Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marcin Kucinski, Magdalena Jakubowska-Lehrmann, Agnieszka Gora, Zuzanna Mirny, Katarzyna Nadolna-Altyn, Joanna Szlinder-Richert, Konrad Ocalewicz
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the European flounder and determine if the Baltic flounder is present in the southern Baltic Sea. Additionally, the study aimed to determine if the decline in body condition indices of the species in the Baltic Sea is due to adaptive changes in its gene pool caused by increased fishing pressure. The results showed that the European flounder had a high level of genetic diversity and represented a single genetic cluster. No presence of the Baltic flounder was detected, and there were no signs of directional selection or density-dependent adaptive changes in the gene pool.
Review
Biology
Shyamalika Gopalan, Samuel Pattillo Smith, Katharine Korunes, Iman Hamid, Sohini Ramachandran, Amy Goldberg
Summary: Geneticists have made significant progress in understanding human genetic diversity, particularly in the field of admixture population genetics. Admixture is an important evolutionary process that affects genetic variation and evolution between populations. Overcoming limitations in studying admixed populations using traditional methods, researchers have leveraged genomic signatures to gain insights into human history, natural selection, and complex trait architecture.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Vera Mukhina, Gulnara Svishcheva, Valery Voronkova, Yurii Stolpovsky, Aleksei Piskunov
Summary: This study performed SNP genotyping of indigenous goats of Mongolia, revealing their genetic history and risks. The research discovered close genetic relations among Mongolian, Russian, Chinese, and West Asian breeds, as well as genetic features highlighting the distinct origin and breeding history of Mongolian goat breeds. Mongolian goats are of great importance in studying ancient migration routes and adaptability to harsh environments. Recent climatic disasters and uncontrolled breeding pose a threat to the genetic resources of Mongolian goats.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Menno J. de Jong, Joost F. de Jong, A. Rus Hoelzel, Axel Janke
Summary: SambaR is an integrative and user-friendly R package designed to automate and simplify quality control and population-genetic analyses of biallelic SNP data sets. Users can perform mainstream population-genetic analyses with fewer than 10 commands and generate a wide variety of ready-to-publish graphs.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Tomas Byrne, Niall Farrelly, Colin Kelleher, Trevor R. Hodkinson, Stephen L. Byrne, Susanne Barth
Summary: Picea sitchensis, or Sitka spruce, is a forestry species of interest both for conservation and as a productive crop. This study analyzed the genetic diversity and differentiation of this species across its native range using genotyping-by-sequencing. The results showed low levels of genetic differentiation across the broader environmental gradient, but island effects were observed on geographically distant populations. The findings provide valuable information for breeders and researchers in terms of breeding programs, scientific studies, and climate change adaptation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
E. Brunton, A. Brunton, K. Hohwieler, S. Ogbourne, G. Conroy
Summary: Urban landscapes pose barriers to wildlife movement and gene flow, impacting genetic diversity and structure of large terrestrial mammals such as the eastern grey kangaroo. This study examined the genetic profile of kangaroo populations in a rapidly urbanising region of Southeast Queensland, Australia and found regional genetic differentiation and declines in effective population size. The findings highlight the need for localized management and improved landscape connectivity to preserve genetic diversity and structure in the face of ongoing urbanization.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Aixia Yang, Xiaolei Ding, Yuan Feng, Tingting Chen, Jianren Ye
Summary: Hubei, Hunan, and Henan Provinces in Central China have extensive transport networks and trade. The spread of pine wilt nematode (PWN), the causative agent of pine wilt disease, is mainly due to human activities. Researchers studied the genetic structure of PWN populations in Central China and found significant variations among strains, with some genetically distinct strains closely related to Guangdong strains. The findings also suggest different transmission sources among strains in Henan province. This study provides insights into the origin and spread of pine wilt disease in China.
