Work

Microevolutionary divergence and plasticity of laryngeal shape in the house mouse ( Mus musculus )

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: How are voice, swallowing, and breathing shaped by genes, environment, and diet? This study in house mice shows that genetic background, obesity, exercise, and social housing all influence laryngeal structure and function. Laryngeal shape seems to be affected by pleiotropy and genetic drift. Outbred mice show greater variation than inbred ones, and leptin-deficient mice have smaller vocal organs-highlighting the larynx as a dynamic, responsive structure shaped by multiple forces.

Source: American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00168.2025

Authors: Tobias Riede, Mia Sherwood, Mackenzie Kaup, Karen L. Baab

Institution: Midwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior

Subfield: Developmental Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Division of Integrative Organismal Systems, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases

Awards: G1144218730, G2578633385, G3173511302, G4941925974, G7432597647