Biology
The Genetic Basis of Color Polymorphism in Barn Owls and Its Adaptive Significance
Quick fact
The color of a barn owl's feathers is largely controlled by a single gene, MC1R, which acts like a dimmer switch for melanin production.
Why this is interesting
Barn owls look alike at a glance, but look closer: some are pale white, others deep reddish-brown, and many in between. Why so much color variation in a single species?