Baleen
whales
(Mysticeti)
are
a
clade
of
highly
adapted
carnivorous
marine
mammals
that
can
reach
extremely
large
body
sizes
and
feature
characteristic
keratinaceous
baleen
plates
used
for
obligate
filter
feeding.
From
conservation
perspective,
nearly
all
whale
species
were
hunted
extensively
over
roughly
100
years
lasting
time
period
depleted
many
the
respective
stocks
with
so
far
unknown
consequences
e.g.
their
molecular
viability.
an
evolutionary
lack
fossil
records
together
conflicting
patterns
resulted
in
still
unclear
debated
phylogeny
modern
whales,
particularly
rorquals
(Balaenopteridae).
In
this
dissertation,
I
will
demonstrate
application
genomes
to
tackle
these
open
questions
by
using
approaches
genomics.
Conservation
genomic
aspects
addressed
two
projects,
both
whole
genome
data
either
Icelandic
fin
(Balaenoptera
physalus)
population
or
multiple
blue
musculus)
populations
evaluate
impact
industrial
whaling
era
on
The
results
suggest
substantial
drop
effective
size
but
also
manifestation
genotypes
when
compared
populations.
Especially
rare
short
runs
homozygosity
(ROH),
usually
indicative
inbreeding,
frequent
outcrossing
while
analyzed
featured
long
ROH.
addition
analyses,
was
further
if
northern
hemisphere
diverged
into
different
subspecies.
Population
genetic
gene
flow
analyses
showed
clearly
separated
well
isolated
accordance
assumed
geographical
distance.
contrast,
genome-wide
divergence
between
low
other
cetacean
next
closely
related
sei
species.
Because
includes
morphologically
recognized
pygmy
subspecies,
proposal
made
equally
categorize
northern-hemisphere
as
Evolutionary
third
project,
constructing
right
(Caperea
marginata)
testing
its
potential
phylogenetics
cancer
research.
Phylogenomic
fragments
whole-genome
alignment
featuring
extant
allowed
revision
complex
relationships
quantifying
characterizing
amounts
conflicts
early
diverging
branches.
These
identify
phylogenetically
independent
pairs
maximum
differences
compare
rates
positive
selection
genomes.
evenly
distributed
frequencies
alternative
topologies
which
supports
representation
hard
polytomy
high
introgression
incomplete
lineage
sorting.
Within
set
available
data,
three
found
comparisons
potentially
genes.
conserved
patterns,
however,
more
convergent
evolution
resistance
like
previously
discussed
paleontology.
conclusion,
methods
genetics
comprehensive
estimation
about
viability
assessment
taxonomic
status
rather
underlines
importance
monitoring
because
show
varying
depletions.
Furthermore,
showcased
whale,
important
may
be
management
most
likely
contribute
overcome
under-classification
problem.
research
characterization
within
especially
understanding
evolution.
here
support
idea
gigantism
guide
search
responsible
Peto’s
paradox.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
15(1)
Published: Nov. 20, 2024
Abstract
A
complete
goat
(
Capra
hircus
)
reference
genome
enhances
analyses
of
genetic
variation,
thus
providing
insights
into
domestication
and
selection
in
goats
related
species.
Here,
we
assemble
a
telomere-to-telomere
(T2T)
gap-free
(2.86
Gb)
from
cashmere
(T2T-goat1.0),
including
Y
chromosome
20.96
Mb.
With
base
accuracy
>99.999%,
T2T-goat1.0
corrects
numerous
genome-wide
structural
errors
previous
assemblies
adds
288.5
Mb
previously
unresolved
regions
446
newly
assembled
genes
to
the
genome.
We
sequence
genomes
five
representative
breeds
for
PacBio
reads,
use
as
identify
total
63,417
variations
(SVs)
with
up
4711
(7.42%)
regions.
was
applied
population
global
wild
domestic
goats,
which
revealed
32,419
SVs
25,397,794
SNPs,
870
545,026
SNPs
Also,
our
reveal
set
selective
variants
associated
(e.g.,
NKG2D
ABCC4
traits
ASIP
).
Marine Mammal Science,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Jan. 31, 2025
Abstract
Killer
whales
regularly
attack
and
kill
baleen
whales,
especially
their
calves.
In
response,
slow‐moving
maneuverable
“fight”
species
defend
calves
in
winter
aggregations
predictable
shallow
coastal
locations;
while
fast‐swimming
“flight”
flee
on
contact
typically
disperse
across
deep
open
waters.
