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Friday, 19 July 2013 09:44

Big Horns Trump Smooth Pickup Lines Every Time

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120726154001-pcr-knockin-mouse-targatt-knockin-rat-pcr-premix-knockout-mouse-miceIan Dworkin, a zoologist at Michigan State University, was part of the team that first demonstrated why everywhere - from Moose rhinoceros beetles - and other decorative ma-attracting structures are sensitive to changes in diet. As reported in the current issue of the journal Science, a key component of this growth is insulin, Dworkin said.
"Sure elk antlers, peacock tail feathers and beetle horns are very different, but it seems to have similar mechanisms such large structures," he said. "A reduction in insulin levels significantly reduces the size of the ornamental structures."
Sexual selection has roots in Darwin's research. Later research showed that the so-called principle of "handicap", which marked a man loaded with such baggage carrying awkward. Dworkin team believes, however, that part of the image insulin, males are actually striking off. In contrast, insulin dependence of these big horns provides a way for men to show how good they are.
"It's a sign that these men are thriving, some pretty robust and certainly worthy companion," said Dworkin, who led the research at the lighthouse, MSU's National Science Foundation Center for the Study of Evolution in Action.
Dworkin and the team discovered that whenever such exaggerated traits evolve, but repeatedly, but independently of each other, seems to use insulin dependence. This suggests that the properties are more likely to have evolved as honest indicators of quality rather than disadvantages.
"While there is work to be done, our results provide an important way to connect and genetic mechanism with the latest evolution exaggerated trait reason," said Dworkin.

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