Integrative taxonomy clarifies the evolution of a cryptic primate clade

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Сен. 27, 2024

Abstract Global biodiversity is under accelerating threats, and species are succumbing to extinction before being described. Madagascar’s biota represents an extreme example of this scenario, with the added complication that much its endemic cryptic. Here we illustrate best practices for clarifying cryptic diversification processes by presenting integrative framework leverages multiple lines evidence taxon-informed cut-offs delimitation, while placing special emphasis on identifying patterns isolation distance. We systematically apply entire taxonomically controversial primate clade, mouse lemurs (genus Microcebus , family Cheirogaleidae). demonstrate diversity has been overestimated primarily due interpretation geographic variation as speciation, potentially biasing inference underlying evolutionary diversification. Following a revised classification, find crypsis within genus explained model morphological stasis imposed stabilizing selection neutral process niche Finally, limits defining evolutionarily significant units, provide new conservation priorities, bridging fundamental applied objectives in generalizable framework.

Язык: Английский

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How not to describe a species: lessons from a tangle of anacondas (Boidae: Eunectes Wagler, 1830)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 201(4)

Опубликована: Авг. 1, 2024

Abstract A recent revision of the anacondas (Serpentes: Boidae: Eunectes), with description a new species green anaconda, generated extensive publicity, but also provoked considerable controversy due to inadequacies evidence used and errors in nomenclature. We here use case this problematic publication to: (i) highlight common issues affecting delimitations, especially an over-reliance on mitochondrial DNA data, reiterate best practices; (ii) reanalyse data available for establish true current state knowledge lines further research; (iii) analyse nomenclatural history status genus. While our analysis reveals significant morphological variation both yellow anacondas, denser sampling informative nuclear markers are required meaningful delimitation Eunectes. Tracing name-bearing types establishes Trinidad as type locality Boa murina Linnaeus, 1758 allows identification extant lectotype species. Finally, we emphasize responsibility journals authors ensure that published taxonomic work meets burden substantiate descriptions named compliance rules zoological

Язык: Английский

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Historical biogeography and systematics of yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata), with the description of a new subspecies from the Balkans

Vertebrate Zoology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 75, С. 1 - 30

Опубликована: Янв. 23, 2025

Abstract The Balkan Peninsula hosts a great proportion of Europe’s biodiversity, and this is well illustrated by amphibian richness endemism. Among them, the yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata has been model in ecology evolution, but several aspects its phylogeography taxonomy remain surprisingly poorly understood. In study, we combine cytochrome b DNA barcoding data (1238 individuals from 355 localities), mitogenome phylogenetics (17.2 kb), gene-based nuclear (3.7 kb four gene fragments) multilocus phylogenomics (4759 loci / ~554 obtained double digest Restriction Associated sequencing; ddRAD-seq) to re-assess diversification B. , revisit nomenclatural history assign scientific names phylogeographic lineages. analyses support major lineages, one assigned v. (Carpathians northwestern ranges), pachypus (Apennine Peninsula), two scabra (Dinarides, Hellenides Balkanides vs. Rhodope mountains). Spatiotemporal patterns suggest role for Late Miocene marine incursion Pannonian Plain (Paratethys) as initial trigger divergence, followed vicariance event Apennines “sky island” process Pleistocene differentiation Peninsula. As it reached Dinarides during Pleistocene, potentially hybridized with captured mitochondrial DNA, which resulted massive cyto-nuclear discordance across all European populations. Finally, show that lineages significantly differ morphology ventral coloration patterns, describe lineage new subspecies.

Язык: Английский

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Genome-wide patterns of diversity in the European midwife toad complex: phylogeographic and conservation prospects

Conservation Genetics, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 6, 2025

Язык: Английский

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A splendid banana enigma: Phylogenomic assessment of Vietnamese Musa splendida and Musa viridis populations shows that they are conspecific

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 20(2), С. e0318252 - e0318252

Опубликована: Фев. 11, 2025

Species delimitation is essential to study and conserve biological diversity. It traditionally based on morphological trait variation observed in one or a few specimens. Nevertheless, such assessments may not sufficiently take intraspecific into account, misidentifying morphotypes as separate species. The use of high-throughput sequencing data alongside taxonomic studies substantially improve the accuracy assessments. Musa genus, commonly known for comprising wild relatives banana varieties, consists about seventy described However, status multiple species uncertain due typification errors lack high-quality M . splendida viridis from northern Viet Nam only differ each other color their male flower bracts, which red pinkish-red pink Consequently, has been debated. Here, we studied genetic relationships between 121 plants using (DArTseq) identified 51,188 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that individuals genetically clustered principal component analysis (6 clusters), fastStructure (four groups), ASTRAL-III consensus phylogenetic tree (nine clades) population origin rather than by taxon identity. In addition, strong signal an isolation-by-distance pattern populations was observed. Plants were more closely related same region regions. Hence, propose treat synonym

Язык: Английский

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Fish databases for improving their conservation in Colombia

Scientific Data, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 12(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 13, 2025