Male
singing
also
differs
between
fight
flight
groups,
with
producing
more
intricate
songs
to
win
group
competitions,
produce
loud,
monotonous
attract
distant
females.
Fight
rely
defense
have
less
need
hide
acoustically,
but
loud‐singing
might
draw
predatory
killer
whales.
Since
cannot
detect
sounds
<100
Hz
can
only
loud
tones
below
1500
Hz,
at
low
frequencies
would
result
acoustic
crypsis.
A
review
of
whale
calling
source
levels
reveals
that
although
all
are
capable
crypsis,
most
populations
calls
>1500
(24
27,
89%),
unlike
(12
49,
24%).
Furthermore,
higher
frequency
produced
lower
level
calls,
greatly
reducing
detection
distances.
Thus,
may
call
not
for
long‐distance
communication
avoid
by
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
54(5), P. 682 - 695
Published: Aug. 24, 2023
Recent
research
on
mysticete
fossils
from
the
Late
Eocene
and
Oligocene
has
revolutionised
our
understanding
of
diversity
evolutionary
scenarios
for
early
baleen
whales.
For
example,
aetiocetids
are
a
possible,
though
controversial,
lineage
that
bridges
gap
between
toothed
baleen-bearing
mysticetes,
eomysticetids
show
further
transitional
step
towards
status,
with
presence
non-functional
dentition
in
adults.
However,
information
about
origin
crown
including
most
recent
common
ancestor
all
extant
lineages
its
descendants,
is
critical
to
evolution
The
phylogenetic
positions
Toipahautea,
Whakakai,
Horopeta,
Mauicetus
New
Zealand
remain
unresolved
problematic,
but
four
genera
close
relationship
mysticetes.
original
subsequent
cladistic
analyses
have
consistently
revealed
sister
Toipahautea-to-Mauicetus
grade
Horopeta
been
placed
cetotheriids
within
group.
This
review
aims
stimulate
more
this
topic
by
elucidating
which
likely
experienced
poorly
known
radiation
event
during
established
modern
lineages.
Marine Mammal Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Sept. 5, 2024
Abstract
Beaked
whales
have
recently
been
reported
in
the
South
China
Sea
but
with
taxonomic
uncertainty
due
to
their
ambiguous
morphological
features.
Here,
we
sequenced
three
genetic
markers,
control
region
(CR)
and
cytochrome
b
(
cytb
)
of
mitochondrial
genome
first
intron
nuclear
muscle
actin
gene
ACTA2
,
two
biopsy
samples
collected
2021,
revealed
unambiguous
clustering
sequences
previously
attributed
Deraniyagala's
beaked
whale
Mesoplodon
hotaula
).
Phylogenetic
analysis
complete
mitogenomes
strongly
supported
close
relationship
between
ginkgo‐toothed
M.
ginkgodens
Whole‐genome
sequencing
suggested
a
high
degree
heterozygosity
whale.
Ancient
inbreeding
may
had
greater
impact
than
recent
on
whales,
more
are
needed
draw
firm
conclusion.
The
approximate
effective
population
size
was
found
lowest
among
seven
examined
ziphiids,
which
has
experiencing
steady
decline
since
~300,000
ya.
Therefore,
suggest
that
conservation
status
should
be
assessed
when
essential
information
is
available.
results
our
study
provide
evidence
live
sighting
fundamental
understanding
morphological,
behavioral,
ecological
perspectives
this
cetacean
species.
Molecular Ecology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
34(2)
Published: Dec. 17, 2024
The
blue
whale
is
an
endangered
and
globally
distributed
species
of
baleen
with
multiple
described
subspecies,
including
the
morphologically
genetically
distinct
pygmy
whale.
North
Atlantic
Pacific
populations,
however,
are
currently
regarded
as
a
single
subspecies
despite
being
separated
by
continental
land
masses
acoustic
call
differences.
To
determine
degree
isolation
among
Northern
Hemisphere
14
6
Western
Australian
nuclear
mitochondrial
genomes
were
sequenced
analysed
together
11
publicly
available
genomes.
Population
genomic
analyses
revealed
distinctly
differentiated
clusters
limited
genetic
exchange
all
three
indicating
high
between
populations.
Nevertheless,
mitogenomic
distances
whale,
low
when
compared
to
other
inter-subspecies
in
cetaceans.
