1
|
Aitken SN, Jordan R, Tumas HR. Conserving Evolutionary Potential: Combining Landscape Genomics with Established Methods to Inform Plant Conservation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 75:707-736. [PMID: 38594931 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-070523-044239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation requires conserving evolutionary potential-the capacity for wild populations to adapt. Understanding genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics is critical for informing conservation decisions that enhance adaptability and persistence under environmental change. We review how emerging landscape genomic methods provide plant conservation programs with insights into evolutionary dynamics, including local adaptation and its environmental drivers. Landscape genomic approaches that explore relationships between genomic variation and environments complement rather than replace established population genomic and common garden approaches for assessing adaptive phenotypic variation, population structure, gene flow, and demography. Collectively, these approaches inform conservation actions, including genetic rescue, maladaptation prediction, and assisted gene flow. The greatest on-the-ground impacts from such studies will be realized when conservation practitioners are actively engaged in research and monitoring. Understanding the evolutionary dynamics shaping the genetic diversity of wild plant populations will inform plant conservation decisions that enhance the adaptability and persistence of species in an uncertain future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally N Aitken
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; ,
| | | | - Hayley R Tumas
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; ,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leigh DM, Vandergast AG, Hunter ME, Crandall ED, Funk WC, Garroway CJ, Hoban S, Oyler-McCance SJ, Rellstab C, Segelbacher G, Schmidt C, Vázquez-Domínguez E, Paz-Vinas I. Best practices for genetic and genomic data archiving. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1224-1232. [PMID: 38789640 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02423-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Genetic and genomic data are collected for a vast array of scientific and applied purposes. Despite mandates for public archiving, data are typically used only by the generating authors. The reuse of genetic and genomic datasets remains uncommon because it is difficult, if not impossible, due to non-standard archiving practices and lack of contextual metadata. But as the new field of macrogenetics is demonstrating, if genetic data and their metadata were more accessible and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) compliant, they could be reused for many additional purposes. We discuss the main challenges with existing genetic and genomic data archives, and suggest best practices for archiving genetic and genomic data. Recognizing that this is a longstanding issue due to little formal data management training within the fields of ecology and evolution, we highlight steps that research institutions and publishers could take to improve data archiving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Leigh
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
| | - Amy G Vandergast
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- US Geological Survey, Wetland & Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric D Crandall
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Colin J Garroway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sean Hoban
- Center for Tree Science, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Chloé Schmidt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ella Vázquez-Domínguez
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ivan Paz-Vinas
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, LEHNA UMR 5023, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang JP, Wu SP, Chen WY, Pham GJ, Kuan YH. Genomic data revealed inbreeding despite a geographically connected stable effective population size since the Holocene in the protected Formosan Long-Arm Scarab beetle, Cheirotonus formosanus. J Hered 2024; 115:292-301. [PMID: 38364316 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation is a top priority in the face of global environmental change, and the practical restoration of biodiversity has emerged as a key objective. Nevertheless, the question of how to effectively contribute to biodiversity restoration and identify suitable systems for such efforts continues to present major challenges. By using genome-wide SNP data, our study revealed that populations from different mountain ranges of the Formosan Long-Arm Scarab beetle, a flagship species that receives strict protection, exhibited a single genetic cluster with no subdivision. Additionally, our result implied an association between the demographic history and historical fluctuations in climate and environmental conditions. Furthermore, we showed that, despite a stable and moderately sized effective population over recent history, all the individuals we studied exhibited signs of genetic inbreeding. We argued that the current practice of protecting the species as one evolutionarily significant unit remains the best conservation plan and that recent habitat change may have led to the pattern of significant inbreeding. We closed by emphasizing the importance of conservation genetic studies in guiding policy decisions and highlighting the potential of genomic data for identifying ideal empirical systems for genetic rescue, or assisted gene flow studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Pan Huang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ping Wu
- Department of Earth and Life Science, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yun Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guan Jie Pham
