Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pierre Nouhaud, Simon H. Martin, Beatriz Portinha, Vitor C. Sousa, Jonna Kulmuni
Summary: Our study demonstrates predictable evolution over short timescales after admixture in 3 hybrid ant populations, where selection leads to correlated sorting of genetic variation and haplotypes with positive selection signatures are more likely to fix in hybrids.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Libby Natola, Sampath S. Seneviratne, Darren Irwin
Summary: This study investigates a hybrid zone involving three species of woodpeckers and finds that hybridization is more extensive than in two-species hybrid zones. However, there is no evidence of hybrid swarms, indicating selection against hybrids may contribute to maintaining species boundaries.
Review
Microbiology
Ursula Panzner, Jerome Boissier
Summary: Schistosomiasis is caused by dioecious, digenean schistosomes affecting humans in 76 countries. The prevention of this disease involves multiple measures, including vaccination with candidates like Sm14, Sm-TSP-2/Sm-TSP-2Al(R), Smp80/SchistoShield(R), and Sh28GST/Bilhvax(R). Hybridization of schistosome species leads to genetic diversity and potential extinction, impacting control and prevention efforts. Phylogenetic distance between species plays a key role in hybridization, with closer species more likely to hybridize. Research on human schistosomal hybrids highlights the need for comprehensive control and prevention strategies, including vaccination programs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guilherme Caeiro-Dias, Alan Brelsford, Mariana Meneses-Ribeiro, Pierre-Andre Crochet, Catarina Pinho
Summary: This study analyzed a natural hybrid zone between two species in a late stage of speciation using ddRADseq genotyping. The results showed strong but incomplete reproductive isolation within the hybrid zone. Some loci showed signs of potential positive selection, and the Z chromosome was suggested to play an important role in reproductive isolation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz S. S. Gaczorek, Marzena Marszalek, Katarzyna Dudek, Jan W. W. Arntzen, Ben Wielstra, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: This study provides evidence for the prevalence of MHC gene introgression across multiple Triturus hybrid zones, indicating that MHC introgression between divergent hybridizing species may be widespread and adaptive.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
S. Eryn McFarlane, Helen Senn, Stephanie L. Smith, Josephine M. Pemberton
Summary: Human-mediated hybrid zones provide a valuable opportunity to study reproductive isolation and locus-specific rates of introgression between closely related species. Variations in introgression rates across the genome can reflect selection pressures. The potential for introduced alleles to replace native alleles and impact conservation efforts is a key concern for policy makers. Analysis of genomic clines in red deer and sika populations revealed the influence of drift on locus-specific introgression, suggesting the need for further research to distinguish between genetic drift and selection pressures in hybrid zones.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toshiyuki Imaizumi, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Gabriela Auge
Summary: Hybridization between weedy and cultivated rice can stabilize and transmit adaptive traits, such as seed dormancy. This study found that hybrid-derived weedy rice strains maintained adaptive allele combinations for seed dormancy, despite equal representation of parental weedy and cultivated rice in the genome. The hybrid-derived strains were more dormant than the parental weedy rice strains.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sandra Gruenig, Markus Fischer, Christian Parisod
Summary: Genetic and ecological studies suggest that Pulmonaria helvetica may have originated from a hybridization event between Pulmonaria officinalis and Pulmonaria mollis s.l. Structural genetic analysis indicated balanced admixture with P. mollis s.l. as the maternal progenitor. Ecological niche modelling revealed non-significant differences between P. helvetica and its progenitors, supporting hybridization as the main driver of speciation in this case.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuya Kato, Seiji Arakaki, Atsushi J. Nagano, Kiyoshi Kikuchi, Shotaro Hirase
Summary: By conducting population genomic analyses on the East China Sea lineage of Chaenogobius annularis, researchers found that this lineage originated from ancient hybridization with an extinct ghost lineage. They also found reduced introgression from the extinct lineage in regions with low recombination rates and functional importance, suggesting a role of linked selection in shaping the hybrid genome. Additionally, the researchers identified enrichment of repetitive elements in regions associated with ghost introgression.