Given
that
already
recognised
further
supported
previously
reported
differences,
proposal
made
treat
two
populations
separate
namely
Balaenoptera
musculus
(North
whale)
sulfureus
whale).
Furthermore,
first
molecular
viability
assessment
not
only
found
generally
diversity
whales
but
also
lack
alleles
at
frequency,
non-neutral
evolution
increased
effects
inbreeding.
This
suggests
substantial
anthropogenic
impact
on
genotypes
calls
for
careful
monitoring
future
conservation
plans.
Journal of Heredity,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
115(1), P. 112 - 119
Published: Nov. 21, 2023
Abstract
Snakeflies
(Raphidioptera)
are
the
smallest
order
of
holometabolous
insects
that
have
kept
their
distinct
and
name-giving
appearance
since
Mesozoic,
probably
Jurassic,
possibly
even
emergence
in
Carboniferous,
more
than
300
million
years
ago.
Despite
interesting
nature
numerous
publications
on
morphology,
taxonomy,
systematics,
biogeography,
snakeflies
never
received
much
attention
from
general
public,
only
a
few
studies
were
devoted
to
molecular
biology.
Due
this
lack
data,
it
is
therefore
unknown,
if
conserved
morphological
these
living
fossils
translates
genomic
structures.
Here,
we
present
first
genome
species
entire
Raphidioptera.
The
final
assembly
has
total
length
669
Mbp
reached
high
continuity
with
an
N50
5.07
Mbp.
Further
quality
controls
also
indicate
completeness
no
meaningful
contamination.
newly
generated
data
was
used
large-scaled
phylogenetic
analysis
using
shared
orthologous
sequences.
Quartet
score
gene
concordance
analyses
revealed
amounts
conflicting
signals
within
group
might
speak
for
substantial
incomplete
lineage
sorting
introgression
after
presumed
re-radiation
asteroid
impact
66
Overall,
reference
will
be
door-opening
dataset
many
future
research
applications,
demonstrated
its
utility
provides
new
insights
into
evolution
fossils.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 19, 2024
Abstract
Identification
of
the
taxonomic
origin
bone
tools
is
an
important,
but
often
complicated,
component
studying
past
societies.
The
species
used
for
tool
production
provide
insight
into
what
were
exploited,
potentially
how,
and
purpose.
Additionally,
choice
may
have
important
implications
place
within
larger
toolkit.
However,
identification
unsuccessful
based
on
morphology.
Here
we
apply
three
palaeoproteomic
techniques,
ZooMS,
SPIN-like
data
analysis
a
targeted
database
search
to
narrow
down
unusually
large
Bronze
Age
from
Heiloo,
Netherlands,
North
Atlantic
right
whale
(
Eubalaena
glacialis
).
was
investigated
use-wear,
which
showed
that
it
likely
processing
plant
fibres.
assignment
as
adds
support
exploitation
whales
by
coastal
populations,
not
just
meat,
previously
suggested,
also
resource
production.
We
know
no
other
parallel
such
this
in
terms
size,
use,
hafting,
identity.
Marine Mammal Science,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
39(4), P. 1337 - 1343
Published: July 6, 2023
The
evolutionary
relationships
of
the
pygmy
right
whale
Caperea
marginata,
smallest
and
most
enigmatic
living
baleen
whales
(mysticetes),
remain
contentious.
For
150
years,
morphological
analyses
have
allied
with
based
on
their
similar
skim
filter
feeding
strategies
shared
cranial
features
like
a
tall
braincase,
highly
arched
rostrum,
elongate
plates
(Beddard,
1901;
Bisconti,
2012;
Gray,
1871;
McLeod
et
al.,
1993).
By
contrast,
molecular
some
anatomical
evidence—e.g.,
presence
squamosal
cleft,
tympanic
recess,
four-fingered
flipper—suggest
closer
relationship
rorquals
gray
whales,
Eschrichtius
robustus
(Dornburg
Fordyce
&
Marx,
2013;
Lloyd
Slater,
2021;
2011;
McGowen
2009,
2020;
Park
2017;
Steeman
2009).
Reconciling
these
divergent
interpretations
has
proved
challenging,
nontraditional
character
that
are
consistent
data
(e.g.,
Gol'din
Steeman,
2015;
Marx
Fordyce,
2016)
reputedly
"gloss[ing]
over
substantial
issue
convergence
posed
by
many
balaenid
Caperea"
(Berta
Deméré,
2018,
p.