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiu Kuan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed AA, Ghoneim M, Ali MAA, Amer A, Głowacka A, Ahmed MAA. Comparative studies of four cumin landraces grown in Egypt. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7990. [PMID: 38580717 PMCID: PMC10997781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57637-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the significant aromatic plants applied in food and pharma is cumin. Despite its massive trading in Egypt, there are no comprehensive reports on cumin landraces profile screening. This study aimed to investigate the variation in seeds' physical and biochemical profiles and genetic diversity as well as assess the efficiency of seeds' germination under salinity stress. Consequently, during the 2020/2021 growing season, four common cumin seed landraces were gathered from various agro-climatic regions: El Gharbia, El Menia, Assiut, and Qena. Results showed a significant variation in physical profile among the four seeds of landraces. In addition, Assiut had the highest percentage of essential oil at 8.04%, whilst Qena had the largest amount of cumin aldehyde, the primary essential oil component, at 25.19%. Lauric acid was found to be the predominant fatty acid (54.78 to 62.73%). According to ISSR amplification, El Menia presented a negative unique band, whereas other landraces offered a positive band. Additionally, the cumin genotypes were separated into two clusters by the dendrogram, with El Gharbia being located in an entirely separate cluster. There were two sub-clusters within the other cluster: El Menia in one and Assiut and Qena in the other. Moreover, the germination sensitivity to the diverse salinity concentrations (control, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS/m) findings showed that landraces exhibited varying responses to increased salinity when El Gharbia and El Menia showed a moderate response at four dS/m. Whilst, Qena landraces showed supreme values among other landraces under 12 and 16 dS/m. The majority of the examined features had strong positive associations over a range of salinity levels, according to phenotypic correlation coefficient analysis. To accomplish the aims of sustainable agriculture in Egypt, it would be imperative that the potential breeding program for cumin landraces consider this screening study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abeer A Ahmed
- Seed Technology Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa Ghoneim
- Cell Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A A Ali
- Horticultural Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alia Amer
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Aleksandra Głowacka
- Department of Plant Cultivation Technology and Commodity Sciences, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka Street, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mohamed A A Ahmed
- Plant Production Department (Horticulture - Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21531, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carroll C, Hoban S, Ray JC. Lessons from COP15 on effective scientific engagement in biodiversity policy processes. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14192. [PMID: 37768193 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted by parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022. The aftermath of these negotiations provides an opportunity to draw lessons as to how ecological and evolutionary science can more effectively inform policy. We examined key challenges that limit effective engagement by scientists in the biodiversity policy process, drawing parallels with analogous challenges within global climate negotiations. Biodiversity is multifaceted, yet represents only one framing for nature's contributions to people, complicating the nexus between evidence and values in development of the framework's targets. Processes generating biodiversity and driving its loss are multiscalar, challenging development of an evidence base for globally standardized targets. We illustrated these challenges by contrasting development of 2 key elements of the framework. The genetic diversity element of the framework's target 4 is directly related to the framework's primary goals, but its complexity required development of novel engagement skills. The target for protected areas was easily communicated but more indirectly related to biodiversity outcomes; evidence from ecological and social science was essential to communicating the context and limitations of this relationship. Scientists can strengthen the effectiveness of global agreements and address challenges arising from complexity, scaling, capacity limitations, and the interplay of science and values, if they can prioritize communication, consensus-building, and networking skills and engage throughout the process, from development of an evidence base to implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Carroll
- Klamath Center for Conservation Research, Orleans, California, USA
| | - Sean Hoban
- Center for Tree Science, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, USA
| | - Justina C Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bernatchez L, Ferchaud AL, Berger CS, Venney CJ, Xuereb A. Genomics for monitoring and understanding species responses to global climate change. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:165-183. [PMID: 37863940 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
