Times (Feb 4, 2013) has a very interesting
article about genetic studies on pigeons; yes pigeons and in fact Darwin's
interest in pigeon breeding (Darwin's Pigeons rivals Darwin's Finches and
should be better known). In On Origin of Species he relied on his
knowledge of pigeon variation due to artificial selection (as opposed to
natural selection) to argue for his theory of natural selection as a
driver of evolution. For Darwin never witnessed natural selection in nature
but was well versed in how breeders, especially of pigeons (and farm
animals as well as dogs, were selecting (artificially) for attributes that
were of value (or aesthetic). Darwin of course knew nothing of genetics
and the mechanisms of natural selection but we do and the role of genes in
natural election (evolution) is a very hot and active area of research.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/science/pigeons-a-darwin-favorite-carry-new-clues-to-evolution.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Photos of some of the variants of pigeons. Think of these remarkable
animals as you duck and avoid the pigeons who roost within the 111 st
station of the elevated 7 train.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/02/05/science/pigeon-grid.html?ref=science#index
Martin
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