A groundbreaking study has identified the specific genes responsible for determining whether a marsupial’s coat is black or grey
Fur, a distinctive feature of mammals, exhibits a vast array of colors and patterns
Researchers from New Zealand’s University of Otago analyzed brushtail possum DNA to better understand the evolution of fur color variation
Published in Royal Society Open Science, the study builds on the group’s previous work of sequencing the entire genome of the New Zealand brushtail possum
The researchers also found that the protein responsible for color variation, Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP), is rapidly evolving in carnivorous dasyurid marsupials
Researchers have connected the rapid molecular evolution of coat color genes with the role of these carnivorous marsupials as predators needing to avoid detection from prey
Coat color variation is thought to have evolved in mammals many times to fulfill certain functions
Historically, possum fur and skin were used to make balls for sports like marngrook, which some believe influenced Australian Rules Football