Niche concept scale in space and time: evolutionary perspectives from tropical insectivorous birds

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: July 3, 2023

Ecological niches are pivotal in addressing questions of species richness gradients like the Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG). The Hutchinsonian niche hypervolume model and derivatives some most proven tools. Accordingly, occupy mathematically convenient spaces relation to functional, especially trophic, relationships, as well physical environment. In one application, number a community is function average sizes, overlaps, total volume. Alternatively, coexisting derives from invasibility criteria species-interaction modules. daunting complexity tropical communities begs question how these ecologically inspired paradigms accommodate present knowledge interactions functional relationships. Recent studies hyperdiverse insectivorous bird suggests reevaluating applicability such concepts. Here I review Neotropical, arthropod-feeding needed explain species’ trophic including their diets, feeding substrates, behavioral morphological traits relevant resource acquisition. Important emergent generalizations include extraordinary specializations on both prey locations (substrates) behaviors, rather than particular resources per se , preponderance adaptations exploit anti-predator prey, evolved response other predators. These implicit arms races necessitate evolutionary approaches necessary understand natural history ecology, compete interspecifically, even predator interact with via enhancements. findings, compared contrasted prevailing concepts suggest expanding large temporal regional geographic scales accumulated mainland Neotropics. also highlight why many birds so sensitive human disturbances, habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation.

Language: Английский

---

A shallow‐scale phylogenomics approach reveals repeated patterns of diversification among sympatric lineages of cryptic Neotropical aquatic beetles (Coleoptera: Noteridae)

Systematic Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 19, 2024

Abstract The Notomicrus traili species group (Coleoptera: Noteridae) is a lineage of aquatic beetles distributed throughout South America and extends into Mexico the West Indies. Previous research has revealed complex within this group, with multiple distinct clades sharing overlapping distributions lineages attributed to N. closely related gracilipes recovered as polyphyletic. Here, we perform targeted capture ultraconserved elements (UCEs) examine relationships patterns evolution group. First, use short‐read whole‐genome sequencing four noterid genera design noterid‐specific UCE probe set (Noteridae 3.4Kv1) targeting over 3400 unique loci. Using set, data from population‐level sampling 44 specimens across Neotropics, an emphasis on Guiana Shield where several putative populations overlap. We subject resulting matrix various trimming completeness treatments reconstruct phylogeny both concatenated maximum likelihood coalescent congruent methods. recover robust phylogenetic estimates that identify phylogenetically share distributions. To test for genetic distinctiveness populations, extract single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alignments using chimeric reference method map UCE‐enriched reads clustering principal component analyses (PCAs) STRUCTURE. Population results are highly concordant structure, revealing high degree co‐ancestry shared identified clades, contrasting limited ancestry between clades. pattern consistent repeated diversification dispersal in highlighting efficacy tailored approach facilitating shallow‐scale reconstructions population analyses, which can reveal novel aspects coleopteran phylogeography.

Language: Английский

---

The influence of the forest corridors to the north of the Andes on the diversification of the Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus (Passeriformes, Tyrannidae), during the climatic oscillations of the middle Pleistocene

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 18, 2024

Aim: This study aims to enhance our understanding of the temporal and spatial proceses scales governing taxonomic diversification Neotropical birds with Trans- Cis-Andean populations. Location: Central America South America. Taxon: Attila spadiceus (Bright-rumped Attila). Methods: Through a multilocus analysis mitochondrial (CytB ND2) nuclear genes (I7BF, I5BF, G3PDH) 41 samples representing six subspecies, we describe existing molecular lineages A. spadiceus, estimate their demographic dynamics. We also modeled climatic niche species. Results: The confirms relatively recent divergence lineages, at approximately 0.25 million years ago (Ma). modeling supports existence dynamic scenario expansion retraction forest corridors in northwestern during last glaciation. suggests that earlier orogenesis Andes was not primary determinant this dichotomy. Additionally, population dynamics indicated trend increasing size starting 0.05 Ma for both lineages. Main Conclusions: Our findings highlight significance Pleistocene Forest north as key factor maintaining communication before separation likely associated forest. absence any significant differentiation between disjunct Amazonian Atlantic populations, part lineage. phylogeographic profile diverges from patterns observed other birds, which emphasizes need further research on role northern drivers diversification, provide comprehensive insights into processes led formation region's present-day avian diversity.

Language: Английский

---

Habitat Association Predicts Population Connectivity and Persistence in Flightless Beetles: A Population Genomics Approach Within a Dynamic Archipelago

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(23)

Published: Nov. 5, 2024

ABSTRACT Habitat association has been proposed to affect evolutionary dynamics through its control on dispersal propensity, which is considered a key trait for lineage survival in habitats of low durational stability. The Constraint hypothesis predicts different micro‐ and macroevolutionary patterns stable versus dynamic habitat specialists, but the empirical evidence remains controversial insects mostly derives from winged lineages. We here use genome‐wide SNP data assess effect population two closely related flightless lineages genus Eutagenia (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), are co‐distributed across Cyclades islands Eastern Mediterranean associated with types presumed stability: psammophilous sandy coastal habitats, while geophilous comparatively compact soil habitats. Our comparative genomic demographic analyses support higher inter‐island gene flow lineage, presumably due physical properties sand‐dune that promote passive dispersal. also find consistent bottlenecks demes, suggesting evolution punctuated by local extinction recolonisation events. inferred processes surprisingly uniform among vary considerably demes depending historical island connectivity, indicating more stringent constraints lineage. This study extends demonstrating selection traits not only mechanism can drive differences between specialists.