Article
Plant Sciences
Benjamin W. Stone, Rosa A. Rodriguez-Pena, Andrea D. Wolfe
Summary: Using high-throughput sequence data, we found evidence of hybridization in the shrubby beardtongues, suggesting that hybridization plays a crucial role in generating species diversity. Our study also supports the hypothesis of hybrid origin and reveals genetic exchange between species, stimulating future speciation events.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tijana Vucic, Ana Ivanovic, Maja Ajdukovic, Nikola Bajler, Milena Cvijanovic
Summary: Two large-bodied newt species, Triturus ivanbureschi and T. macedonicus, hybridize in nature across the Balkan Peninsula. This study examines the reproductive success and genetic composition of the first generation of hybrids. The results suggest that incompatibilities between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes may occur in later stages of development or subsequent hybrid generations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bradley T. Martin, Tyler K. Chafin, Marlis R. Douglas, John S. Placyk, Roger D. Birkhead, Christopher A. Phillips, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of machine-learning in species delimitation, finding that its performance varies depending on the bioinformatic parameters chosen. Additionally, it was shown that phylogenetic discordance can seriously impact the classification results of machine-learning.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meric Erdolu, Mehmet Kursat Sahin, Mehmet Somel, Alexey Yanchukov
Summary: Obligate parthenogenesis is only found in Squamata, specifically in lizard genera, where it is always the result of hybridization. In the case of rock lizards, a pair of parental species and their parthenogenetic daughter species were found in close proximity. Through genetic analysis, it was discovered that the parthenogenetic individuals have a common origin from a single hybrid population, but their genetic variation is geographically structured. The data suggest that multiple parental individual ancestries still persist in the parthenogenetic gene pool.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sara Helms Cahan, Andrew D. Nguyen, Yihong Zhou
Summary: Reproductive division of labor in social insects is influenced by environmental cues, but genetic effects on caste have been observed in ants. This study used nuclear SNP loci and mitochondrial sequencing to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships of four lineage pairs in the genus Pogonomyrmex. The findings suggest that social hybridogenesis in this genus may have resulted from interspecific hybridization events.
Article
Ornithology
William E. Brooks, Peter H. Wimberger
Summary: This study examined the role of song recognition in determining hybridization between White-crowned Sparrow subspecies. Results showed that male pugetensis recognized their own subspecies song more than gambelii, leading to asymmetric hybridization patterns possibly influenced by factors such as population growth, dispersal, and female choice. The findings highlight the complexity of hybrid zones and the need to investigate multiple mechanisms.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana Carolina Oliveira de Meirelles, Danielle dos Santos Lima, Maria Danise de Oliveira Alves, Joao Carlos Gomes Borges, Miriam Marmontel, Vitor Luz Carvalho, Fabricio Rodrigues dos Santos
Summary: Sirenians play a unique ecological role in coastal ecosystems and require special conservation attention. The West Indian manatee is classified as Vulnerable globally and as Endangered in Brazil. Using available data, the species' extinction risk in Brazil was assessed, with scenarios projecting significant population declines and even extinction. The results highlight the need for reassessment of the species' national extinction risk and evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Action Plan.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Raphael T. F. Coimbra, Rafael F. Magalhaes, Priscila Lemes, Flavia R. Miranda, Fabricio R. Santos
Summary: In this study, the phylogeography, distribution, ecology, and historical demography of the Brazilian populations of giant anteaters were investigated. The research found two distinct mtDNA clusters and highlighted the importance of the Brazilian Cerrado as a priority biome for the conservation of the species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sibelle Torres Vilaca, Anelise Torres Hahn, Eugenia Naro-Maciel, F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois, Brian W. Bowen, Jaqueline C. Castilhos, Claudio Ciofi, Nancy N. FitzSimmons, Michael P. Jensen, Angela Formia, Colin J. Limpus, Chiara Natali, Luciano S. Soares, Benoit de Thoisy, Scott D. Whiting, Sandro L. Bonatto
Summary: The study on marine turtles' historical biogeography provides insight into the genetic diversity, connectivity, and population demography of globally distributed species. The findings reveal significant genetic structure among different regions, with the Atlantic Ocean and Indo-West Pacific being more closely related. The dispersal pattern of olive ridleys suggests a male-biased dispersal, and the Atlantic Ocean exhibits the lowest genetic diversity.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Flavia R. Miranda, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Fabio A. Machado, Fernando A. Perini, Fabricio R. Santos, Daniel M. Casali
Summary: A taxonomic revision of maned sloths revealed the presence of two species: the northern maned sloth and the southern maned sloth. These species diverged in the Early Pliocene and are distributed allopatrically. The conservation status of both species needs to be reassessed.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sarah Maria Vargas, Ana Carolina Barcelos, Rita Gomes Rocha, Paula Guimaraes, Lais Amorim, Arturo Martinelli, Fabricio Rodrigues Santos, Jose Erickson, Ana Claudia Jorge Marcondes, Sandra Ludwig
