Diverge and Conquer: Phylogenomics of southern Wallacean forest skinks (Genus:Sphenomorphus) and their colonization of the Lesser Sunda Archipelago

Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 76(10), P. 2281 - 2301

Published: Aug. 6, 2022

The archipelagos of Wallacea extend between the Sunda and Sahul Shelves, serving as a semipermeable two-way filter influencing faunal exchange Asia Australo-Papua. Forest skinks (Genus Sphenomorphus) are widespread throughout southern exhibit complex clinal, ontogenetic, sexual, seasonal morphological variation, rendering species delimitation difficult. We screened mitochondrial marker for 245 Sphenomorphus specimens from this area to inform selection 104 samples which we used targeted sequence capture generate dataset 1154 nuclear genes (∼1.8 Mb) plus complete genomes. Phylogenomic analyses recovered many deeply divergent lineages, three pairs now sympatric, that began diversify in late Miocene shortly after oldest islands thought have become emergent. infer nonstepping-stone pattern island colonization, with group having originated Arc before using Sumba springboard colonization Banda Arcs. Estimates population structure gene flow across region suggest total isolation except two Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complexes episodically land-bridged during glacial maxima. These historical processes resulted at least 11 region, nine require formal description. This fine-scale geographic partitioning undescribed highlights importance utilizing comprehensive genomic studies defining biodiversity hotspots be considered conservation protection.

Language: Английский

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Complex Patterns of Diversification in the Gray Zone of Speciation: Model-Based Approaches Applied to Patagonian Liolaemid Lizards (Squamata: Liolaemus kingii clade)

Systematic Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 72(4), P. 739 - 752

Published: April 25, 2023

In this study we detangled the evolutionary history of Patagonian lizard clade Liolaemus kingii, coupling dense geographic sampling and novel computational analytical approaches. We analyzed nuclear mitochondrial data (restriction site-associated DNA sequencing cytochrome b) to hypothesize evaluate species limits, phylogenetic relationships, demographic histories. complemented these analyses with posterior predictive simulations assess fit genomic multispecies coalescent model. also employed a approach time-calibrate network. Our results show several instances mito-nuclear discordance consistent support for reticulated history, supporting view that complex kingii is characterized by extensive gene flow rapid diversification events. discuss our findings in contexts "gray zone" speciation, phylogeographic patterns region, taxonomic outcomes. [Model adequacy; coalescent; network phylogenomics; delimitation.].

Language: Английский

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A multi-layered approach uncovers overlooked taxonomic and physiological diversity in Alpine subterranean spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae:

Invertebrate Systematics, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 36(4), P. 354 - 371

Published: May 5, 2022

The integration of multiple lines evidence in the delimitation taxa is becoming gold standard modern taxonomy and systematics. However, multi-layered still incipient when it comes to species description within a mega-diverse group organisms (e.g. arthropods), especially those inhabiting secluded environments such as caves. This may represent significant shortcoming, because subterranean habitats generally show deep convergence their somatic traits, perplexing our ability delimit by traditional approaches. genus Troglohyphantes Joseph, 1882 (Araneae: Linyphiidae) presently known include 129 5 subspecies, all which are primarily distributed European mountain ranges. Recent studies on Italian alpine covered faunistic, biogeography ecology. knowledge about actual diversity spiders far from complete, expected that levels overlooked might exist genus. In this work, we combined morphological data with target gene molecular data, functional trait analysis thermal physiology explore vignai auct., spider Western Alps an apparently broader distribution than its congeners. Our approach proved effective uncovering further supporting split T. auct. into three distinct whose ranges how striking resemblances other spiders. We here describe new discuss origins light geographical vicariance, niche convergence, ecology divergence time.

Language: Английский

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The veritable horns of a dilemma: Assessing homology of the parietal and squamosal asperities of Phrynosoma (Squamata: Iguania: Phrynosomatidae)

Acta Zoologica, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 105(1), P. 57 - 80

Published: Feb. 3, 2023

Abstract Members of the genus Phrynosoma all exhibit asperities upon parietal and squamosal. We examined μ‐CT scans dermatocrania ontogenetic series but two species , defined squamosal “horns”, distinguishing them from tubercles. counted horns used phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct plesiomorphic horn numbers for these bones. Based this, we propose test hypotheses evolutionary homology conclude following: (1) a array is retained among ; are paramorphs, each identifiable as an homologue; (2) autapomorphic additional pair in P. solare has been recruited tubercles associated with horns; (3) anterior Brevicauda derived tubercle homoplasiously taxa; (4) anteriormost coronatum group highly reduced subsumed within posteriormost jugal asperity (5) apparent exhibited by ditmarsi modestum instead enlarged submarginal tubercle, homoplasy species.