Article
Microbiology
Alexandr Shevtsov, Axel Cloeckaert, Kalysh Berdimuratova, Elena Shevtsova, Alexandr V. Shustov, Asylulan Amirgazin, Talgat Karibayev, Dinara Kamalova, Michel S. Zygmunt, Yerlan Ramanculov, Gilles Vergnaud
Summary: This study analyzed the whole-genome sequencing of B. abortus strains isolated in Kazakhstan and strains from various geographic origins. The results showed that the Kazakhstan strains were classified into subclades C1 and C2. The analysis also revealed clustering patterns between the Kazakhstan strains and strains from neighboring countries, as well as the dating of the introduction of subclade C1 into Kazakhstan.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marco Tolone, Maria Teresa Sardina, Andrea Criscione, Emiliano Lasagna, Gabriele Senczuk, Ilaria Rizzuto, Silvia Riggio, Angelo Moscarelli, Vito Macaluso, Rosalia Di Gerlando, Martino Cassandro, Baldassare Portolano, Salvatore Mastrangelo
Summary: Italy has a diverse range of local chicken populations, including Val Platani (VPL) and Cornuta (COS), which are important genetic resources. This study used genotype data to investigate the genetic diversity, runs of homozygosity (ROH), population structure, and relationship of these populations. The results showed moderate genetic diversity in both populations, with ROH hotspots associated with immune response and adaptation to local temperatures. The population structure analysis revealed clear clustering based on geographic origin, with COS forming a distinct genomic cluster and VPL showing intermediate relationships with other Italian local chickens.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jingjing Huang, Yumei Liu, Fengqing Han, Zhiyuan Fang, Limei Yang, Mu Zhuang, Yangyong Zhang, Honghao Lv, Yong Wang, Jialei Ji, Zhansheng Li
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of 161 broccoli cultivars in China, revealing similarities in genetic backgrounds between foreign and domestic cultivars, but differences between domestic cultivars and Japanese cultivars. Population structure analysis showed that the 161 cultivars could be simplified into 1 simple group and 1 mixed group.
HORTICULTURAL PLANT JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Yuanyuan Nie, Guihua Hou, Hui Xia, Lei Wang, Jianguo Lei, Hong Chen, Liang Chen, Lijun Luo
Summary: In this study, the genetic diversity and population differentiation of Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR) were analyzed based on whole-genome resequencing of 220 DXWR lines. The results showed that DXWR possesses high genetic diversity and potential for rice breeding. Additionally, directional selection and functional genes were identified in differentiated regions between subpopulations.
Article
Agronomy
Subhash Chander, Ana Luisa Garcia-Oliveira, Melaku Gedil, Trushar Shah, Gbemisola Oluwayemisi Otusanya, Robert Asiedu, Godfree Chigeza
Summary: Genetic diversity study of elite soybean genotypes in SSA using high-throughput SNP markers showed a broad genetic base, with three major clusters identified through cluster analysis. Model-based STRUCTURE and DAPC analysis exhibited high consistency in subpopulation allocation, suggesting potential for selecting parents for future cultivar breeding.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mohammad Shamsul Alam Bhuiyan, Soo-Hyun Lee, Sheikh Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, Gautam Kumar Deb, Most Farhana Afroz, Seung-Hwan Lee, Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan
Summary: This study investigated genetic variability and population structure of indigenous cattle genetic resources in Bangladesh using Illumina Bovine SNP50K BeadChip genotyped data. The findings showed low genetic diversity, distinct genetic structure, and weak population differentiation among the six indigenous cattle populations. Admixture and phylogenetic analysis highlighted historical gene flow among the populations. These results provide comprehensive genetic information for the conservation and breeding research of indigenous cattle populations in Bangladesh.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xibing Jiang, Zhou Fang, Junsheng Lai, Qiang Wu, Jian Wu, Bangchu Gong, Yanpeng Wang
