Differences in hindlimb morphology of ducks and chickens: effects of domestication and selection

Conclusions: We demonstrate that intensive selection for growth rate in both chickens and ducks has resulted in leg morphology changes, which are likely to influence gait. Ducks represent an interesting compromise of adaptation for efficient locomotion in two media—on land and in water. Some aspects of bone morphology in the duck, such as lateral curvature of the tibiotarsus, may result from adaptation to swimming, which potentially imposes limitations on terrestrial locomotion.
Source: Genetics Selection Evolution - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Source Type: research