Article
Plant Sciences
Jianling You, Stephen C. Lougheed, Yao Zhao, Guojie Zhang, Wensheng Liu, Fan Lu, Yuguo Wang, Wenju Zhang, Ji Yang, La Qiong, Zhiping Song
Summary: Introgressive hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting play important roles in the phylogeography of plant species that experienced rapid diversification in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains.
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniele Buono, Gulzar Khan, Klaus Bernhard von Hagen, Petr A. Kosachev, Eike Mayland-Quellhorst, Sergei L. Mosyakin, Dirk C. Albach
Summary: The study investigated the phylogeographic structure of two closely related Veronica species across Europe and found evidence of hybridization and polyploidization between them. Genetic data and crossing experiments suggested directional introgression from V. spicata to V. longifolia, while the maintenance of species-level separation was attributed to adaptation to different habitats and spatial isolation rather than reproductive isolation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael R. Kearney, Moshe E. Jasper, Vanessa L. White, Ian J. Aitkenhead, Mark J. Blacket, Jacinta D. Kong, Steven L. Chown, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: The rarity of parthenogenetic species is not due to rapid extinction but rather constrained origin. This study found that a diploid grasshopper species underwent a single hybrid mating origin at least 0.25 million years ago and showed no changes in fitness compared to its sexual progenitors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linda Hagberg, Enrique Celemin, Iker Irisarri, Oliver Hawlitschek, Jose L. Bella, Tami Mott, Ricardo J. Pereira
Summary: The process of species formation is characterized by the accumulation of multiple reproductive barriers, including hybrid male sterility. This study on the meadow grasshopper demonstrates that reproductive barriers can evolve relatively quickly, even in the presence of extensive gene flow. The findings suggest that strong demographic changes, such as contractions and expansions during glacial cycles, contribute to the evolution of reproductive barriers and the maintenance of genetic boundaries between emerging species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena A. Pazhenkova, Vladimir A. Lukhtanov
Summary: Introgressive hybridization is more common in nature than previously thought, occurring more frequently in sympatric populations of recently diverged taxa. The study on Levant fritillary butterflies shows significant unidirectional gene flow from a distant congener Melitaea didyma to M. acentria, despite at least 5 million years of independent evolution. Elevated differentiation and lower level of introgression on the Z chromosome suggest intrinsic postzygotic barriers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin W. Stone, Andrea D. Wolfe
Summary: Quaternary glacial cycles altered species' geographic distributions and genetic diversity structures. Contrary to expectations, most Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera species did not contract their ranges to small refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum, with evidence of substantial gene exchange events near the Klamath Mountains. Phylogenetic inference in the Klamath Mountains revealed blurred taxonomic boundaries due to prevalent introgression events.
Article
Ecology
Susana Freitas, Anja Marie Westram, Tanja Schwander, Marine Arakelyan, Cetin Ilgaz, Yusuf Kumlutas, David James Harris, Miguel A. Carretero, Roger K. Butlin
Summary: This study used capture sequencing to estimate phylogenetic relationships and gene flow among Darevskia species, and found evidence for widespread hybridization and gene flow. The results suggest that the generation of parthenogenetic hybrids in Darevskia is a rare outcome of hybridization events within the genus, but a typical outcome when specific species pairs hybridize.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Chinta Sidharthan, Pragyadeep Roy, Surya Narayanan, K. Praveen Karanth
Summary: By studying multiple Indotyphlops lineages from across peninsular India, it was found that the widespread commensal and parthenogenetic Indotyphlops may have a hybrid origin. The research results suggest that this species is separate from I. braminus.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Gisela H. Kopp, Riashna Sithaldeen, Franziska Trede, Franziska Grathwol, Christian Roos, Dietmar Zinner
Summary: Baboons (genus Papio) are a fascinating subject for studying complex evolutionary processes and social system evolution. Recent studies have revealed significant discrepancies among phylogenies of modern baboons based on morphology, mitochondrial, and nuclear sequence data, suggesting that hybridization and introgression have played a key role in shaping these patterns. This makes baboons an excellent model for investigating such phenomena and their impact on speciation. Advances in geographic and genomic coverage have provided valuable insights into the phylogeography of baboons. In this review, we compile georeferenced genetic data, discuss the current understanding of baboon phylogeny, explore the evolutionary processes that have likely contributed to the observed patterns, and propose future research directions.