Summary: Chinese chestnut is one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees in China, with high-quality nuts and high resistance. This study analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of Chinese chestnut populations from different regions in China based on single nucleotide polymorphism data. The results showed a relatively high genetic diversity level in the populations, with the lowest diversity in the population north of the Yellow River. The Chinese chestnut samples could be divided into northern and southern populations, separated by the Yellow River, but some samples showed genetic closeness between the two populations. Outliers were found in samples from Shandong Province and Beijing City, possibly due to their special geographical, political, and economic significance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Paola Jara-Arancio, Carolina da Silva Carvalho, Martin R. Carmona-Ortiz, Ramiro O. Bustamante, Priscilla M. Schmidt Villela, Sonia C. da Silva Andrade, Francisco T. Pena-Gomez, Luis A. Gonzalez, Marina Fleury
Summary: The study revealed low genetic diversity, a lack of heterozygotes, and high levels of inbreeding in the natural groups of Jubaea chilensis. Population structuring was found to be low to moderate, with no evidence of isolation by distance. Migration rates among populations were generally low, with some exceptions having moderate values.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexander Kopatz, Oddmund Kleven, Ilpo Kojola, Jouni Aspi, Anita J. Norman, Goran Spong, Niclas Gyllenstrand, Love Dalen, Ida Floystad, Snorre B. Hagen, Jonas Kindberg, Oystein Flagstad
Summary: The study on the genetic connectivity between brown bear populations in Scandinavia and Karelia revealed asymmetric gene flow between the two populations, possibly influenced by different recovery histories and population densities. By coordinating monitoring efforts between neighboring countries, a better understanding of biological processes across relevant spatial scales was achieved.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Barbora Gajdarova, Elisa Belotti, Ludek Bufka, Martin Dul'a, Oddmund Kleven, Miroslav Kutal, Janis Ozolins, Carsten Nowak, Tobias E. Reiners, Branislav Tam, Josefa Volfova, Jarmila Krojerova-Prokesova
Summary: By using microsatellite genotyping, it was found that dispersing male Eurasian lynx can be successfully assigned to different source populations in Europe, and they have undertaken very long-distance movements in Central Europe. This highlights the importance of creating and protecting potential migratory corridors in human-dominated landscapes to facilitate the movements of these iconic predators for their conservation in Central Europe.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Karl H. Thunes, Geir E. E. Soli, Csaba Thuroczy, Arne Fjellberg, Stefan Olberg, Steffen Roth, Carl-C Coulianos, R. Henry L. Disney, Josef Stary, G. (Bert) Vierbergen, Terje Jonassen, Johannes Anonby, Arne Koehler, Frank Menzel, Ryszard Szadziewski, Elisabeth Stur, Wolfgang Adaschkiewitz, Kjell M. Olsen, Torstein Kvamme, Anders Endrestol, Sigitas Podenas, Sverre Kobro, Lars O. Hansen, Gunnar M. Kvifte, Jean-Paul Haenni, Louis Boumans
Summary: This study documented the invertebrate fauna collected from oak canopies in Norway, identifying a large number of new species. The research highlights the importance of oak trees as habitats and the efficiency of canopy fogging technique in discovering hidden fauna. The low number of red listed species found also indicates the need for further study of Norwegian insect fauna.
