Article
Ecology
Andrew N. Stillman, Teresa J. Lorenz, Philip C. Fischer, Rodney B. Siegel, Robert L. Wilkerson, Matthew Johnson, Morgan W. Tingley
Summary: Research on the black-backed woodpecker post-fire survival shows that the severity of fire and time since leaving the nest are crucial factors affecting fledgling and juvenile survival rates. High-severity fires may provide nesting and foraging sites for adult woodpeckers but lower survival rates for fledglings.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xixian Ma, Wenjun Yang, Yang Gao, Yuwen Pan, Yan Lu, Hao Chen, Dongsheng Lu, Shuhua Xu
Summary: The Hui people, a unique ethnic minority in China who speak Mandarin and practice Islam, showed genetic similarity to East Asian populations and significant functional genetic variations in skin pigmentation, facial morphology, and lipid metabolism. Their history includes two episodes of admixture, reflecting interactions between western and eastern Eurasians during different periods. Strong sex-biased admixture was also observed, with an excess of western males and eastern females contributing to the genetic pool of the Hui people.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Leme Pablos, Ana Kristina Silva, Noemy Seraphim, Luiza de Moraes Magaldi, Anete Pereira de Souza, Andre Victor Lucci Freitas, Karina Lucas Silva-Brandao
Summary: The study on Atlantic Forest White Morpho butterflies shows that there is no clear species diversification and population structure among the populations, suggesting that the current distinction between the two species is unreasonable. Northern samples exhibit more intragroup structure, and clustering tests indicate the existence of three genetic clusters, with turnover between the states of Paran ' a and Sa similar to o Paulo.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
El-Sayed M. Abdel-Kafy, Sherif I. Ramadan, Weal H. Ali, Sabbah F. Youssef, Hoda A. Shabaan, Amira El-Deighadi, Miho Inoue-Murayama
Summary: The study aimed to characterize three domestic Egyptian goose populations from different geographical zones phenotypically and genetically. Results showed low differentiation in morphology and genetics among the three populations, suggesting their suitability for forming a large founder population with high genetic variation. This information could be valuable for developing conservation programs for Egyptian geese.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Subrat Kumar Swain, Basanta Pravas Sahu, Sofia Priyadarsani Das, Lakshman Sahoo, Pratap Chandra Das, Paramananda Das
Summary: Labeo fimbriatus, a medium carp species found in India, has experienced a dramatic decline due to habitat degradation and overfishing. Selective breeding is crucial for improving its performance traits. Using genetic markers, we analyzed the genetic variation and distribution among the four populations of L. fimbriatus in Indian rivers. The results provide insights for conservation measures and selective breeding.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiara Tarracchini, Giulia Alessandri, Federico Fontana, Sonia Mirjam Rizzo, Gabriele Andrea Lugli, Massimiliano Giovanni Bianchi, Leonardo Mancabelli, Giulia Longhi, Chiara Argentini, Laura Maria Vergna, Rosaria Anzalone, Alice Viappiani, Francesca Turroni, Giuseppe Taurino, Martina Chiu, Silvia Arboleya, Miguel Gueimonde, Ovidio Bussolati, Douwe van Sinderen, Christian Milani, Marco Ventura
Summary: Based on the shotgun metagenomic sequencing data of 12,415 fecal microbiomes, this study reveals the strain-level dynamic changes in the gut microbiota across the human life span. It demonstrates the host sex-related persistence of strains belonging to common maternally-inherited species, such as Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum. Comparative genome analyses and experiments suggest that host-glycan metabolism-related bacterial glycosyl hydrolases may contribute to more efficient colonization in females compared to males. These findings indicate an intriguing ancient sex-specific host-microbe coevolution that drives the selective persistence of key microbial taxa in women.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ayca Ozkan Koca, Salih B. Berkcan, Burcu Lacin Alas, Irfan Kandemir