73).
As
result,
continue
to
recover—or
regard—Caperea
as
sister
taxa
(Bisconti,
Bisconti
Carnevale,
2022;
2017,
Boessenecker
El
Adli
2014;
Peredo
2018),
which
in
turn
shaped
debates
around
phylogeny,
placement
fossils,
prevalence
role
convergent
evolution.
Two
knowledge
gaps
prevented
emergence
consensus:
(1)
an
extremely
limited
fossil
record
currently
comprises
just
six
specimens
worldwide,
all
already
resemble
(Marx
2018);
(2)
lack
full
genomic
revealing
true
level
support
for
either
hypothesis.
Recent
advances
sequencing
generated
broad
comparative
set
includes
(Árnason
but
not
yet
included
beyond
subset
individual
protein-coding
genes
(McGowen
2020).
Here,
we
present
first
genome
form
high-coverage
whole-genome
shotgun
data.
We
extracted
DNA
from
kidney
tissue
obtained
juvenile
female
(South
Australian
Museum,
Adelaide,
specimen
M27462)
stranded
near
Port
Vincent,
South
Australia,
September
2017.
carcass
was
retrieved
morning
day
after
animal
had
perished,
immediately
frozen
until
postmortem
collection.
extraction
performed
using
Kingfisher
robot
(Thermo
Fisher
Scientific),
following
manufacturer's
Blood
Tissue
Extraction
protocol.
Around
10
μg
were
provided
library
preparation.
quality
assessed
TapeStation
ensure
suitability
Double-stranded
libraries
built
Illumina
TruSeq
PCR-free
preparation
protocol
then
sequenced
HiSeqX
high
output
mode
2
×
bp
paired-end
chemistry
at
SciLifeLab
(Uppsala
University,
Sweden).
After
sequencing,
mapped
both
our
published
genomes
two
five
~2.4
gigabase
(Gb)
sperm
reference
assembly
(Physeter
macrocephalus,
GCF_002837175.2;
Table
S1).
mapping
genome,
controlled
bias
driven
phylogenetic
distance
between
target
organism
Brandt
2015):
outgroup,
is
equally
distant
focal
species
2018).
To
infer
created
genome-wide
tree,
allowing
us
quantify
overcome
gene
tree
discordance
caused
processes
such
incomplete
lineage
sorting
hybridization.
split
into
nonoverlapping
20
kilobase
(kb)
windows
(following
Árnason
2018;
Appendix
Next,
computed
maximum
likelihood
(ML)
trees
each
window
RAxML
v8.2.12
(Stamatakis,
2014),
summarized
results
ML
multispecies
coalescent
(MSC)
ASTRAL
v5.7.5
(Zhang
Finally,
alternative
topology
(per
internal
branch)
visualized
via
quartet
scores.
estimate
age
recent
common
ancestor
its
nearest
relatives,
concatenated
exons
(n
=
20,196
genes)
coordinates
annotated
genome.
used
framework
implemented
2014)
create
nucleotide
sequence
filtered
out
whose
showed
mean
bootstrap
≤80%,
indicating
low
information
content;
excessively
deviated
majority
(Robinson-Foulds
≤4);
(3)
coefficient
variation
root-to-tip
<0.1,
"nonclock"
behavior
(i.e.,
excessive
rate
heterogeneity).
344
passed
filters
analyzed
mcmctree
function
PAML
v4.8a
(Yang,
2007)
while
constraining
three
nodes
pairwise
sequentially
Markovian
(PSMC)
v0.6.5
(Li
Durbin,
2011)
past
fluctuations
effective
population
size
whale.
Full
methodological
details
available
electronic
supplementary
material.
Sequencing
C.
marginata
resulted
~812
million
read-pairs,
nuclear
47×
average
depth
coverage
(89.33%
covered
≥10×).
filtering,
retained
1.15
Gb
per
(range
1.10–1.20
Gb;
1.18
Caperea),
divided
89,115
kb
each.