Article
Biology
Oliver Kersten, Bastiaan Star, Deborah M. Leigh, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Hallvard Strom, Johannis Danielsen, Sebastien Descamps, Kjell E. Erikstad, Michelle G. Fitzsimmons, Jerome Fort, Erpur S. Hansen, Mike P. Harris, Martin Irestedt, Oddmund Kleven, Mark L. Mallory, Kjetill S. Jakobsen, Sanne Boessenkool
Summary: The study on genetic flow and population structure of Atlantic puffins reveals four genetically distinct clusters, isolation by distance between colonies within these clusters, and evidence of a secondary contact zone, challenging current taxonomy and indicating contemporary biotic factors impeding gene flow. The research underscores the value of whole genome data in understanding unexpected population structures in marine seabirds and its relevance for seabird taxonomy, evolution, and conservation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah Ashley Mueller, Stefan Prost, Ole Anders, Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten, Oddmund Kleven, Peter Klinga, Marjeta Konec, Alexander Kopatz, Jarmila Krojerova-Prokesova, Tomma Lilli Middelhoff, Gabriela Obexer-Ruff, Tobias Erik Reiners, Krzysztof Schmidt, Magda Sindicic, Tomaz Skrbinsek, Branislav Tam, Alexander P. Saveljev, Galsandorj Naranbaatar, Carsten Nowak
Summary: Reintroductions of large carnivores may result in decreased genetic diversity and increased inbreeding. This study examines the genetic outcomes of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx and finds that reintroduced populations have lower genetic diversity and higher levels of inbreeding compared to natural populations. The study highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in reintroduction programs and advocates for regular genomic assessments to safeguard genetic diversity.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Lukas Tietgen, Ingerid J. Hagen, Oddmund Kleven, Cecilia Di Bernardi, Thomas Kvalnes, Karin Noren, Malin Hasselgren, Johan Fredrik Wallen, Anders Angerbjorn, Arild Landa, Nina E. Eide, Oystein Flagstad, Henrik Jensen
Summary: This study utilized whole-genome analysis to successfully identify the MC1R gene as the sole causal gene for fur color in wild Arctic fox populations. The study also demonstrated the adaptive importance of fur color genotypes in fitness, with a tendency for heterozygous blue foxes to have higher fitness than homozygous white foxes. The findings suggest that the genotype's effect on fitness is independent of winter duration but varies with prey availability, with the strongest effect in years of increasing rodent populations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Correction
Behavioral Sciences
Jan T. Lifjeld, Oddmund Kleven, Frode Fossoy, Frode Jacobsen, Terje Laskemoen, Geir Rudolfsen, Raleigh J. Robertson
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jan T. Lifjeld, Oddmund Kleven, Frode Fossoy, Frode Jacobsen, Terje Laskemoen, Geir Rudolfsen, Raleigh J. Robertson
Summary: In birds with extrapair mating, older males have higher fertilization success than younger males. This can be explained by the fact that females prefer older and more ornamented males, or that older males invest more in reproduction and fertility. In a study of barn swallows in Canada, it was found that male fertilization success increased with age, especially for extrapair offspring and second broods. This success was also associated with an early start of breeding in spring. Male fertility traits, including testis size, sperm motility, and sperm velocity, increased across age groups. The length of the outer tail feathers, a male ornament preferred by females, also increased with age but did not predict fertilization success. These findings suggest that older males have higher fertilization success due to their higher reproductive investment and early arrival on breeding grounds.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Monclus, Mari Engvig Loseth, Marie J. Dahlberg Persson, Igor Eulaers, Oddmund Kleven, Adrian Covaci, Jonathan P. Benskin, Raed Awad, Jochen P. Zubrod, Ralf Schulz, Petter Wabakken, Oddvar Heggoy, Ingar Jostein Oien, Magnus Johan Steinsvag, Veerle L. B. Jaspers, Torgeir Nygard
Summary: The study revealed high levels of legacy and emerging organohalogenated compounds in Eurasian eagle-owls in Norway, with geographic area and year being influential factors. PFAS levels showed considerable spatial variation, with higher levels in the southern area.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