Summary: The study revealed that the Colorado potato beetle populations in Turkey originated from Europe and have low genetic variation, possibly due to a recent spread from America. Region-specific alleles were found in areas with intensive commercial potato cultivation and insecticide use.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Stella C. Yuan, Eric Malekos, Catalina Cuellar-Gempeler, Melissa T. R. Hawkins
Summary: This study characterized the intraspecific genetic structure and diversity of the San Bernardino flying squirrel, an important subspecies of the Humboldt's flying squirrel. The results indicate reduced genetic diversity in the San Bernardino population and highlight its genetic distinctiveness. The differences in genetic diversity between mitochondrial and nuclear markers suggest sex-biased dispersal and historic isolation followed by recent gene flow.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Esther S. H. Kim, Jacqueline Saw, Daniella Kadian-Dodov, Malissa Wood, Santhi K. Ganesh
Summary: Multifocal fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection are both sex-biased diseases disproportionately affecting women over men in a 9:1 ratio. They share similarities in clinical presentations and genetic associations, particularly in terms of arterial abnormalities.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biology
Macy J. J. Kailing, Joseph R. R. Hoyt, J. Paul White, Heather M. M. Kaarakka, Jennifer A. A. Redell, Ariel E. E. Leon, Tonie E. E. Rocke, John E. E. DePue, William H. H. Scullon, Katy L. L. Parise, Jeffrey T. T. Foster, A. Marm Kilpatrick, Kate E. E. Langwig
Summary: Demographic factors, such as age and sex, have a significant impact on infectious disease dynamics. In this study, we investigated the sex-biased infections in bats with white-nose syndrome and explored the potential mechanisms underlying the differences in infection between sexes. We found that females were more infected than males, and this may be due to sex-based differences in autumn mating behavior.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wipada Woravatin, Mark Stoneking, Metawee Srikummool, Jatupol Kampuansai, Leonardo Arias, Wibhu Kutanan
Summary: This study investigates the population history and sex-specific aspects of South Asian (SA) ancestry in Mainland Southeast Asian (MSEA) populations using uniparental markers. The results show that SA prevalent mtDNA haplogroups were observed at frequencies of approximately 35-45% in the Southern Thai groups, and these two groups showed closer genetic relatedness to Austroasiatic speaking Mon than to any other group. The study highlights the additional value that uniparental markers can provide in genome-wide variation studies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brian Charlesworth, Jeffrey D. Jensen
Summary: It has been proposed that lower mutation rates in gene bodies in Arabidopsis thaliana are an adaptive modification related to the rate of beneficial and deleterious mutations. However, the assumptions made in the population genomics analyses for this claim were questionable. Specifically, the difference in Tajima's D between gene bodies and less selectively constrained sequences can be explained by purifying selection rather than lower mutation rates.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yasuyuki Ishibashi
Summary: Individual dispersal plays a vital role in preserving genetic diversity in density-fluctuating populations. A study on the gray-sided vole in an intensive farming region in Japan shows that genetic diversity is preserved in isolated windbreak forests. Male-biased dispersal facilitates gene flow among these forests, ensuring the preservation of genetic diversity.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Whitney J. B. Anthonysamy, Michael J. Dreslik, Sarah J. Baker, Mark A. Davis, Marlis R. Douglas, Michael E. Douglas, Christopher A. Phillips
Summary: Measures of gene flow and genetic diversity are crucial for evaluating population trends and considering management and conservation strategies for wildlife. In this study, a molecular assessment was conducted on the remaining Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake hibernacula in Illinois to understand diversity and connectivity patterns. The results showed limited connectivity and distinct genetic clusters among the study areas, emphasizing the need for separate management units and preservation of genetic diversity.