Progress in the acquisition of massive sets molecular data and bioinformatic capabilities for their processing have revolutionised species identification, filling gaps crucial areas such as taxonomy, phylogenetic inference, biogeography, even biodiversity conservation. Advanced DNA sequencing metabarcoding uncovered previously hidden diversity, although effectiveness is highly dependent on accuracy reference databases at local regional scales. The compilation information freshwater fishes from Magdalena River basin an important milestone improving our knowledge genetic taxonomic diversity a endemic region Neotropical context. Here, we share 1,270 specimens representing 183 species, cross-referenced with complete collecting catalogue information, along high resolution photographs voucher when alive. This collection multiple sources based fish specimen records not only contributes to future research systematics ecology, but also conservation decisions one South American rivers highest level endemism.

Язык: Английский

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Deforestation-induced Hybridization in Philippine Frogs Creates a Distinct Phenotype With an Inviable Genotype

Heredity, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 16, 2025

Язык: Английский

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A new gecko (Phyllodactylidae: Homonota whitii group) from the Diaguita highlands, Argentina, with an updated phylogeny for the genus

Zoologica Scripta, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 1, 2025

Abstract The South American Transition Zone (SATZ) connects the Neotropical and Andean regions, stretching from western Venezuela to northern Chile central‐western Argentina. In Argentina, northwestern Altoandina Cuyana province includes arid semi‐arid ecosystems, particularly Diaguita District, spanning Catamarca, La Rioja San Juan. This mountainous region, including Sierra de Famatina Cordillera Frontal los Andes, hosts species adapted extreme conditions. Despite its biodiversity, region's endemicity phylogenetic uniqueness remain poorly understood, especially as these ecosystems face growing climate threats, such heatwaves. Geckos (Order Gekkota) are one of oldest lizard clades, with divergences over 150 million years ago. Particularly, genus Homonota (Phyllodactylidae) is endemic southern cone America, primarily in also found Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia Uruguay. As part a broader investigation on geckos this advance their systematic study, we generated data two mitochondrial 12 autosomal loci across 14 species, along comprehensive morphological dataset meristic measurements scale counts. Detailed analyses were conducted within an integrative assessment framework. Consequently, describe new biogeographic district representing northernmost member H. whitii group. inhabits region known for micro‐endemism, further highlighting area important biodiversity hotspot dryland ecosystems. Additionally, provide updated molecular hypothesis genus, offering insights into evolutionary history SATZ.

Язык: Английский

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Phylogenomic species delimitation of studfishes (Fundulidae: Fundulus): evidence for cryptic species in agreement with the central highlands vicariance hypothesis

Zootaxa, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 5604(3), С. 309 - 328

Опубликована: Март 13, 2025

The Central Highlands ecoregion of the eastern United States represents a hotspot freshwater biodiversity, with replicated patterns vicariant speciation east and west Mississippi River. Previous phylogeographic investigation studfishes (Fundulus subgenus Fundulus) revealed evidence for in Highlands, but data were limited to small number gene sequences generated Sanger sequencing. We used double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) improve resolution better characterize population genetic variation. Our sample design included individuals from Fundulus catenatus species group (F. catenatus, F. bifax, stellifer) two outgroup taxa julisia rathbuni). Phylogenetic analyses support monophyletic complex sister relationship Mobile Basin bifax stellifer). Population genomics delimitation tests provide three species-level subdivisions catenatus. describe as Tennessee River its drainages, caddo sp. nov., Ouachita cryptocatenatus occupying remainder range. Modally, was characterized by fewer left pectoral rays (16 vs. 17). nov. had modally anal (15 16) lateral scale rows (13 14). higher dorsal 14) caudal geographic distribution is likely result multiple pre-Pleistocene vicariance events congruent Vicariance Hypothesis well separate, possibly subsequent, dispersal events. Overall, results this study corroborate previous biogeographic history endemic rivers ecoregion. improved genomic variation among studfish populations will guide future studies morphological conservation plans rare biodiversity hotspot.

Язык: Английский

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Genomic, Phenotypic and Environmental Correlates of Speciation in the Midwife Toads (Alytes)

Molecular Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 25, 2025

Speciation, i.e., the formation of new species, implies that diverging populations evolve genetic, phenotypic or ecological factors promote reproductive isolation (RI), but relative contributions these remain elusive. Here we test which genomic, bioacoustic, morphological, and environmental differences best predicts RI across a continuum divergence in midwife toads (genus Alytes), group Western Mediterranean amphibians, using total evidence approach. We found that, without strong geographic barriers to dispersal, extent introgression hybrid zones between phylogeographic lineages, should reflect strength RI, predominantly covaries with genomic divergence. Overall differentiation becomes substantial only well established, fully isolated species. These results suggest speciation initially involve cryptic probably through intrinsic (genetic) incompatibilities. As they continue diverge, nascent species eventually differentiate externally, potentially enforces pre-mating facilitates sympatry. This scenario has practical implications for delimitation, notably when thresholds as proxies isolation.

Язык: Английский

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