Language: Английский

---

Amazonian avian biogeography: Broadscale patterns, microevolutionary processes, and habitat-specific models revealed by multidisciplinary approaches

Ornithology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 141(1)

Published: Nov. 24, 2023

Abstract Our understanding of Amazonian biogeography is quickly increasing, catalyzed by the growing use genomic datasets, improved knowledge species distributions, and accumulation new data on geological climatic history region. The high number in Amazonia their intricate patterns geographic distribution triggered development many diversification hypotheses that shaped historical as a discipline. Here, we present overview avian biogeographic studies Amazonia, recent advances, outstanding questions, future directions. We focus how approaches have led to novel understandings processes underpin diversity. show tools are being used establish about drivers highlight importance birds previously overlooked environments, such floodplains open vegetation enclaves. emphasize gene flow, traits, habitat affinities studying fully acknowledge complexity ecosystems history. then discuss current gaps taxonomic knowledge, with issues believe hinder our field. has been facing increasing levels forest loss due agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, mining, climate change, illegal activities weak governance. To halt biodiversity loss, it crucial increase natural species. suggest incentives for research training at institutions based region, well establishment partnerships governments, local communities, NGOs, international bring diverse communities together address questions.

Language: Английский

---

Bats of a feather: Range characteristics and wing morphology predict phylogeographic breaks in volant vertebrates

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract Intraspecific genetic variation and phylogeographic structure can be influenced by factors such as landscape features, environmental gradients, historical biogeography, organismal traits dispersal ability. Since deep is often considered a precursor to speciation, identifying the that are associated with contribute greater understanding about diversification. Here, we use repurposed data perform global analysis of volant vertebrates (i.e., bats birds) estimate where intraspecific breaks occur identify important predictors these breaks. We using Monmonier’s maximum difference barrier algorithm conduct Random Forests presence break response variable. In bats, concentrated in biodiversity hotspots while estimated bird species more widespread across temperate tropical zones. However, for both clades geographical features latitude, measures wing morphology, feeding ecology were found Our identifies areas wells suites could serve starting point detailed studies processes.

Language: Английский

---

A river runs through it: Causal graphs capture rivers’ complex control on the genetic structure of populations

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 24, 2023

Earth’s physiographic features shape the genetic evolution of organisms. Understanding conditions under which such act as barriers to gene flow requires quantifying and articulating both barrier organism(s). Many features, however, have known interdependencies that are not expressed through common multivariate statistics. Here, we evaluate use directed acyclic (causal) graphs structural equation modeling (SEM) articulate test these relationships. We chose longstanding contested Riverine Barrier Hypothesis a test-case using 28 river-spanning population genomic datasets plants animals associated with 25 rivers across contiguous United States; data were paired seasonality, river width, discharge for those rivers. SEMs revealed insights could be captured by traditional non-structured Discharge had greatest direct effect on low-dispersing species. However, has negative, indirect effects other making its total differentiation negligible. River width was important low dispersers, but surprisingly, narrower higher Fst—this may due association topography (e.g., headland) parts Or, wide lowland more dynamic facilitate dispersal than highland Therefore, or landscape history wetted area determine efficacy. This proof concept shows utility causal SEM at testing complex relationships between organisms evolve them.

Language: Английский

---

A shallow-scale phylogenomics approach reveals parallel patterns of diversification among sympatric populations of cryptic Neotropical aquatic beetles (Coleoptera: Noteridae)

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 30, 2023

Abstract The Notomicrus traili species group (Coleoptera: Noteridae) is a lineage of aquatic beetles distributed throughout South America and extends into Mexico the West Indies. Previous research has revealed complex within this group, with multiple distinct clades sharing overlapping distributions lineages attributed to N. closely related gracilipes recovered as polyphyletic. Here, we perform targeted capture ultraconserved elements (UCEs) examine relationships patterns evolution group. First, use short-read whole genome sequencing four noterid genera design noterid-specific UCE probe set (Noteridae 3.4Kv1) targeting over 3,400 unique loci. Using set, data from population-level sampling 44 specimens across Neotropics, an emphasis on Guiana Shield where several putative populations overlap. We subject resulting matrix various trimming completeness treatments reconstruct phylogeny both concatenated maximum likelihood coalescent congruent methods. recover robust phylogenetic estimates that identify phylogenetically share distributions. To test for genetic distinctiveness populations, extract single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alignments clustering using principal component analyses (PCAs) STRUCTURE. Population results are highly concordant structure, revealing high degree co-ancestry shared identified clades, contrasting limited ancestry between clades. pattern consistent repeated diversification dispersal in highlighting efficacy tailored approach facilitating shallow-scale reconstructions population analyses, which can reveal novel aspects coleopteran phylogeography.

Language: Английский

---

The Breeding Pattern and Population Genetic Structure of Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Population in Natural Woodland Habitats

Sociobiology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 70(4), P. e9360 - e9360

Published: Oct. 30, 2023

Microsatellite markers are suitable tools for assessing the population structure of eusocial species, especially those with a dynamic breeding system, such as Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). Therefore, this study applied seven microsatellite to infer pattern and genetic C. found in natural woodland habitats at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. The habitat colonies show significant deviation from HWE (all p < 0.05). uncovered suggested that presented combined mixed- extended-family moderate differentiation elevated inbreeding. In particular, was inferred vary depending on demographic variation age colony. Nevertheless, results revealed comprehensive information structure, habitat-specific woodlands. Furthermore, future studies exclusive datasets marginal demography necessary enhance management strategies pest species.

Language: Английский

---