Supporting data for "Comparative analyses identify genomic features potentially involved in the evolution of birds-of-paradise."

The diverse array of phenotypes and courtship displays exhibited by birds-of-paradise have long fascinated scientists and laymen alike. Remarkably, almost nothing is known about the genomics of this iconic radiation. There are 41 species in 16 genera currently recognized within the birds-of-paradise family (Paradisaeidae), most of which are endemic to the island of New Guinea. In this study, we sequenced genomes of representatives from all five major clades within this family to characterize genomic changes that may have played a role in the evolution of the groups extensive phenotypic diversity. We found genes important for coloration, morphology, feather and eye development to be under positive selection. In birds-of-paradise with complex lekking systems and strong sexual dimorphism, the core birds-of-paradise, we found GO categories for startle response and olfactory receptor activity to be enriched among the gene families expanding significantly faster compared to the other birds in our study. Furthermore, we found novel families of retrovirus-like retrotransposons active in all three de novo genomes since the early diversification of the birds-of-paradise group, which might have played a role in the evolution of this fascinating group of birds.

极乐鸟（birds-of-paradise）所展现出的多样表型与求偶行为，长久以来始终令科学家与普通民众为之着迷。令人瞩目的是，学界对这类标志性进化辐射类群的基因组学信息几乎一无所知。目前分类学上公认的极乐鸟科（Paradisaeidae）包含16个属共41个物种，其中绝大多数为新几内亚岛特有物种。本研究对该科全部5个主要演化支的代表物种进行了基因组测序，旨在解析可能推动该类群广泛表型多样性演化的基因组变化特征。研究发现，与体色、形态、羽毛及眼部发育相关的重要基因处于正选择作用之下。在具备复杂求偶场系统与显著性二态性的核心极乐鸟类群中，我们发现相较于本研究涉及的其他鸟类，「惊吓反应」与「嗅觉受体活性」相关的基因本体（Gene Ontology，GO）类别在显著快速扩张的基因家族中显著富集。此外，我们还发现了一类新型逆转录病毒样逆转录转座子家族，自极乐鸟类群早期分化以来，该转座子在全部3个从头组装的基因组中均保持活性，这或许在这类极具魅力的鸟类类群的演化过程中发挥了重要作用。