All life forms across the globe are experiencing drastic changes in environmental conditions as a result of global climate change. These environmental changes are happening rapidly, incur substantial socioeconomic costs, pose threats to biodiversity and diminish a species' potential to adapt to future environments. Understanding and monitoring how organisms respond to human-driven climate change is therefore a major priority for the conservation of biodiversity in a rapidly changing environment. Recent developments in genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic technologies are enabling unprecedented insights into the evolutionary processes and molecular bases of adaptation. This Review summarizes methods that apply and integrate omics tools to experimentally investigate, monitor and predict how species and communities in the wild cope with global climate change, which is by genetically adapting to new environmental conditions, through range shifts or through phenotypic plasticity. We identify advantages and limitations of each method and discuss future research avenues that would improve our understanding of species' evolutionary responses to global climate change, highlighting the need for holistic, multi-omics approaches to ecosystem monitoring during global climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Laure Ferchaud
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
- Parks Canada, Office of the Chief Ecosystem Scientist, Protected Areas Establishment, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Chloé Suzanne Berger
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clare J Venney
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amanda Xuereb
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pearman PB, Broennimann O, Aavik T, Albayrak T, Alves PC, Aravanopoulos FA, Bertola LD, Biedrzycka A, Buzan E, Cubric-Curik V, Djan M, Fedorca A, Fuentes-Pardo AP, Fussi B, Godoy JA, Gugerli F, Hoban S, Holderegger R, Hvilsom C, Iacolina L, Kalamujic Stroil B, Klinga P, Konopiński MK, Kopatz A, Laikre L, Lopes-Fernandes M, McMahon BJ, Mergeay J, Neophytou C, Pálsson S, Paz-Vinas I, Posledovich D, Primmer CR, Raeymaekers JAM, Rinkevich B, Rolečková B, Ruņģis D, Schuerz L, Segelbacher G, Kavčič Sonnenschein K, Stefanovic M, Thurfjell H, Träger S, Tsvetkov IN, Velickovic N, Vergeer P, Vernesi C, Vilà C, Westergren M, Zachos FE, Guisan A, Bruford M. Monitoring of species' genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impacts. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:267-281. [PMID: 38225425 PMCID: PMC10857941 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species' joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union's Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Pearman
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- BC3 Basque Center for Climate Change, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Olivier Broennimann
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, Geopolis, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tsipe Aavik
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tamer Albayrak
- Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Lab of Ornithology, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Paulo C Alves
- CIBIO-InBIO Laboratório Associado & Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- EBM, Estação Biológica de Mértola, Mértola, Portugal
| | - F A Aravanopoulos
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forest Science and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Laura D Bertola
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Elena Buzan
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, Velenje, Slovenia
| | | | - Mihajla Djan
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ancuta Fedorca
- Department of Wildlife, National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry 'Marin Dracea', Brasov, Romania
- Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Angela P Fuentes-Pardo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Barbara Fussi
- Bavarian Office for Forest Genetics, Teisendorf, Germany
| | - José A Godoy
- Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Felix Gugerli
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Sean Hoban
- Center for Tree Science, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, USA
| | - Rolf Holderegger
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Sciences D-USYS, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Iacolina
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, Department of Biodiversity, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Belma Kalamujic Stroil
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Peter Klinga
- Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, Zvolen, Slovak Republic
- Department of Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maciej K Konopiński
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Linda Laikre
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margarida Lopes-Fernandes
- Centre for Research in Anthropology, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Barry John McMahon
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joachim Mergeay
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
- Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charalambos Neophytou
- Institute of Silviculture, Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Forest Nature Conservation, Forest Research Institute Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Snæbjörn Pálsson
- Department of Biology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ivan Paz-Vinas
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Diana Posledovich
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig R Primmer
- Faculty of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Baruch Rinkevich
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, Israel
| | - Barbora Rolečková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dainis Ruņģis
- Genetic Resource Centre, Latvian State Forest Research Institute 'Silava', Salaspils, Latvia
| | - Laura Schuerz
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Milomir Stefanovic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Henrik Thurfjell
- Swedish Species Information Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Träger
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivaylo N Tsvetkov