Review
Fisheries
Nicole M. Phillips, Floriaan Devloo-Delva, Carly McCall, Toby S. Daly-Engel
Summary: Current studies indicate the presence of some degree of male-biased dispersal in elasmobranchs, but factors such as the pooling of different life stages during data analysis and the inherent characteristics of different marker types may lead to an overemphasis on male dispersal, potentially obscuring genetic signals of female and male reproductive philopatry.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ariane Dumas, Catherine Bouchard, Antonia Dibernardo, Pierre Drapeau, L. Robbin Lindsay, Nicholas H. Ogden, Patrick A. Leighton
Summary: Ixodes scapularis ticks are expanding their range in northeastern North America, bringing with them pathogens of public health concern. This study found that birds and rodents are reservoir hosts for the ticks, with ground-foraging bird species and species inhabiting open habitat being more susceptible to infestation and transmission of Borrelia bacteria.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martin-Hugues St-Laurent, Yan Boulanger, Dominic Cyr, Francis Manka, Pierre Drapeau, Sylvie Gauthier
Summary: This study evaluated how climate change will affect boreal caribou habitat, finding that it may lead to a decrease in habitat quality, a reduction in high-quality habitat, and a northward recession of suitable habitat. Timber harvesting was found to be the most important factor of change for the 2030-2050 horizon, although it may be replaced by changes in fire regime by 2100.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francesca Marucco, Kristine L. Pilgrim, Elisa Avanzinelli, Michael K. Schwartz, Luca Rossi
Summary: Wildlife dispersal has direct influence on population expansion patterns and indirect effects on the spread of wildlife diseases. This study documents the natural dispersal processes of an expanding wolf population in the Italian Alps, aiming to understand population dynamics and identify diseases associated with the recolonization pattern.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John A. Kronenberger, Taylor M. Wilcox, Daniel H. Mason, Thomas W. Franklin, Kevin S. McKelvey, Michael K. Young, Michael K. Schwartz
Summary: Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is a sensitive and cost-effective technique for wildlife monitoring. This study used SYBR Green and TaqMan hydrolysis probes to test 10 qPCR assays and trained random forest classifiers to predict amplification. The models achieved high accuracy in cross-validation and independent tests, making it easier for practitioners to develop specific assays.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Michael K. Young, Daniel J. Isaak, David Nagel, Dona L. Horan, Kellie J. Carim, Thomas W. Franklin, Victoria A. Zeller, Brett Roper, Michael K. Schwartz
Summary: One of the most challenging tasks for aquatic ecologists is to precisely delineate the range of species, especially those that are broadly distributed, require specialized sampling methods, and may be simultaneously declining and increasing in different portions of their range. In this study, the distribution of Pacific lamprey in the upper Snake River basin was determined through a two-stage environmental DNA survey. The results showed that Pacific lamprey mainly occupied river main stems and stocked tributaries, with weaker detections in downstream and warm channels and near their headwaters. Furthermore, there was no evidence of indigenous populations in natural habitats.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Todd B. Cross, Jeffery R. Row, Michael K. Schwartz, Dave E. Naugle, Jennifer A. Fike, Kristopher Winiarski, Brad C. Fedy
Summary: Characterizing genetic structure across a species' range is crucial for management and conservation. In this study, using the Greater Sage-grouse as an example, the authors propose strategies to overcome the challenges in characterizing genetic structure of wide-ranging species. They identify genetic differentiation centers and highlight the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and connectivity.
Article
Ecology
Andrew J. Shirk, Gavin M. Jones, Zhiqiang Yang, Raymond J. Davis, Joseph L. Ganey, R. J. Gutierrez, Sean P. Healey, Shaula J. Hedwall, Serra J. Hoagland, Ron Maes, Karl Malcolm, Kevin S. McKelvey, Carly Vynne, Jamie S. Sanderlin, Michael K. Schwartz, Mark E. Seamans, Ho Yi Wan, Samuel A. Cushman
Summary: This study introduces a framework for automatically monitoring and assessing species habitats. Using this framework, an automated habitat monitoring system for the Mexican spotted owl was developed and linked to federal agency adaptive management plans. The system demonstrated high accuracy in monitoring the owl's habitat over a 35-year period. It highlights the necessity for continuous monitoring and the benefits of an automated workflow in managing species in dynamic landscapes.
