Genetics of behavioural evolution in giant mice from Gough Island

Research identifies 41 quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing boldness and exploration behaviors in giant mice from Gough Island, revealing unique genetic pathways distinct from laboratory mouse strains. The study used F2 hybrids from Gough Island mice—free from predators or human commensals—and mainland conspecifics, assessing seven behaviors across open field and light/dark box tests in juveniles and adults. Dynamic function-valued trait mapping showed age- and behavior-specific effects of QTL, offering insights into the genetic basis of island-associated behavioral evolution. Candidate genes were nominated by integrating mapping results with extensive phenotypic and genetic data from laboratory mice.

Stratton, J. A., Nolte, M. J., & Payseur, B. A. (2023). Genetics of behavioural evolution in giant mice from Gough Island. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 290(1998). https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.2603