The globe-trotting turkey: Genetic research promises to improve upon a multi-continent breeding effort
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 09:31
in Paleontology & Archaeology
The great majority of today's domesticated turkeys may not be able to fly, but their ancestors sure got around. The quintessential New World bird, Meleagris gallopavo, was already an Old World favorite by the time colonists in North America first celebrated any Thanksgiving feasts. Today's turkey researchers are investigating the big bird's genetic heritage and biology as part of an effort to improve several aspects of its cultivation.