Correction
Ecology
Gavin M. Jones, Andrew J. Shirk, Zhiqiang Yang, Raymond J. Davis, Joseph L. Ganey, R. J. Gutierrez, Sean P. Healey, Shaula J. Hedwall, Serra J. Hoagland, Ron Maes, Karl Malcolm, Kevin S. McKelvey, Jamie S. Sanderlin, Michael K. Schwartz, Mark E. Seamans, Ho Yi Wan, Samuel A. Cushman
Article
Ecology
Gavin M. Jones, Andrew J. Shirk, Zhiqiang Yang, Raymond J. Davis, Joseph L. Ganey, R. J. Gutierrez, Sean P. Healey, Shaula J. Hedwall, Serra J. Hoagland, Ron Maes, Karl Malcolm, Kevin S. McKelvey, Jamie S. Sanderlin, Michael K. Schwartz, Mark E. Seamans, Ho Yi Wan, Samuel A. Cushman
Summary: Understanding habitat dynamics is crucial for effective conservation. This study developed a dynamic model of Mexican spotted owl habitat using an automated habitat monitoring system. The study explored environmental correlates, spatial non-stationarity in habitat selection, long-term trends, and the impact of wildfires on habitat changes. The results showed that topography and climate had a significant influence on the owl's habitat, with a decline in total habitat area over the past 35 years, and wildfires accounting for a portion of the habitat loss.
Article
Ecology
Gretchen H. Roffler, Kristine L. Pilgrim, Katherine E. Zarn, Michael K. Schwartz, Taal Levi
Summary: Wolves focus on natal den sites during the pup-rearing season, where the survival of their pups depends on food provided by adult pack members. The availability of prey is influenced by habitat quality within the wolves' home range. A study conducted in Southeast Alaska's Prince of Wales Island examined the relationship between prey species, habitat characteristics, wolf diet, and litter size.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kristine L. Pilgrim, Rebecca E. Green, Kathryn L. Purcell, Taylor M. Wilcox, Eric L. McGregor, Larissa E. Gleason, Samuel K. Wasser, Michael K. Schwartz
Summary: A recent climate-induced tree mortality in California has resulted in significant landscape changes in the southern Sierra Nevada. The mortality event has affected the habitat of the fisher, a species of concern in the region. Analysis of fisher scats showed changes in diet composition, with a decrease in mammalian prey and an increase in Ribes plants following the tree mortality event.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Todd B. Cross, Jason D. Tack, David E. Naugle, Michael K. Schwartz, Kevin E. Doherty, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Ronald D. Pritchert, Bradley C. Fedy
Summary: Conserving genetic connectivity is crucial for species survival, especially for imperilled species. This study integrates network and functional connectivity models to identify population centres and pathways important for maintaining genetic connectivity in the greater sage-grouse population. The spatial action maps generated from this process prioritize areas important for range-wide genetic connectivity. Comparing these maps to impedances such as cultivation and woodland expansion provides valuable information for future management and tracking conservation efforts.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. M. Elbroch, S. H. Williams, O. Ohrens, K. Pilgrim, A. Moeller, S. Arroyo-Arce, M. Parker, D. Goic, H. Robinson, M. K. Schwartz
Summary: Determining the abundance of cryptic carnivores is essential for conservation management and coexistence strategies. This study compares two methods, one using camera traps and the other using genetic data extracted from scats, to estimate the population of pumas in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Chile. The results show the variation in estimates depending on the analysis start time and length of the sampling window, and present a refined iterative sampling approach to stabilize density estimates.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Joanna W. Elmore, Taylor M. Wilcox, Alex E. Dutcher, Yuki Reiss, Michael K. Schwartz
Summary: Predation is a crucial factor to consider when studying the impact of invasive species on ecosystems. However, observing and understanding predation can be challenging. This study used DNA metabarcoding to analyze the digestive tracts of invasive Barn Owls and identified multiple species of seabirds as their prey. Traditional morphological assessment detected only a small proportion of seabirds in owl stomach contents, highlighting the effectiveness of molecular methods.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas W. Franklin, Joseph C. Dysthe, Helen Neville, Michael K. Young, Kevin M. McKelvey, Michael K. Schwartz
Summary: Lahontan cutthroat trout and Paiute cutthroat trout are rare and remote species, making traditional sampling difficult. A sensitive eDNA assay has been developed to detect both species, enhancing the ability to describe their distributions.
WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN NATURALIST
(2022)