Super enzyme that regulates testosterone levels in males discovered in 'crazy' bird species

A single gene that regulates testosterone levels in a ‘crazy’ species of shore bird controls the development of three wildly different types of males, a new study has found. Ruffs have long fascinated scientists for their three types of males, known as morphs, that differ radically from each other in appearance and mating behaviors. A new study has shown that these morphs are produced by a super enzyme (HSD17B2) in the blood of the birds that’s able to regulate testosterone levels in males and rapidly break down the hormone normally associated with male dominance and aggression.
Read more: Super enzyme that regulates testosterone levels in males discovered in 'crazy' bird species