- Department of Forest Genetics, Physiology and Plantations, Forest Research Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nevena Velickovic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Philippine Vergeer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cristiano Vernesi
- Forest Ecology Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Carles Vilà
- Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | | | - Frank E Zachos
- Natural History Museum Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Antoine Guisan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, Geopolis, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bruford
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pröhl H, Rodríguez A. Importance of Genetic-Fitness Correlations for the Conservation of Amphibians. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3564. [PMID: 38003181 PMCID: PMC10668650 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Endangered animals suffer from isolation of their habitats. Isolation leads to a reduction in population size as well as a decrease in genetic diversity and a concomitant increase in the risk of extinction. Amphibians are the most endangered vertebrate class. Besides habitat loss, fragmentation and isolation, amphibians are threatened by emerging diseases e.g., chytrid fungus or Ranavirus. By employing experiments, researchers investigate whether changes in genetic diversity within or among isolated populations affect amphibian fitness. While genetic diversity estimates are based on molecular markers, typically microsatellites, fitness is mostly measured as tadpole performance in rearing experiments often under varying environmental conditions. Tadpole performances (e.g., body mass, growth rate and survival) have been found to be negatively affected by low genetic diversity, as several studies have found a positive association between genetic diversity and these fitness traits. Moreover, infection with pathogens also seems to be more likely in individuals or populations with lower genetic diversity. Overall, these genetic-fitness correlations seem to be more pronounced or detectable in smaller, declining populations but not in larger populations. Genomic studies, which sample a larger fraction of the genome, are still scarce in the conservation genetic literature on amphibians. These are likely to increase in upcoming years and may reveal adaptive variants that protect against dangerous pathogens or environmental changes. Altogether, genetic-fitness correlation studies should be a priority in order to develop effective management plans for the genetic rescue of isolated, imperilled amphibian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heike Pröhl
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine of Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schmidt C, Hoban S, Jetz W. Conservation macrogenetics: harnessing genetic data to meet conservation commitments. Trends Genet 2023; 39:816-829. [PMID: 37648576 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic biodiversity is rapidly gaining attention in global conservation policy. However, for almost all species, conservation relevant, population-level genetic data are lacking, limiting the extent to which genetic diversity can be used for conservation policy and decision-making. Macrogenetics is an emerging discipline that explores the patterns and processes underlying population genetic composition at broad taxonomic and spatial scales by aggregating and reanalyzing thousands of published genetic datasets. Here we argue that focusing macrogenetic tools on conservation needs, or conservation macrogenetics, will enhance decision-making for conservation practice and fill key data gaps for global policy. Conservation macrogenetics provides an empirical basis for better understanding the complexity and resilience of biological systems and, thus, how anthropogenic drivers and policy decisions affect biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Schmidt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Sean Hoban
- The Center for Tree Science, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, USA
| | - Walter Jetz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rivera-Rodríguez DM, Mastretta-Yanes A, Wegier A, De la Cruz Larios L, Santacruz-Ruvalcaba F, Ruiz Corral JA, Hernández B, Sánchez González JDJ. Genomic diversity and population structure of teosinte (Zea spp.) and its conservation implications. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291944. [PMID: 37819917 PMCID: PMC10566683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The wild species of the genus Zea commonly named teosintes, comprise nine different taxa, distributed from northern Mexico to Costa Rica. Although this genus of plants has been extensively studied from a morphological, ecogeographical and genetic point of view, most contributions have been limited to the study of a few populations and taxa. To understand the great variability that exists between and within teosinte species, it is necessary to include the vast majority of known populations. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the diversity and genomic structure of 276 teosinte populations. Molecular analyzes were performed with 3,604 plants and with data from 33,929 SNPs. The levels of genetic diversity by taxonomic group show a marked difference between species, races and sections, where the highest values of genomic diversity was found in ssp. parviglumis and ssp. mexicana. The lower values were obtained for the Luxuriantes section as well as ssp. huehuetenagensis of the section Zea. The results of structure show that there is a great genetic differentiation in all the taxonomic groups considered. For ssp. parviglumis and mexicana, which are the taxa with the largest number of populations, a marked genomic differentiation was found that is consistent with their geographic distribution patterns. These results showed a loss of diversity in several teosinte populations, making a strong case for further collection, and ex situ and in situ conservation. Also, this study highlights the importance of integrating genomic diversity and structure for the applications of conservation and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana María Rivera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Tlajomulco, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, México