Article
Ecology
Russell S. Pfau, Ashley N. Kozora, Ana B. Gatica-Colima, Philip S. Sudman
Summary: This study examined the genetic diversity of the desert pocket gopher, Geomys arenarius, using multilocus nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. The research found two subspecies of this endemic species, each with distinct genetic differences. Mapping of potentially habitable soils revealed barriers to dispersal. Populations of the southern subspecies had higher genetic diversity, possibly due to greater availability of suitable soils or higher food density.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Fumei Chen, Buguo Ma, Yongda Lin, Xin Luo, Tao Xu, Yuan Zhang, Fang Chen, Yanfei Li, Yaoyao Zhang, Bin Luo, Qingmei Zhang, Xiaoxun Xie
Summary: This study analyzed the protein levels of maternal proteins in mouse uniparental and biparental embryos, revealing dynamic changes in protein expression and different fates for maternal proteins. The study also discovered a set of maternal proteins correlated with the subcortical maternal complex and identified a new maternal factor-Fbxw24, which plays an important role in early embryonic development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin N. Sacks, Kieren J. Mitchell, Cate B. Quinn, Lauren M. Hennelly, Mikkel-Holger S. Sinding, Mark J. Statham, Sophie Preckler-Quisquater, Steven R. Fain, Logan Kistler, Stevi L. Vanderzwan, Julie A. Meachen, Elaine A. Ostrander, Laurent A. F. Frantz
Summary: The study reveals that red wolves had a long history on the American continent, with more complex phylogenetic relationships with coyotes and grey wolves than previously thought. Red wolves have experienced extinction and survival in the past, predating European colonization, humans, and even coyotes in North America.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joan C. Hinojosa, Leonardo Dapporto, Camille Pitteloud, Darina Koubinova, Juan Hernandez-Roldan, Juan Carlos Vicente, Nadir Alvarez, Roger Vila
Summary: The importance of hybridization and introgression in plant evolution has been well documented, but its role in insects is not fully understood. This study used Spialia butterflies as an insect model and genomic evidence to show that hybridization promotes novel diversity. The researchers found evidence of interspecific gene flow between Spialia orbifer, S. rosae, and S. sertorius, suggesting that hybridization plays a significant role in the evolution of insects.
Article
Ecology
Randy L. Klabacka, Hailey A. Parry, Kang Nian Yap, Ryan A. Cook, Victoria A. Herron, L. Miles Horne, Matthew E. Wolak, Jose A. Maldonado, Matthew K. Fujita, Andreas N. Kavazis, Jamie R. Oaks, Tonia S. Schwartz
Summary: The scarcity of asexual reproduction in vertebrates comes with an inherent cost. Asexual species of Aspidoscelis lizards exhibit reduced endurance capacity, mitochondrial respiration, and phenotypic variability compared to parental sexual species, indicating potential mitonuclear incompatibility.
AMERICAN NATURALIST
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Martin Mau, Tiina Liiving, Liza Fomenko, Richard Goertzen, Dorota Paczesniak, Laura Bottner, Timothy F. Sharbel
Summary: The study explored the reproductive diversity of the genus Boechera and found that hybridization can trigger the transition to apomixis, with the transmission of apomixis influenced by pollen type and mating system. Apomixis can occur through various pathways, leading to the formation of polyploids.
