Male phenotypes in the ruff. (Left) Independent ruff males interacting at a lek. (Right) A Satellite ruff male with pale ornamental feathers at a lek. Photos courtesy of Tom Schandy. Ruff males ...

The ruff is a magnificent example. This small wader from the wetlands of northern Europe and Asia has not one but three types of male, differing in appearance and reproductive strategy.

Three Ruff male types. Photo: Susan McRae. A single gene that regulates testosterone levels in a “crazy” species of shore bird controls the development of three wildly different types of males, an ...

Get Instant Summarized Text (GIST) A gene producing the enzyme HSD17B2 regulates testosterone levels in ruffs, a bird species with three distinct male morphs.

Three Ruff male types. Photo: Susan McRae A single gene that regulates testosterone levels in a “crazy” species of shore bird controls the development of three wildly different types of males, an ...