Linked selection of insertions and deletions in coding regions of the great tit genome

Insertions and deletions (indels) are a ubiquitous form of genomic variation; yet, their contribution to adaptive evolution remains poorly understood. Technical challenges in identifying indels and integrating them into existing evolutionary models have limited their study, but previous work suggests that they may be subject to strong selective pressures. Here, we investigated selective signatures of indels in coding regions of the great tit ( Parus major ). We identified species-specific indels in protein-coding genes and analyzed the 300 bp flanking regions of indels using codeml to estimate dN, dS, and ω (dN/dS). Additionally, we performed enrichment analyses and protein structure modeling to assess functional consequences. We found that mutations in the flanking regions of indels are non-random and that selection strength varies with indel type and length. Genes including indels were enriched for functions related to protein and nucleic acid binding and linked to potentially adaptive traits such as vocal learning, migration, circadian rhythm, and environmental acclimation. Our results suggest that insertions and deletions may serve as hotspots of selection, influencing nearby sequences and contributing to adaptation in the great tit.