Language: Английский

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Perspectives on the Grey Zone of Species Delimitation With Notes on Invertebrates in the Marine Environment

Bulletin of the Society of Systematic Biologists, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2(2), P. 1 - 23

Published: Oct. 4, 2023

Defining species boundaries, or delimiting species, is a complex and often difficult task. Indeed, when such studies incorporate approaches that consider evolutionary mechanisms, there much to be learned about diversity how the processes play critical roles in speciation can impact delineation. In 2021, virtual workshop on delimitation was held at Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History train natural history scientists taxonomists appropriate analytical tools used help delimit using molecular data. This perspective highlights some main themes discussed during while detailing three challenge any study. Specifically, we discuss incomplete lineage sorting, gene flow, population structure boundaries We highlight empirical methodological have successfully met these challenges under various scenarios. Finally, provide recommendations considerations for undertaking variety taxa. To this end, recommend fully embrace process-based delimitation, which important insights into their study systems. For those developing approaches, hope they incorporating less well-known taxa, as marine invertebrates, method testing. Marine invertebrates encompass many dark taxa across tree life yet represent majority animal phyla, are vulnerable extinction due global ocean change. Thus, advancing address taxonomic revisions organisms will support conservation decisions keystone ecosystems. Furthermore, strategies, lack obvious barriers flow environment, occurrence isolated habitat patches better inform our knowledge role generating nature.

Language: Английский

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Whole-genome sequencing confirms multiple species of Galapagos giant tortoises

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

Published: April 5, 2023

Abstract Galapagos giant tortoises are endemic to the Archipelago, where they found in isolated populations. While these populations widely considered distinguishable morphology, behavior, and genetics, recent divergence of taxa has made their status as species controversial. Here, we apply multispecies coalescent methods for delimitation whole genome resequencing data from 38 across all 13 extant assess support delimiting species. In contrast previous studies based solely on time, find strong evidence reject hypothesis that belong a single Instead, conservative interpretation model-based divergence-based results indicates form complex consisting minimum 9 species, with some analyses supporting many There is mixed living same island, them separate others suggesting multiple per island. These make clear tortoise represent different stages process speciation, further along evolutionary than others. A better understanding more parts urgently needed, given threatened tortoises. Lay Summary Species challenging problem biology, but one central field. Distinguishing can affect conservation management practices, assessments strategies breeding programs. More fundamentally, boundaries affects our ability biodiversity study processes. The Archipelago presents several radiations closely related inspired Charles Darwin develop his theory evolution by natural selection later led foundational case speciation. were such inspiration. Nearly two centuries later, there still an ongoing debate about taxonomic tortoises, opinions ranging barely differentiated present first genomic provide convincing this group between valuable guidance stakeholders Galapagos, while also adding important island

Language: Английский

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Antipredator Blood-Squirting Defense in Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma): Chemical Isolation of Plasma Component(s), Pogonomyrmex Ant Dietary Origin, and Evolution

Ichthyology & Herpetology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(1)