G. M. J. Lansink, O. Kleven, R. Ekblom, G. Spong, A. Kopatz, J. Mattisson, J. Persson, I. Kojola, K. Holmala, T. Ollila, H. Ellegren, J. Kindberg, O. Flagstad, J. Aspi, L. Kvist
Summary: This study used multiple genetic markers to analyze the genetic population structure of wolverines in Fennoscandia. A clear population subdivision was observed between the Scandinavian and eastern Finnish populations, with a steep cline in the contact zone. The Scandinavian population showed isolation by distance, but also exhibited high connectivity in many areas. Resistance to gene flow in certain regions is likely due to historical isolation and founder effects. Promoting gene flow from the eastern Finnish population to the northwest of Scandinavia could enhance the genetic diversity and demographic resilience of all subpopulations. Transboundary cooperation among Finland, Sweden, and Norway, with aligned actions of harvest and conflict mitigation, could improve genetic connectivity.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Malene Nygaard, Alexander Kopatz, James M. D. Speed, Michael D. Martin, Tommy Presto, Oddmund Kleven, Mika Bendiksby
Summary: The study examines the spatiotemporal genetic change in the northern dragonhead plant species in Europe, focusing on its population decline and habitat loss. Genotyping of old herbarium specimens from Norway provides insight into the historical genetic diversity, showing limited genetic change over time. The genetic structure in Norway differs from populations outside of Norway, highlighting the importance of continued protection for the species. The species has not fully achieved its potential distribution in Norway, preferring warmer and drier habitats.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brett K. Sandercock, Marie L. Davey, Anders Endrestol, Rakel Blaalid, Frode Fossoy, Hanne Hegre, Markus A. M. Majaneva, Anders Often, Jens Astrom, Rannveig M. Jacobsen
Summary: The goal of this study was to design and test a surveillance program for early detection of alien species of vascular plants and terrestrial insects. Through sampling 60 study plots, we found 239 alien species of vascular plants and over 3500 invertebrate taxa. The results demonstrate that early detection is feasible and important for a national surveillance program.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jarmila Krojerova-Prokesova, Barbora Gajdarova, Tobias Erik Reiners, Petra Bolechova, Oddmund Kleven, Petr Koubek, Carsten Nowak, Janis Ozolins, Branislav Tam, Inna Voloshina, Peter Vallo
Summary: The aim of ex situ programmes is to provide individuals for future reintroductions or reinforcement. Genetic evaluation of captive Eurasian lynx populations showed high genetic similarity to wild populations, supporting the potential of captive individuals for genetic rescue programs.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brett K. Sandercock, Marie L. Davey, Anders Endrestol, Rakel Blaalid, Frode Fossoy, Hanne Hegre, Markus A. M. Majaneva, Anders Often, Jens Astrom, Rannveig M. Jacobsen
Summary: Naturalized species of alien plants and animals have had significant impacts on Norway's natural ecosystems, especially in coastal and urban areas. This field project aimed to design and test a surveillance program for early detection of alien species. Through sampling and surveys, numerous alien species of known risk and new species were discovered, and the probabilities of occupancy and detection were calculated using statistical models. The results demonstrate the feasibility of early detection as a key component of a national surveillance program.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Hanno Sandvik, Olga Hilmo, Snorre Henriksen, Reidar Elven, Asen Per Arvid, Hanne Hegre, Oddvar Pedersen, Per Anker Pedersen, Heidi Solstad, Vigdis Vandvik, Kristine B. Westergaard, Frode Odegaard, Sandra Astrom, Hallvard Elven, Anders Endrestol, Oivind Gammelmo, Bjorn Arild Hatteland, Halvor Solheim, Bjorn Norden, Leif Sundheim, Venche Talgo, Tone Falkenhaug, Bjorn Gulliksen, Anders Jelmert, Eivind Oug, Jan Sundet, Elisabet Forsgren, Anders Finstad, Trygve Hesthagen, Kjell Nedreaas, Rupert Wienerroither, Vivian Husa, Stein Fredriksen, Kjersti Sjotun, Henning Steen, Haakon Hansen, Inger S. Hamnes, Egil Karlsbakk, Christer Magnusson, Bjornar Ytrehus, Hans Christian Pedersen, Jon E. Swenson, Per Ole Syvertsen, Bard Gunnar Stokke, Jan Ove Gjershaug, Dag Dolmen, Gaute Kjaerstad, Stein Ivar Johnsen, Thomas C. Jensen, Kristian Hassel, Lisbeth Gederaas
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2020)