Our
MSC
confirms
(88%
trees),
topologies—likely
resulting
sorting—receiving
only
4%–8%
(Figures
1a
Considering
this
increase
evidence,
draws
half
surpasses
previously
more
than
orders
magnitude,
earlier
studies
2009),
propose
traditional
taxonomic
grouping
(superfamily
Balaenoidea)
be
abandoned.
superficially
skull
anatomy
balaenids
stem
archaic
crown
mysticetes
2016;
Werth
2018)
and,
thus,
likely
arose
convergently.
suggest
strategies,
require
large
cross-flow
filtration
surface
(Werth
Potvin,
2016).
This
achieved
notably
plates,
functional
requirements
shape
remainder
skull.
A
trend,
albeit
much
less
pronounced,
evident
sei
(Brodie
Vikingsson,
2009;
In
rack
accommodated
requires
braincase
anteriorly
positioned
neck
muscles
support.
position
supraoccipital
bone,
tip
extends
eyes
(Figure
1b).
Further
knock-on
effects
vertex,
forcing
blowhole
surrounding
rostral
bones
relatively
anterior
position;
mandible,
where
comparatively
small
degree
alpha
(longitudinal)
rotation—enough
gutter
lateral
(Lambertsen
2005;
2016)—has
allowed
coronoid
process
become
almost
indistinct
2013).
traits
interrelated
ultimately
enlargement
apparatus
feeding,
frequently
been
treated
independent
characters
apparently
uniting
balaenids.
call
reevaluation
morphology-based
cladistic
sets
control
nonindependence
uncover
origin
record.
Depending
choice
clock
model
calibration
points,
estimates
divergence
range
16.2
19.4
Ma,
minima
maxima
95%
highest
posterior
densities
14.8
Ma
or
23.3
respectively
1a;
S2;
These
somewhat
younger
29–19
proposed
previous
(Gatesy
McGowen,
because
differences
filtering
temporal
calibration.
Regardless,
even
young
long
pre-date
oldest
no
older
8–7
or,
perhaps,
10–9
(Tsai
2017).
ghost
may
reflect
genuine
undersampling
earliest
members
misidentified,
suggested
regard
cetotheriids
(Fordyce
cannot
evaluate
hypotheses
directly,
note
estimated
time
cetotheriid
origin,
family
dating
Middle
Miocene
(ca.
14.8–12.5
Ma)
(Collareta
Gol'din,
addition
resolving
affinities
Caperea,
new
allow
insight
demographic
history.
trajectory
(Ne)
last
those
fin
(Balaenoptera
physalus),
minke
(B.
Acutorostrata),
borealis)
2018)—a
gradual
decline
Ne
since
Late
plateaus
800
ka,
followed
lasting
200
ka
1c).
changes
census
climate
change
and/or
changing
rates
flow
different
populations
(Mazet
While
presently
distributed
exclusively
Southern
Ocean,
there
presumably
few
barriers
flow,
discovery
Northern
Hemisphere
Pleistocene
fossils
Italy
Japan
2017)
hints
structure.
Periodic
cooling
during
glacial
cycles
opportunities
cold-adapted
cross
equator,
known
phylogeographic
barrier
(Davies,
1963;
Holt
2020),
complex
dynamics
otherwise
temperate
polar
marginata.
D.
Stemmer,
S.
South,
K.
Roberts,
J.
Sumner
helped
collect
samples.
Three
reviewers
substantially
improved
manuscript.
National
Genomics
Infrastructure
Stockholm
(funded
Science
Life
Laboratory,
Knut
Alice
Wallenberg
Foundation
Swedish
Research
Council)
SNIC/Uppsala
Multidisciplinary
Center
Advanced
Computational
assisted
massively
parallel
access
UPPMAX
computational
infrastructure.
Ludovic
Dutoit:
Formal
analysis;
methodology;
visualization;
writing
–
original
draft.
Kieren
J,
Mitchell:
Nicolas
Dussex:
Data
curation;
formal
Catherine
Kemper:
Resources;
review
editing.
Petter
Larsson:
Investigation;
Love
Dalén:
supervision;
Rawlence:
Conceptualization;
project
administration;
Felix
G.
Marx:
recently
learnt
phylogenomic
independently
corroborated
Wolf
al.
(2023).
Their
study
provides
further
conclusive
evidence
differs
ours
focusing
rorqual
phylogeny
selection
cancer
resistance,
rather
origins
se.
way
complementary
together
represent
comprehensive
advancement
understanding
evolution
Caperea.
Raw
reads
(Caperea
marginata)
can
found
European
Nucleotide
Archive
PRJEB46892.
reproducibility,
scripts
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7588332
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Information
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note:
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