W. van der Bijl

Deep learning reveals the complex genetic architecture of a highly polymorphic sexual trait

This study uses deep learning to analyze the genetic basis of male guppy color variation, revealing a polygenic and genome-wide architecture with contributions from neural crest cell migration loci and gene duplicates across sex chromosomes.

Genome-wide gene birth-death dynamics are associated with diet breadth variation in Lepidoptera

The paper analyzes gene birth-death dynamics across 30 Lepidoptera species to identify gene families associated with diet breadth variation, finding correlations with pesticide resistance, detoxification, and pheromone receptor changes.

Extensive variation in germline de novo mutations in Poecilia reticulata

This study quantifies de novo mutations in guppies, finding substantial individual and family variation in germline mutation rates and evidence of shared mutations across siblings.

Functional convergence of genomic and transcriptomic genetic architecture underlying sociability in a live-bearing fish

The paper investigates the genetic basis of sociability in guppies using quantitative genetics and transcriptomics, finding convergent genomic and transcriptomic signatures related to synaptic function and calcium signaling.

Experience with mating receptivity cues affects sexual behaviour of male guppies, but not their strength of preference towards receptive females

The study shows that male guppies with experience of female receptivity cues adapt their mating tactics but do not show stronger preference for receptive females.

Changes driven by the evolution of higher group polarization in the guppy are consistent across different predation pressures and associated with neuroanatomical changes

The paper shows that guppies selected for higher group polarization maintain this behavior under predation and exhibit neuroanatomical changes linked to improved sensory processing.

Rapid mosaic brain evolution under artificial selection for relative telencephalon size in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

This study shows that artificial selection on telencephalon size in guppies leads to changes in that brain region without affecting other regions, supporting mosaic brain evolution.

Widespread cryptic variation in genetic architecture between the sexes

The paper investigates sex-specific genetic architecture by analyzing gene knock-out effects on mouse phenotypes, revealing cryptic differences in genetic regulation between sexes that contribute to sexual dimorphism.

HIGH-RESOLUTION CHARACTERIZATION OF MALE ORNAMENTATION AND REEVALUATION OF SEX LINKAGE IN GUPPIES

This study reevaluates Y-linkage in guppy male ornamentation using automated image analysis, finding that individual ornaments are not predominantly Y-linked but modifier loci affecting overall coloration may be.

Morphology does not covary with predicted behavioural correlations of the domestication syndrome in dogs

This study tests if morphological traits of the domestication syndrome predict behavioural correlations in dogs, finding no such covariation.

Dogs, but not wolves, lose their sensitivity towards novelty with age

This study compares fear responses to novelty in dogs and wolves across development, finding that dogs lose sensitivity to novelty with age, while wolves do not.

phylopath: Easy phylogenetic path analysis in R.

The paper introduces phylopath, an R package for phylogenetic path analysis, and demonstrates its use in studying brain size and extinction vulnerability.