Published: March 22, 2024

Las lagartijas cornudas norteamericanas del género Phrynosoma, son en gran parte mirmecófagos, arrojan sangre de man-era sistémica por los senos circumoculares durante encuentros con ciertos mamíferos depredadores. Cuando la entra su cavidad bucal, depredadores reaccionan una clara repulsión. Utilizando fracción plasma sanguíneo bioensayos, identificamos las características y el origen compuestos químicos activos responsables esta respuesta oral negativa. Los resultados serie experimentos bioensayos coyotes, así como nueva ratones, fueron medida concordantes. Es probable que sean transportados un peso molecular entre 800 1600 (mw). Para identificar activos, se observaron respuestas ratones diferentes especies cornudas. indican están presentes fracciones conocidas comer Pogonomyrmex relación arrojar sangre, además, ausentes no comen otras hormigas artrópodos. individuos P. cornutum, especie sanguinolenta, alimentadas presentó niveles más elevados comparación alimentados grillos. Además, compuesto activo(s) está asociado abdomen estas hormigas, es donde almacena veneno. El rol aparente veneno hormiga cosechadora bioactividad lagartijass cornudas, puede deberse a absorción directa. En cambio, enzimas tóxicas pueden ser metabolizadas lagartijas, lo da resultado uno péptidos pequeños actúan ingredientes circundante estas. Nuestro estudio abre campo investigación para comprender complejidades relaciones evolutivas diversas spp. Sugerimos dieta abundante, venenosa ampliamente dispersa, solo estuvo disponible evolución técnicas únicas captura presas. Esta condujo posteriormente incorporación sanguíneo, facilitó chorros funcionalidad antidepredador. Estos eventos transformadores aparentemente establecieron configuración evolutiva "conjunto Phynosoma", únicas, partir cuales subsiguientes diversos clados han evolucionado largo árida América Norte.

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DEFENSIVE HORN RAISING BY HORNED LIZARDS (PHRYNOSOMA): A UNIQUE BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE IN PHRYNOSOMATID LIZARDS?

The Southwestern Naturalist, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 67(2)

Published: July 26, 2022

Nuestro estudio agrega una especie adicional de lagarto cornudo, Phrynosoma ditmarsi, a otras siete especies (en tres clados) que tienen respuestas cuernos levantados y espalda arqueada las presiones táctiles craneales ejercidas por los dedos humanos simulan un agarre ingestión serpiente. En contraste con estos miembros la subfamilia Phrynosomatiae, también probamos en tribu diferente (Callisaurini), Callisaurus draconoides, (Sceloporinae), Sceloporus magister, lagartos frinosomátidos sin para similares. Llegamos conclusión Phrynosomatinae (Phrynosoma) exhiben estas probables antipredadoras, pero conductuales faltan familia. Las comportamiento se todo el género, incluso más pequeños. Al igual cuernos, son plesiomorfos género. El desarrollo es positivamente alométrico, pueden haber sufrido reversión del tamaño dos clados. Además, notamos aspectos quizás convergentes comportamientos defensa contra depredadores posicionamiento cabeza, junto características morfológicas claramente diferentes, dentro género Moloch horridus.

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RAIN-HARVEST DRINKING BY PHRYNOSOMA DITMARSI IN SONORA, MEXICO

The Southwestern Naturalist, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 67(2)

Published: July 26, 2022

La recolección de lluvia en el desierto resulta una actividad complicada para las lagartijas. Se han documentado características morfológicas y comportamiento inusuales captar gotas la superficie piel algunas lagartijas, entre ellas tres especies camaleones (Phrynosoma). documento conducta captación agua beber hembra adulta especie adicional, Phrynosoma ditmarsi, poco estudiada desde su descubrimiento 1890–1891. El aplicaciones del biomimetismo emergentes sobre direccionales únicas transporte a través los capilares escamas con articulaciones flexibles P. cornutum sugieren valor investigación más detallada este sistema adicionales Phrynosoma.

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Genomic Data Do Not Support the Species Status of the San Luis Valley Short-Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma diminutum)

Ichthyology & Herpetology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 111(3)

Published: Sept. 4, 2023

Genomic data are increasingly used to understand the nature of species boundaries, which provides critical information about biodiversity and phylogeography. One example is Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi), a wide-ranging with substantial morphological genomic variation throughout its range. Within range P. hernandesi, miniaturized lizard was recently described as diminutum. Phrynosoma diminutum inhabits distinct ecological region Colorado in San Luis Valley, but unique location size difference between surrounding populations hernandesi does not necessarily imply that an independent evolutionary lineage. To determine whether support lineage, we compared using over 3,000 markers distributed genome. A phylogenetic analysis shows only weakly differentiated from nearby hernandesi. Comparisons genetic differentiation (fixation index, FST; distance, DXY) among five other closely related horned lizards further evidence low levels divergence observed reflective population-level species-level divergence. Therefore, propose be placed synonymy rather than recognized species. Furthermore, show how can more accurately test boundaries avoid artificially inflating estimates.

Language: Английский

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