Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) have achieved a remarkable feat by constructing a high-quality genome assembly to unveil the genetic secrets of India’s beloved national bird, the peacock. This groundbreaking endeavor by the MetaBioSys Group marks the first successful attempt at decoding the intricate genetic makeup of these magnificent birds.
In a previous study, the research team had laid the foundation by creating the initial draft assembly of the peacock’s genome. This paved the way for a comprehensive genome-wide analysis, which involved comparing the peacock’s genome with those of five other bird species. The recent findings, a culmination of rigorous research, have been published in the esteemed journal Heliyon. The paper has been co-authored by Dr. Vineet Sharma, Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, along with his diligent research scholars – Mr. Abhisek Chakraborty, Mr. Samuel Mondal, and Ms. Shruti Mahajan from IISER Bhopal.
The peacock, renowned for its ornate and captivating tail feathers, has long intrigued both scientists and nature enthusiasts. Charles Darwin himself was puzzled by the paradoxical nature of the male peafowl’s flamboyant display, which seemed to attract predators rather than deter them. Darwin’s theory of sexual selection helped demystify this phenomenon, suggesting that such vibrant traits play a pivotal role in attracting mates and thus enhancing reproductive success. However, the underlying genetic framework responsible for these fascinating characteristics remained a conundrum.
The IISER Bhopal team directed their attention towards the Blue Peafowl, also known as the Indian Peacock, native to the Indian subcontinent, and the Green Peafowl, found in Southeast Asia. These two species were chosen due to their unique characteristics – the Blue Peafowl is classified as a species of “Least Concern,” while the Green Peafowl is facing endangerment due to a decline in population size. The researchers aimed to unravel the evolutionary and genetic factors contributing to the disparate adaptability of the two species.
The study revealed that genes related to nervous system development, immunity, and skeletal muscle development have undergone adaptive evolution in both bird species. However, the Blue Peafowl displayed more pronounced adaptive evolution, characterized by an elevated number of expanded gene families, segmentally duplicated genes, species-specific gene clusters, and genes exhibiting evolutionary signatures.
Dr. Vineet K. Sharma, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at IISER Bhopal, emphasized the significance of their findings, stating, “Our discoveries underscore the distinct genomic divergence between the two Asian peafowl species and offer valuable genomic insights to elucidate their contrasting population sizes.”
He further noted, “The green peafowl population appears to be more vulnerable to the consequences of habitat loss and human exploitation for food and commercial use. These activities have had a greater impact on their numbers, as they are less tolerant to human disturbances. The decline in their population has led to reduced gene flow, heightened inbreeding, and decreased genetic diversity, ultimately elevating the risk of extinction for this species.”
As we reflect on Ruskin Bond’s eloquent words, “I do not believe that any peacock envies another peacock his tail, because every peacock is persuaded that his own tail is the finest in the world,” we delve deeper into the enigma of the peacock’s allure. The IISER Bhopal researchers have ventured closer to unraveling the genetic foundation of this captivating bird’s characteristics. Their study not only enriches our appreciation for the peacock’s enchanting beauty but also expands our understanding of evolutionary biology and the genomic intricacies that underlie the wonders of the natural world.