Article
Biology
Michael R. Kearney
Summary: Metabolic theory aims to address ecological and evolutionary issues by incorporating physical principles of energy and mass exchange, with individual growth models being the fundamental basis. There is confusion and controversy surrounding the origins, application, logical consistency, and realism of these models. Putter's original insights have influenced subsequent growth theories, such as von Bertalanffy's and the DEB theory, leading to advancements in understanding metabolic patterns at the individual level.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Raymond B. Huey, Liang Ma, Ofir Levy, Michael R. Kearney
Summary: The depth at which ectotherms overwinter can impact their activity and survival risks. In cold areas, shallow overwintering ectotherms may freeze, but in warm regions, they have lower energy costs and greater reserves in spring.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shane D. Morris, Michael R. Kearney, Christopher N. Johnson, Barry W. Brook
Summary: The study examines the potential physiological effects of climate change on the Tasmanian devil during its extinction window in mid-Holocene, finding no widespread negative impacts of climate on the devil's physiology on the mainland. This suggests that cultural and demographic changes in human populations or competition with dingoes may have played a more significant role in the devil's extinction.
Article
Ecology
Rodolfo O. Anderson, Craig R. White, David G. Chapple, Michael R. Kearney
Summary: This study examines the relationship between physiological traits in lizards and environmental conditions across different spatial scales and finds that microclimatic and biophysical predictors are more explanatory than macroclimatic predictors for most traits. It discovered that standard metabolic rate is negatively related to maximum temperatures while field metabolic rate is positively related to minimum temperatures. The study suggests that using proximal environmental predictors can offer more insights in comparative physiological analyses and help in understanding physiological evolution.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael R. Kearney, Moshe E. Jasper, Vanessa L. White, Ian J. Aitkenhead, Mark J. Blacket, Jacinta D. Kong, Steven L. Chown, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: The rarity of parthenogenetic species is not due to rapid extinction but rather constrained origin. This study found that a diploid grasshopper species underwent a single hybrid mating origin at least 0.25 million years ago and showed no changes in fitness compared to its sexual progenitors.
Article
Ecology
David H. Klinges, James P. Duffy, Michael R. Kearney, Ilya M. D. Maclean
Summary: Microclimate models rely on macroclimate data as input. However, the resolution of these inputs can affect the accuracy of microclimate predictions. This study presents an R language package, mcera5, which provides convenient access and processing of ERA5 climate datasets, enhancing the speed and accuracy of microclimate predictions.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Natalie J. Briscoe, Hugh McGregor, David Roshier, Andrew Carter, Brendan A. Wintle, Michael R. Kearney
Summary: This study investigates the dependence of threatened species on climatic microrefugia and the potential refugial role of harsh climates for predators. By developing a biophysical model of feral cat heat stress and validating it with GPS and microclimate data, the researchers highlight the importance of refuges, particularly rabbit burrows, for the survival of feral cats. This approach can identify natural refuges for native prey and guide habitat management strategies for controlling cat abundance.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Natalie J. Briscoe, Shane D. Morris, Paul D. Mathewson, Lauren B. Buckley, Marko Jusup, Ofir Levy, Ilya M. D. Maclean, Sylvain Pincebourde, Eric A. Riddell, Jessica A. Roberts, Rafael Schouten, Michael W. Sears, Michael Ray Kearney
Summary: A core challenge in global change biology is to predict and manage species responses to future environmental change. Biophysical ecology models can accurately characterize how organisms experience their environments and respond, but their widespread application is still limited. Greater understanding and training in biophysical ecology theory and methods is vital to expand their use and potential.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Michael R. Kearney, Urtzi Enriquez-Urzelai
Summary: Eggs are sensitive to thermal and hydric conditions and cannot avoid stressful environments. A model integrating microclimatic predictions with heat and water exchange models has been developed using NicheMapR package. The framework allows the computation of metabolic heat production and mass exchange dynamics. It has been tested using laboratory and field data on reptiles, insects, and birds and can provide insights into egg development under environmental change.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Md Anwar Hossain, Jose J. Lahoz-Monfort, Michael R. Kearney
Summary: The baseline distribution data of grasshoppers in Australia, obtained through extensive surveys conducted over 54 years, provides valuable insights into their historic patterns of species richness, population trends, and extinction. The data, digitized from field notebooks and geocoded using historic maps and Google Earth, revealed spatial variation in species richness, with higher richness in arid interior and northwestern regions. The surveys were non-randomly distributed, with higher intensity along coastal areas. Despite variations among surveyors, this dataset is one of the most comprehensive continent-wide surveys of Australian invertebrates, assisting future research on their ecology, biogeography, conservation, and responses to environmental change.
AUSTRAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ary A. Hoffmann, Moshe Jasper, Vanessa L. White, Hiromi Yagui, Michael R. Kearney
Summary: Low-vagility species can hold strong genetic signatures and face vulnerability due to habitat loss. The genetic variation of Vandiemenella viatica populations in Tasmania and Victoria was analyzed, revealing low genetic diversity associated with past biogeographical processes. This study highlights the importance of preserving genetic variation.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael R. Kearney, Marko Jusup
Summary: The model used by White et al. to study metabolic scaling and life-history optimization lacks the ability to capture actual combinations of growth and reproduction, including those observed in domestic chickens. The interpretation and analysis of the study may change significantly when using more realistic parameters. Further exploration and justification of the model's biological and thermodynamic realism are needed before applying it to life-history optimization studies.
Article
Ecology
Abigail V. Meyer, Yutaro Sakairi, Michael R. Kearney, Lauren B. Buckley
Summary: Most ecological analyses and forecasts are based on weather station data or coarse interpolated, gridded air temperature data, but these may not accurately capture fine-scale spatial and temporal environmental variations that affect organisms' microclimates. New sources of data with higher resolution are emerging, offering the potential to revolutionize our understanding of microclimate variability and its ecological implications. We reviewed and evaluated available data on the quality of input environmental data, the capability of algorithms to capture microclimatic processes, and the best ways to access microclimatic data.
Article
Biology
Shannon R. Conradie, Michael R. Kearney, Blair O. Wolf, Susan J. Cunningham, Marc T. Freeman, Ryno Kemp, Andrew E. McKechnie
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a biophysical model in predicting water loss, metabolic rate, and thermoregulatory responses of arid-zone birds. The results showed that the model accurately predicted these variables and captured the adaptive responses to hot weather.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. Townsend Peterson, Matthew E. Aiello-Lammens, Giuseppe Amatulli, Robert P. Anderson, Marlon E. Cobos, Jose Alexandre F. Diniz-Filho, Luis E. Escobar, Xiao Feng, Janet Franklin, Luiz M. R. Gadelha, D. Georges, M. Gueguen, Tomer Gueta, Kate Ingenloff, Scott Jarvie, Laura Jimenez, Dirk N. Karger, Jamie M. Kass, Michael R. Kearney, Rafael Loyola, Fernando Machado-Stredel, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Cory Merow, Maria Luiza Mondelli, Sara Ribeiro Mortara, Robert Muscarella, Corinne E. Myers, Babak Naimi, Daniel Noesgaard, Ian Ondo, Luis Osorio-Olvera, Hannah L. Owens, Richard Pearson, Gonzalo E. Pinilla-Buitrago, Andrea Sanchez-Tapia, Erin E. Saupe, Wilfried Thuiller, Sara Varela, Dan L. Warren, John Wieczorek, Katherine Yates, Gengping Zhu, Gabriela Zuquim, Damaris Zurell
Summary: This article introduces an English-language course on the underlying theory and methods in the field of distributional ecology, which lasted for 43 weeks and engaged with over 2500 participants globally. The hierarchical and modular format of the course allows for updates, corrections, and reuse, and all course materials are freely and openly accessible.
BIODIVERSITY INFORMATICS
(2022)