Article
Plant Sciences
Nahuel E. Palombo, Carolina Carrizo Garcia
Summary: A genomic approach was used to study the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of the locoto chile, revealing differentiation and geographic structuration across South and Central America. The study identified the highest levels of diversity among individuals in central-western Bolivia.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Long Jin, Wen Bo Liao, Juha Merila
Summary: Amphibians require both terrestrial and aquatic environments to complete their life cycles. Genetic differentiation studies along geographical clines in Microhyla fissipes populations in China revealed significant differentiation related to temperature and precipitation variations.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kate D. Lee, Craig D. Millar, Patricia Brekke, Annabel Whibley, John G. Ewen, Melanie Hingston, Amy Zhu, Anna W. Santure
Summary: Next-generation sequencing technology has revolutionized ecological and evolutionary genetics, enabling cost-effective identification of genome-wide variation. In this study, researchers developed a 50K SNP chip for the threatened species hihi by combining RAD-seq and WGS data, demonstrating its utility in identifying SNPs for genotyping and revealing high rates of linkage disequilibrium in the hihi genome, indicative of population bottleneck events.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Antonio Varas-Myrik, Francisco Sepulveda-Espinoza, Alex Fajardo, Diego Alarcon, Oscar Toro-Nunez, Eduardo Castro-Nallar, Rodrigo Hasbun
Summary: Understanding adaptive genetic variation is crucial for predicting species response to climate change. By analyzing the genomic structure and environmental relationships, researchers can predict genetic risks in different populations. This study found that populations in low elevation regions of the Andes face higher risk of maladaptation compared to those in high elevation areas.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Elkin Aguirre-Ramirez, Sandra Velasco-Cuervo, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: The study showed that genomic differentiation among populations of Anastrepha obliqua is mainly influenced by host plants. Candidate genes under divergent selection were identified, likely due to selective pressure from host plants. Future studies should further investigate adaptive processes in phytophagous insects in the Neotropics using advanced molecular tools.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marvin Choquet, Felix Lenner, Arianna Cocco, Gaelle Toullec, Erwan Corre, Jean-Yves Toullec, Andreas Wallberg
Summary: This study used comparative genomics to investigate the genetic variation and adaptation potential of 20 krill species collected from different oceans. The results showed that Antarctic krill species had lower levels of genetic variation and evolutionary rates, indicating a potentially lower adaptive potential to rapid climate change. Additionally, the study identified several candidate genes associated with adaptive evolution in Antarctic krill.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edson Ishengoma
Summary: Africa is the birthplace of humankind and home to the most diverse wildlife and flora. Understanding genetic variation and adaptation is crucial for the sustainable utilization of Africa's biodiversity. Despite a lag in genomics research, African scientists are increasingly interested in using omics technology to study native African species. This overview on vertebrate biodiversity in Africa aims to provide insights from prior genomics research and guide future studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea M. Quattrini, Santiago Herrera, J. Mike Adams, Jordi Grinyo, A. Louise Allcock, Andrew Shuler, Herman H. Wirshing, Erik E. Cordes, Catherine S. McFadden
Summary: This study used genomic sequencing to analyze data in order to understand diversification patterns and the role of environmental gradients in the evolution of octocorals in the genus Paramuricea. The study found that Paramuricea diversified on the continental slope of the deep North Atlantic around 1-2 million years ago, with diversification generally occurring from shallower, warmer waters to deeper, colder depths. The vertical structure of water masses was also found to be influential in shaping phylogeographic patterns in the North Atlantic Ocean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qingqing Yu, Yao Ling, Yanli Xiong, Wenda Zhao, Yi Xiong, Zhixiao Dong, Jian Yang, Junming Zhao, Xinquan Zhang, Xiao Ma
Summary: This study proposed the use of high-throughput RAD-seq to distinguish 11 Italian ryegrass varieties based on their genetic background. The results showed significant differences among the tested varieties, with a heterogeneous genetic background for all of them. The analysis also revealed that the variety 'Changjiang No.2' had the best intra-variety consistency. The study suggests that RAD-seq could be an effective method for variety distinction in Italian ryegrass and potentially for other allogamous species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacob B. Landis, Christopher M. Miller, Amanda K. Broz, Alexandra A. Bennett, Noelia Carrasquilla-Garcia, Douglas R. Cook, Robert L. Last, Patricia A. Bedinger, Gaurav D. Moghe