Summary: This study conducted genetic assessment of the South West Atlantic subpopulation of leatherback turtles and found genetic differences and two different genetic clusters. The low number of reproductive females in the subpopulation may be due to breeding occurrence in other nesting areas, as well as mating behaviors and inbreeding avoidance. The low remigration rates estimated for the subpopulation may be related to high mortality rates at sea.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Fabricio R. Santos, Jose E. Santos-Junior
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Roberto Biello, Andrea Brunelli, Giulia Sozio, Katja Havenstein, Alessio Mortelliti, Valerio Ketmaier, Sibelle Torres Vilaca, Giorgio Bertorelle
Summary: The negative impact of habitat fragmentation due to human activities on different species co-existing in the same area can vary, affecting the development of environmental protection plans. This study examined the effects of natural and anthropic landscape features on gene flow patterns in two sympatric species with different specializations. The results revealed that the dispersal abilities of a generalist and specialist species were reflected in their genetic structure despite extensive habitat changes caused by human activities. The negative effects of fragmentation due to urbanization were partially mitigated by cultivated terrains subdivided by hedgerows for both species.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jose R. Sandoval, Susana Revollo, Cinthia Cuellar, Daniela R. Lacerda, Marilza S. Jota, Ricardo Fujita, Fabricio R. Santos
Summary: During the colonial period in South America, the genetic makeup of autochthonous populations was impacted and reconfigured due to relocation by European missionary reductions and other factors. This study used DNA comparison studies to explore the genetic relationships among Takanan and Panoan-speaking peoples in the Amazonian areas of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. The results revealed a shared ancestry between these groups, consistent with linguistic evidence and indicating an early Arawak expansion in the western Amazonia.
ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sibelle T. Vilaca, Michael E. Donaldson, Andrea Benazzo, Tyler J. Wheeldon, Maria Teresa Vizzari, Giorgio Bertorelle, Brent R. Patterson, Christopher J. Kyle
Summary: Eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) in southeastern Canada have been a topic of controversy. Mitochondrial DNA analysis suggests that they evolved in North America, while nuclear genome studies indicate they are a hybrid entity. By sequencing whole genomes, it was discovered that eastern wolves are a distinct taxonomic entity that evolved separately from grey wolves for about 67,000 years with a hybridization event with coyotes about 37,000 years ago. Great Lakes wolves originated from admixture between grey wolves and eastern wolves after the last glaciation, while eastern coyotes originated from admixture between western coyotes and eastern wolves in the last century. Eastern wolf nuclear genomes show signs of historical and contemporary gene flow with grey wolves and coyotes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline Batistim Oswald, Rafael Felix de Magalhaes, Paulo C. A. Garcia, Fabricio R. Santos, Selvino Neckel-Oliveira
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of the threatened frog Ischnocnema manezinho and confirms its restricted range to Santa Catarina Island in Brazil. It also highlights the threat posed by urban expansion and emphasizes the need for protection and monitoring.
Article
Ecology
Madison Wikston, Brie-Anne A. Breton, Sibelle Torres Vilaca, Amanda M. M. Bennett, Christopher J. J. Kyle, David V. V. Beresford, David Lesbarreres, Chris C. C. Wilson, David M. M. Green, Marie-Josee Fortin, Dennis L. L. Murray
Summary: Documenting biodiversity and species occurrence is challenging due to the complex life history and behavior of anurans. Traditional amphibian monitoring techniques may be complemented by the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys, which have shown promising results. In this study, we compared the efficacy of eDNA detection using quantitative PCR (qPCR) with three conventional survey methods for anuran detection. Our results showed that all methods had imperfect detection, but eDNA surveys detected the highest species richness and required fewer sampling events. The composition of amphibian communities varied among survey methods and sampling events, highlighting the need for multiple monitoring methods tailored to individual species or communities.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Anna L. Gosling, Edana Lord, James Boocock, Sophia Cameron-Christie, K. Ann Horsburgh, Olga Kardailsky, Stefan Prost, Stephen Wilcox, David Addison, Adam Thompson, John Kalolo, Andrew C. Clarke, Elizabeth A. Matisoo-Smith
Summary: This study compares the genomic data of the current population and ancient individuals from Tokelau, finding less genetic diversity compared to other Polynesian populations. Rare mitochondrial lineages suggest prehistoric settlement by people from the northwest. Ancient DNA data supports the previous population abandonment and resettlement on Atafu, the northernmost atoll of Tokelau, from a population of Samoan or Samoan-origin. The study also reveals links between Tokelau and other atoll populations in the western Pacific.
JOURNAL OF ISLAND & COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)