Ornithology,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
138(2)
Published: April 6, 2021
Abstract
Examining
differences
among
recently
diverged
populations
can
provide
insight
into
the
traits
and
evolutionary
mechanisms
that
drive
or
maintain
divergence.
The
genus
Sturnella
includes
2
species,
magna
(Eastern
Meadowlark)
S.
neglecta
(Western
Meadowlark),
former
of
which
has
a
complex
subspecies
distributed
across
Americas.
Of
occur
in
United
States,
m.
lilianae
is
only
one
with
disjunct
range,
occurring
southwestern
States
central
Mexico.
It
also
markedly
different
song
patterns
than
all
other
subspecies.
In
order
to
assess
population
differentiation,
we
performed
whole-genome
sequencing
35
birds
analyzed
characteristics
from
85
birds.
Songs
each
species
were
diagnosable
using
linear
discriminant
function
analysis
support
divergence
between
taxa.
Phylogenetic
admixture
proportions
3
distinct
clades
within
North
American
meadowlarks,
tests
introgression
failed
detect
significant
signal.
Overall,
our
results
indicate
exhibits
high
levels
genetic
vocal
differentiation
both
neglecta,
no
evidence
any
group,
forms
lineage.
We
thus
recommend
elevation
status.
Ornithology,
Journal Year:
2019,
Volume and Issue:
136(2)
Published: April 1, 2019
Abstract
Evolutionary
biologists
have
long
used
behavioral,
ecological,
and
genetic
data
from
contact
zones
between
closely
related
species
to
study
various
phases
of
the
speciation
continuum.
North
America
has
several
concentrations
avian
zones,
where
multiple
pairs
sister
lineages
meet,
with
or
without
hybridization.
In
a
southern
California
zone,
2
woodpeckers,
Nuttall’s
Woodpecker
(Dryobates
nuttallii)
Ladder-backed
(D.
scalaris),
occasionally
hybridize.
We
sampled
these
in
transect
across
this
zone
included
samples
their
closest
relative,
Downy
pubescens),
obtain
large
single
nucleotide
polymorphism
panels
using
restriction-site
associated
DNA
sequencing
(RAD-seq).
Furthermore,
we
whole-genome
resequencing
for
individuals
per
identify
whether
patterns
diversity
inferred
RAD-seq
were
representative
diversity.
found
that
3
woodpecker
are
genomically
distinct.
Although
low
levels
gene
flow
occur
D.
nuttallii
scalaris
there
was
no
evidence
widespread
genomic
introgression
species.
Overall
wholegenome
datasets
appear
be
distributional
range
size
and,
by
extension,
likely
effective
population
sizes
each
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 21, 2024
Abstract
Studies
of
widely
distributed
species
can
offer
insight
regarding
how
past
demographic
events
tied
to
historic
glaciation
and
ongoing
population
genetic
processes
interact
shape
contemporaneous
patterns
biodiversity
at
a
continental
scale.
In
this
study,
we
used
whole-genome
resequencing
investigate
the
current
structure
signatures
in
widespread
migratory
American
goldfinch
(
Spinus
tristis
).
contrast
low
variation
mitochondrial
genomes,
genome-wide
panel
>4.5
million
single
nucleotide
polymorphisms
(SNPs)
strongly
supported
existence
eastern
western
populations
separated
by
mountain
ranges
additional
structuring
within
clade.
Demographic
modeling
indicated
that
diverged
approximately
one
years
ago,
both
experienced
subsequent
bottlenecks
during
last
glacial
period.
Species
distribution
models
showed
severe
contraction
suitable
habitat
for
period,
with
predicted
discontinuities
are
indicative
multiple,
isolated
refugia
coincide
present-day
structure.
This
study
highlights
power
genome-level
sequencing
approaches
deepen
our
understanding
evolutionary
nonmodel
wild
contribute
efforts
assessing
contemporary
factors
might
influence
biodiversity.
Ornithology,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
138(2)
Published: April 6, 2021
Abstract
Examining
differences
among
recently
diverged
populations
can
provide
insight
into
the
traits
and
evolutionary
mechanisms
that
drive
or
maintain
divergence.
The
genus
Sturnella
includes
2
species,
magna
(Eastern
Meadowlark)
S.
neglecta
(Western
Meadowlark),
former
of
which
has
a
complex
subspecies
distributed
across
Americas.
Of
occur
in
United
States,
m.
lilianae
is
only
one
with
disjunct
range,
occurring
southwestern
States
central
Mexico.
It
also
markedly
different
song
patterns
than
all
other
subspecies.
In
order
to
assess
population
differentiation,
we
performed
whole-genome
sequencing
35
birds
analyzed
characteristics
from
85
birds.
Songs
each
species
were
diagnosable
using
linear
discriminant
function
analysis
support
divergence
between
taxa.
Phylogenetic
admixture
proportions
3
distinct
clades
within
North
American
meadowlarks,
tests
introgression
failed
detect
significant
signal.
Overall,
our
results
indicate
exhibits
high
levels
genetic
vocal
differentiation
both
neglecta,
no
evidence
any
group,
forms
lineage.
We
thus
recommend
elevation
status.