Summary: The study revealed the genetic variation among populations of Solanum habrochaites formed over time under the influence of geographical and genetic factors, thus enhancing our understanding of the role of the diverse ecogeography of Peru and Ecuador in generating biological diversity.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Todd A. Gaines, Gancho T. Slavov, David Hughes, Anita Kuepper, Crystal D. Sparks, Julian Oliva, Martin M. Vila-Aiub, M. Alejandro Garcia, Aldo Merotto, Paul Neve
Summary: The research on the spread and evolution of glyphosate-resistant Amaranthus palmeri in South America suggests that Argentina may have independently evolved glyphosate resistance and received limited transmission of the resistance mechanism from Brazil. This indicates an initial introduction of A. palmeri into South America before the 1980s, with subsequent local evolution of glyphosate resistance in Argentina and secondary invasion of GR A. palmeri with the unique eccDNA-based mechanism from the USA into Brazil and Uruguay during the 2010s.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingcheng Zhang, Nan Shen, Chuang Li, Xingjie Xiang, Gaolei Liu, Ying Gui, Sean Patev, David S. Hibbett, Kerrie Barry, William Andreopoulos, Anna Lipzen, Robert Riley, Guifen He, Mi Yan, Igor V. Grigoriev, Hoi Shan Kwan, Man Kit Cheung, Yinbing Bian, Yang Xiao
Summary: This study analyzed the population structure and demographic history of 133 Lentinula edodes strains, uncovered the genetic basis of adaptive evolution, and determined the involvement of genes related to fruiting body development in adaptive evolution.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcial Escudero, Andre Marques, Kay Lucek, Andrew L. L. Hipp
Summary: Holocentric organisms have kinetochore activity distributed along almost the whole length of the chromosome, which may account for the extraordinary rates of chromosome evolution that many holocentric lineages exhibit. In this study, the genomes of Carex species and a distantly related Cyperaceae species were compared to characterize conserved and rearranged genome regions. The results showed longer genome synteny blocks and non-random association between repetitive DNA and holocentromeres and rearranged regions of the genome. These findings suggest that conserved genomic hotspots related to repetitive DNA shape the evolution of recombination, gene order, and crossability in sedges.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xin-Yi Wu, Ting-Zhang Li, Fang Zheng, Jian-Bing Chen, Yue-Hong Yan, Jiu-Xiang Huang
Summary: This study used RAD-seq technology to conduct high-throughput sequencing of 24 Dendrobium catenatum samples, and revealed the genetic diversity and relationships of D. catenatum of different geographical origins through genetic analysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jianpeng Zhang, Feng Zhang, Wee Tek Tay, Charles Robin, Yu Shi, Fang Guan, Yihua Yang, Yidong Wu
Summary: In this study, a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera was assembled, and a novel lineage in northwestern China was identified. The study revealed the relationship between the evolutionary adaptation of the cotton bollworm and global temperature fluctuation, and identified genes related to climate adaptation, feeding behavior, and insecticide tolerance.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Erica S. Nielsen, Jeffrey O. Hanson, Silvia B. Carvalho, Maria Beger, Romina Henriques, Francine Kershaw, Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: Integrative and proactive conservation approaches are essential for the long-term survival of biodiversity. Molecular data, although rarely used, can provide valuable insights for conserving biodiversity at different levels. This article bridges the gap between molecular ecology and systematic conservation planning, providing a practical guide for incorporating molecular data into spatial conservation planning tools. The proposed framework enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, which is key to achieving ambitious global conservation goals in the coming decade.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca Vega Thurber, Emily R. Schmeltzer, Andrea G. Grottoli, Robert van Woesik, Robert J. Toonen, Mark Warner, Kerri L. Dobson, Rowan H. McLachlan, Katie Barott, Daniel J. Barshis, Justin Baumann, Leila Chapron, David J. Combosch, Adrienne M. S. Correa, Thomas M. DeCarlo, Mary Hagedorn, Laetitia Hedouin, Kenneth Hoadley, Thomas Felis, Christine Ferrier-Pages, Carly Kenkel, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Jennifer Matthews, Monica Medina, Christopher Meyer, Corinna Oster, James Price, Hollie M. Putnam, Yvonne Sawall
Summary: Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to bleaching and thermal stress. To maximize the research potential of coral samples, aseptic techniques and appropriate methods are needed in the collection, preservation, and archiving process.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua M. Copus, Cameron A. J. Walsh, Mykle L. Hoban, Anne M. Lee, Richard L. Pyle, Randall K. Kosaki, Robert J. Toonen, Brian W. Bowen
Summary: This study examines the phylogeography of two mesophotic coral fish species and compares them to shallow-reef species. The results suggest that mesophotic coral ecosystems may be older and more stable than shallow coral ecosystems, contradicting previous beliefs. The genetic diversity and coalescence times of the mesophotic fish species are similar to their shallow-water counterparts.
