High functional allelic diversity and copy number in both MHC classes in the common buzzard.

Background: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which encodes molecules that recognize various pathogens and parasites and initiates the adaptive immune response in vertebrates, is renowned for its exceptional polymorphism and is a model of adaptive gene evolution. In birds, the number of MHC genes and sequence diversity varies greatly among taxa, believed due to evolutionary history and differential selection pressures. Earlier characterization studies and recent comparative studies suggest that non-passerine species have relatively few MHC gene copies compared to passerines.

Detangling the mechanisms and timing of MHC-dependent sexual selection using Soay sheep.

Immune defence is a key component of fitness, and individuals are expected to have evolved preferences for mates that ensure immunocompetent offspring. Potential preferences include those for mates with specific heritable immune gene profiles ("good genes") or for immunogenetically dissimilar mates to increase offspring immune gene diversity. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is by far the most investigated immune gene in mate choice studies, but we still know very little about its role in sexual selection for genetic benefits.

Functional leaf traits indicate phylogenetic signals in forests across an elevational gradient in the central Himalaya.

Traits are the primary attributes that distinguish a species niche. Species and higher taxa are part of a structured phylogeny, and variation in plant traits depends on lineage as well as on environmental conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate linkages between taxonomic identity, shared ancestry, and environment for understanding the variation in leaf traits.

Major histocompatibility complex-associated odour preferences and human mate choice: near and far horizons.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a core part of the adaptive immune system. As in other vertebrate taxa, it may also affect human chemical communication via odour-based mate preferences, with greater attraction towards MHC-dissimilar partners. However, despite some well-known findings, the available evidence is equivocal and made complicated by varied approaches to quantifying human mate choice.