International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 54-61 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 57 Genes play a key role in the formation of the yolk sac, embryo implantation, and embryonic growth and development to ensure the success of super-reproduction. 2.3 Behavioral habits and physiological characteristics of rabbits, as well as their relationship with genes The behavioral habits and physiological characteristics of domestic rabbits are closely related in their genome. Seasonal changes may affect aspects of rabbit activity patterns, food intake, and social behavior. These changes in behavioral habits may be the result of genetic regulation and are closely related to the needs of rabbits to adapt to the environment in different seasons. For example, during the cold season, domestic rabbits may be more inclined to seek sheltered habitats and slow down their activities to avoid the adverse effects of low temperatures. This behavior may be regulated by genes related to thermoregulation and metabolism. In addition, seasonal changes may also affect the social behavior of domestic rabbits, such as courtship behavior and territorial competition. These behaviors are related to the regulation of sex hormone levels and neurotransmitters, and these regulatory processes are influenced by genes. The physiological characteristics of rabbits, such as the structure and function of the digestive system, are also controlled by genes. Rabbits are herbivores and their gastrointestinal systems are adapted to the digestion of high-fiber foods. This feature is related to the coordinated action of multiple genes, including genes encoding digestive enzymes and structural proteins. The expression levels of these genes may be affected by dietary composition and seasonal changes to adapt to different food resources. Rabbits have unique genetic characteristics involving the composition and diversity of their genomes. Its reproductive strategies, behavioral habits and physiological characteristics are closely related to gene regulation to adapt to the needs of different seasons and environments. An in-depth understanding of the genetic characteristics of domestic rabbits helps to better understand the biological characteristics of this species and also provides an important basis for breeding, conservation and research. 3 Seasonal Changes and Epigenetic Changes in Rabbits 3.1 The impact of seasonal changes on biological physiology Seasonal changes are a ubiquitous natural phenomenon on Earth and have a profound impact on the physiological processes of living organisms. In this context, as a mammal, the physiological system of rabbits is also regulated by seasonal changes. Seasonal changes affect physiological activities such as diet, activity, and reproduction of rabbits, which may in turn affect their epigenetic characteristics. During the cold season, a rabbit's metabolic rate may increase to maintain body temperature balance. This change in metabolism may lead to fluctuations in gene expression levels, thereby affecting epigenetics (Duda et al., 2020). Seasonal changes may also regulate hormone levels in rabbits, such as thyroid and sex hormones, and fluctuations in these hormones may be linked to epigenetic changes. 3.2 Photoperiod regulation and rabbit physiology Photoperiod is one of the important factors in seasonal changes, especially for the physiological regulation of animals (Fishman and Tauber, 2023). The physiological processes of rabbits are affected by the length of light, and this phenomenon is closely related to photoperiod regulation. Photoperiod regulates the physiological rhythm of rabbits by affecting the secretion of melatonin. Rabbit activity and reproductive activity may increase under long-day conditions, while the opposite effect may occur under short-day conditions. This photoperiod regulation may have a chain effect on the physiological state of rabbits, involving epigenetic regulation of genes. Therefore, photoperiodic regulation is an important connection point in the relationship between seasonal changes and epigenetic changes in rabbits. 3.3 How seasonal changes cause epigenetic changes in rabbits Seasonal changes may cause epigenetic changes in rabbits through multiple pathways. Seasonal changes may change the dietary structure of rabbits, affect the types and concentrations of metabolites in their bodies, and
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==