Article
Fisheries
Richard R. Coleman, Derek W. Kraft, Mykle L. Hoban, Robert J. Toonen, Brian W. Bowen
Summary: This study used genomic approaches to investigate the gap between spawning and settlement location of the Hawaiian convict tang, revealing that most dispersal occurs between the eastern and southern shores. This finding is significant for the conservation of marine fishes.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Paolo Marra-Biggs, James Fatherree, Alison Green, Robert J. J. Toonen
Summary: Giant clams are ecologically important but their populations have declined due to past exploitation. The difficulty in identifying them accurately has affected population assessments. A recent study identified a new species of giant clams in the Samoan Archipelago, emphasizing the need for accurate assessments and management.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Veronica Mendoza-Portillo, Francisco J. Garcia-De Leon, Sophie von Der Heyden
Summary: In this study, the researchers examined the genetic diversity and population structure of the Almaco jack and found that climate change and fishing pressure can negatively impact the species' geographic distribution and genomic diversity. The loss of genomic diversity in the eastern-central Pacific Ocean can have significant effects on fisheries that rely on this resource.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Forde, Sophie von Der Heyden, Alan Le Moan, Erica S. Nielsen, Deon Durholtz, Paulus Kainge, Johannes N. Kathena, Marek R. Lipinski, Hilkka O. N. Ndjaula, Conrad A. Matthee, Romina Henriques
Summary: Genomic information can be used to establish sustainable management plans for commercially exploited marine fishes, such as the southern African hakes. The study found that the two hake species, M. capensis and M. paradoxus, have similar levels of genomic diversity but exhibit different population structures. The findings provide valuable insights for conservation and management efforts for these commercially important species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: Sophie von der Heyden highlights a paper by Barber et al. that investigated the genetic structuring variations in populations of the mantis shrimp Haptosquilla pulchella, further enhancing our comprehension of the evolutionary dynamics of marine species.
NATURE REVIEWS GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mosihla Frederick Mokumo, Janine B. Adams, Sophie von Der Heyden
Summary: This study investigated the transplantation of endangered seagrass species, Zostera capensis, using different planting patterns and core sizes in two estuaries in South Africa. The results showed that there were no significant differences in transplantation success among different core sizes and patterns in the Knysna Estuary, but the compact pattern had better survival rates in the Klein Brak Estuary. The study highlighted the challenges of seagrass restoration in South Africa due to limited suitable habitats and environmental variability.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula M. de Coito, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Terry A. Hedderson, Robert J. Toonen, Peter R. Teske, George M. Branch
Summary: Seagrass habitats are declining globally, endangering seagrass-associated animals such as the Critically Endangered limpet Siphonaria compressa. This rare mollusk is found in only two separate lagoons in South Africa and relies on a specific seagrass species for survival. Genetic and morphological analysis revealed that the two populations are distinct subspecies and therefore translocation between them is not recommended as it may worsen the risk of extinction. Conservation measures for each population, such as seagrass bed protection and restoration, should be implemented instead.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
H. Beckett, O. K. Hansen, S. von der Heyden, G. F. Midgley
Summary: The African penguin population has declined rapidly due to anthropogenic activities such as habitat loss, competition for prey, and climate change. This decline is closely related to the reduction in the size and number of islands where the penguins nest, as well as shifts in the geographic distribution of these islands. These changes have important implications for assessing the vulnerability of the African penguin species.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katie M. Watson, Deena Pillay, Sophie von der Heyden
Summary: This study investigates restoration strategies for the endangered Zostera capensis in South Africa, finding that transplanting cores is the most effective method for long-term persistence and cover, but it requires significant resources.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
S. E. Smit, R. Henriques, M. Jackson, R. Taylor, L. Vivier, S. von der Heyden
Summary: Seagrasses, such as Zostera capensis, are facing threats from human activities and climate change in South Africa. This study reveals distinct population clusters and unique evolutionary signals among Z. capensis populations, particularly in the eastern regions of KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Mlalazi Estuary population shows low genomic diversity, possibly due to its small and dynamic nature. Conservation efforts should consider the unique characteristics of geographically close populations, especially during restoration.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)