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alicia Mastretta-Yanes
- Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana Wegier
- Laboratorio de Genética de la Conservación, Jardín Botánico, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lino De la Cruz Larios
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Fernando Santacruz-Ruvalcaba
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Ariel Ruiz Corral
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Hernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Tlajomulco, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, México
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim CH, Lee SH, Cho IY, Kim MS, Woo S, Kim KY, Hwang SJ. The complete mitochondrial genome of soft coral, Eleutherobia rubra (Brundin, 1896) (Cnidaria; Anthozoa; Malacalcyonacea; Alcyoniidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2023; 8:1059-1062. [PMID: 37810613 PMCID: PMC10557623 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2023.2263198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogenome of a soft coral, Eleutherobia rubra (Brundin, 1896), was completely sequenced for the first time. The total mitogenome length of E. rubra is 18,724 bp with 14 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, one transfer RNA gene (tRNA-Met), and one non-coding region (NCR). The gene order is also consistent with other Alcyoniidae species. The base composition is 30.1% A, 16.7% C, 19.5% G, and 33.7% T, with a G-C content of 36.2%. This is the first record of the complete mitogenome sequence of the genus Eleutherobia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hyeon Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hwa Lee
- Invertebrate Diversity Institute (InDI), Cheongju, South Korea
| | - In-Young Cho
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, South Korea
| | - Min-Seop Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, South Korea
| | - Seonock Woo
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan, South Korea
| | | | - Sung-Jin Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Woosuk University, Jincheon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nazareno AG. New section on plant conservation genetics can help to achieve global conservation goals. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10507. [PMID: 37674648 PMCID: PMC10477859 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
|
13
|
Jourdan J, Bundschuh M, Copilaș-Ciocianu D, Fišer C, Grabowski M, Hupało K, Jemec Kokalj A, Kabus J, Römbke J, Soose LJ, Oehlmann J. Cryptic Species in Ecotoxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:1889-1914. [PMID: 37314101 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The advent of genetic methods has led to the discovery of an increasing number of species that previously could not be distinguished from each other on the basis of morphological characteristics. Even though there has been an exponential growth of publications on cryptic species, such species are rarely considered in ecotoxicology. Thus, the particular question of ecological differentiation and the sensitivity of closely related cryptic species is rarely addressed. Tackling this question, however, is of key importance for evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and, in particular, regulatory ecotoxicology. At the same time, the use of species with (known or unknown) cryptic diversity might be a reason for the lack of reproducibility of ecotoxicological experiments and implies a false extrapolation of the findings. Our critical review includes a database and literature search through which we investigated how many of the species most frequently used in ecotoxicological assessments show evidence of cryptic diversity. We found a high proportion of reports indicating overlooked species diversity, especially in invertebrates. In terrestrial and aquatic realms, at least 67% and 54% of commonly used species, respectively, were identified as cryptic species complexes. The issue is less prominent in vertebrates, in which we found evidence for cryptic species complexes in 27% of aquatic and 6.7% of terrestrial vertebrates. We further exemplified why different evolutionary histories may significantly determine cryptic species' ecology and sensitivity to pollutants. This in turn may have a major impact on the results of ecotoxicological tests and, consequently, the outcome of environmental risk assessments. Finally, we provide a brief guideline on how to deal practically with cryptic diversity in ecotoxicological studies in general and its implementation in risk assessment procedures in particular. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1889-1914. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Jourdan
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Denis Copilaș-Ciocianu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology of Hydrobionts, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Cene Fišer
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michał Grabowski
- Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Kamil Hupało
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Research, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anita Jemec Kokalj
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Kabus
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Römbke
- ECT Oekotoxikologie, Flörsheim am Main, Germany
| | - Laura J Soose
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|