A 'supergene' underlies genetic differences sexual behaviour in male ruff

The ruff is a Eurasian shorebird that has a spectacular lekking behaviour where highly ornamented males compete for females. Now two groups report that males with alternative reproductive strategies carry a chromosomal rearrangement that has been maintained as a balanced genetic polymorphism for about 4 million years.

The two studies, one led by scientists at Uppsala university, are published today in Nature Genetics.
Three different types of ruff males occur at the leks of this species. 'Independent' males show colourful ruffs and head tufts and fight vigorously for territories. 'Satellite' males are slightly smaller than Independents, do not defend territories and have white ruffs and head tufts. 'Faeder' males mimic females by their small size and lack of ornamental feathers, they do not defend territory.

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