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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?