S5.23: Birds and bees… and sardines: the genetics of animal behaviour
Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re taking a look at the birds and the bees - not like that! - from the unusual migratory habits of European blackcaps and the ‘greatest shoal on earth’ to the division of labour in a beehive, we’ll be exploring the role that genetics plays in shaping animal behaviours.
Every year, millions of animals migrate huge distances around the world, from tiny insects to mighty whales. Ospreys leave their northern summer nests and head up to 5,000 kilometres south to Africa, tiny monarch butterflies flitter to fir forests to sit out the winter, humpback whales make the ponderous journey from their chilly summer feeding grounds down to warmer breeding waters, and arctic terns travel up to 71,000 kilometres in a year, winning the title of world’s longest migration.
Some of these migrations are driven by the search for food or a more pleasant climate during colder months. Others by the quest for a mate or to reach optimal breeding grounds. But whatever the species - whether insects, birds, mammals or fish - and however far the distance, somehow these animals know when to leave and where to go. So is this behaviour hardwired into their genetic code? Let’s find out.
On the wing: genetic compasses
Every year, tiny songbirds - some weighing as little as 3 grams - set off on an incredible journey. Often travelling alone and at night, they fly as much as 15,000km between their winter and summer homes, yet somehow manage to return to the same location every year. But how do these birds know where to go?
The greatest shoal on Earth
Popularly known as the “greatest shoal on Earth”, the KwaZulu-Natal sardine run involves tens to hundreds of millions of Pacific sardines packed into high density shoals to make the annual trip from the coast of South Africa to spend the winter in the Indian Ocean.
For sheer size and spectacle, this marine migration is no less impressive than the wildebeests on terra firma. But unlike the Serengeti herds, which migrate in search of food, the underlying reason for the sardine run is much less clear.
Know your place - the genetics (and epigenetics) of bee societies
Bees have long fascinated geneticists. These eusocial insects live in highly ordered societies, with distinct roles, or castes, within them - a place for every bee, and every bee in its place. But how does a hive of genetically near-identical individuals end up diversifying into such different roles?
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to leave us a rating in the Spotify app or review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written and presented by me, Kat Arney, with additional research by Eleanor Bird. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies dedicated to promoting research, training, teaching and public engagement in all areas of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Sally Le Page and Emma Werner. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
