The genetic architecture of morphological changes in the Ninespine Stickleback (Pungitius Pungitius) and the domesticated pigeon (Columba Livia): Insights from population analysis, quantitative trait mapping and whole-genome resequencing

Here I present the results of my doctoral dissertation, which is aimed at increasing our understanding of the genetic basis of large morphological changes. The work I have done has primarily been carried out using ninespine sticklebacks (Pungitiuspungitius) as a model organism. Specifically, I have investigated the genetic architecture of pelvic reduction (a structure homologous to tetrapod hindlimbs) in multiple populations using a combination of traditional QTL mapping as well as whole-genome comparisons. Additionally, I examined the structure of breed groups among domesticated pigeons (Columba livia) in order to determine whether or not similar derived traits are found in genetically unrelated breeds. This work lays the foundation to develop the domesticated pigeon as a genetic and developmental model for avian diversity.