1
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Kotsakiozi P, Antoniou A, Psonis N, Sagonas Κ, Karameta E, Ilgaz Ç, Kumlutaş Y, Avcı A, Jablonski D, Darriba D, Stamatakis A, Lymberakis P, Poulakakis N. Cryptic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of Mediodactylus species in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 197:108091. [PMID: 38719080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108091] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cryptic diversity poses a great obstacle in our attempts to assess the current biodiversity crisis and may hamper conservation efforts. The gekkonid genus Mediodactylus, a well-known case of hidden species and genetic diversity, has been taxonomically reclassified several times during the last decade. Focusing on the Mediterranean populations, a recent study within the M. kotschyi species complex using classic mtDNA/nuDNA markers suggested the existence of five distinct species, some being endemic and some possibly threatened, yet their relationships have not been fully resolved. Here, we generated genome-wide SNPs (using ddRADseq) and applied molecular species delimitation approaches and population genomic analyses to further disentangle these relationships. Τhe most extensive nuclear dataset, so far, encompassing 2,360 loci and ∼ 699,000 bp from across the genome of Mediodactylus gecko, enabled us to resolve previously obscure phylogenetic relationships among the five, recently elevated, Mediodactylus species and to support the hypothesis that the taxon includes several new, undescribed species. Population genomic analyses within each of the proposed species showed strong genetic structure and high levels of genetic differentiation among populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Kotsakiozi
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Greece.
| | - Aglaia Antoniou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion 71003, P.O. Box 2214, Crete, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Psonis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Greece
| | - Κostas Sagonas
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Greece
| | - Emmanouela Karameta
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Greece
| | - Çetin Ilgaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca/İzmir 35160, Türkiye
| | - Yusuf Kumlutaş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca/İzmir 35160, Türkiye
| | - Aziz Avcı
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09010, Türkiye
| | - Daniel Jablonski
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Diego Darriba
- Computer Architecture Group, Centro de investigación CITIC, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Alexandros Stamatakis
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Greece; Computational Molecular Evolution Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Informatics, Institute of Theoretical Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe 76128, Germany
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 71409, Greece
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Greece
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2
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Ribeiro TM, Espíndola A. Integrated phylogenomic approaches in insect systematics. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 61:101150. [PMID: 38061460 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The increased accessibility of genomic and imaging methods, and the improved access to ecological, spatial, and other natural history-related data is allowing for insect systematics to grow and find answers to central evolutionary and taxonomic questions. Today, integrated studies in insect phylogenomics and systematics are combining natural history, behavior, developmental biology, morphology, fossils, geographic range data, and ecological interactions. This integration is contributing to the clarification of evolutionary relationships, and the recognition of the role played by these factors on the evolution of insects. Future work should continue to build on these advances, seeking to further increase open-access databasing and support for natural history research, as well as expand its analytical palettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taís Ma Ribeiro
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, 4291 Fieldhouse Dr., College Park, MD 20742-4454, USA
| | - Anahí Espíndola
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, 4291 Fieldhouse Dr., College Park, MD 20742-4454, USA.
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3
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Németh A, Mizsei E, Laczkó L, Czabán D, Hegyeli Z, Lengyel S, Csorba G, Sramkó G. Evolutionary history and systematics of European blind mole rats (Rodentia: Spalacidae: Nannospalax): Multilocus phylogeny and species delimitation in a puzzling group. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 190:107958. [PMID: 37914032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Species delimitation is a powerful approach to assist taxonomic decisions in challenging taxa where species boundaries are hard to establish. European taxa of the blind mole rats (genus Nannospalax) display small morphological differences and complex chromosomal evolution at a shallow evolutionary divergence level. Previous analyses led to the recognition of 25 'forms' in their distribution area. We provide a comprehensive framework to improve knowledge on the evolutionary history and revise the taxonomy of European blind mole rats based on samples from all but three of the 25 forms. We sequenced two nuclear-encoded genetic regions and the whole mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for phylogenetic tree reconstructions using concatenation and coalescence-based species-tree estimations. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed that Aegean N. insularis belongs to N. superspecies xanthodon, and that it represents the second known species of this superspecies in Europe. Mainland taxa reached Europe from Asia Minor in two colonisation events corresponding to two superspecies-level taxa: N. superspecies monticola (taxon established herewith) reached Europe c. 2.1 million years ago (Mya) and was followed by N. superspecies leucodon (re-defined herewith) c. 1.5 Mya. Species delimitation allowed the clarification of the taxonomic contents of the above superspecies. N. superspecies monticola contains three species geographically confined to the western periphery of the distribution of blind mole rats, whereas N. superspecies leucodon is more speciose with six species and several additional subspecies. The observed geographic pattern hints at a robust peripatric speciation process and rapid chromosomal evolution. The present treatment is thus regarded as the minimum taxonomic content of each lineage, which can be further refined based on other sources of information such as karyological traits, crossbreeding experiments, etc. The species delimitation models also allowed the recognition of a hitherto unnamed blind mole rat taxon from Albania, described here as a new subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Németh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Zoology and Game Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi u. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; BirdLife Hungary - Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Költő u. 21, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edvárd Mizsei
- Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; DRI Conservation Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Laczkó
- Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Zsolt Hegyeli
- Milvus Group Bird and Nature Protection Association, Crinului St. 22, 540343 Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Szabolcs Lengyel
- DRI Conservation Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csorba
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross u. 13, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Sramkó
- Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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4
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GÖCEK Ç, TOK V. Identifying the Past, Present, and Future Distribution Patterns of the Balkan Wall Lizard (Sauria: Lacertidae: Podarcis tauricus) by Ecological Niche Modelling. COMMAGENE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.31594/commagene.1133846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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5
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Oskyrko O, Sos T, Vacheva E, Vlad SE, Cogălniceanu D, Uller T, Feiner N, Carretero MA. Unravelling the origin of the common wall lizards ( Podarcismuralis) in south-eastern Europe using mitochondrial evidence. Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e90337. [PMID: 36761656 PMCID: PMC9836615 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e90337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of the common wall lizards (Podarcismuralis) populations in south-eastern Europe (namely in Bulgaria and Romania), representing the north-eastern range border of this species, was addressed using mitochondrial DNA. We compared cytochrome b sequences from Bulgaria and Romania with those from the contiguous range in Central Europe that are available from previous studies. We recorded five main haplogroups in Bulgaria and Romania, belonging to the Central Balkan clade. However, haplogroup III was recorded in more localities than previously found. Additionally, signs of haplotype admixture were identified in several populations along the Danube River. The presence of the Southern Alps haplotype in one population from Otopeni, Bucharest (Romania) and its close phylogenetic relationships to north Italy populations suggests human-mediated introductions of this wall lizard clade in Romania. Our results confirm that P.muralis can have non-native lineages and admixture through active human-mediated transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Oskyrko
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, PortugalCIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661VairãoPortugal,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinićná 7, 12844, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinićná 7, 12844PragueCzech Republic
| | - Tibor Sos
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Clinicilor Street 5–7, 400006, Cluj Napoca, RomaniaEvolutionary Ecology Group, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Clinicilor Street 5–7, 400006Cluj NapocaRomania,“Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association, 540445, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania“Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association, 540445Tîrgu MureșRomania
| | - Emiliya Vacheva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000, Sofia, BulgariaInstitute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000SofiaBulgaria
| | - Sabina E. Vlad
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University Constanţa, Aleea Universități 1, Campus - Corp B, 900470, Constanƫa, RomaniaFaculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University Constanţa, Aleea Universități 1, Campus - Corp B, 900470ConstanƫaRomania,CEDMOG Center, Ovidius University Constanța, Tomis Avenue 145, Constanƫa, RomaniaCEDMOG Center, Ovidius University Constanța, Tomis Avenue 145ConstanƫaRomania,Asociația Chelonia România, 062082, Bucharest, RomaniaAsociația Chelonia România, 062082BucharestRomania
| | - Dan Cogălniceanu
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University Constanţa, Aleea Universități 1, Campus - Corp B, 900470, Constanƫa, RomaniaFaculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University Constanţa, Aleea Universități 1, Campus - Corp B, 900470ConstanƫaRomania,Asociația Chelonia România, 062082, Bucharest, RomaniaAsociația Chelonia România, 062082BucharestRomania
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, SwedenDepartment of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62LundSweden
| | - Nathalie Feiner
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, SwedenDepartment of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62LundSweden
| | - Miguel A. Carretero
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, PortugalCIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661VairãoPortugal,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, R. Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169 - 007, Porto, PortugalDepartamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, R. Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169 - 007PortoPortugal,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, PortugalBIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661VairãoPortugal
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6
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Rehák I, Fischer D, Kratochvíl L, Rovatsos M. Origin and haplotype diversity of the northernmost population of Podarcis tauricus (Squamata, Lacertidae): Do lizards respond to climate change and go north? Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e82156. [PMID: 35586255 PMCID: PMC9038855 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e82156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The northernmost population of the Balkan wall lizards, Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) was recently discovered in the Czech Republic. We studied genetic variability in a mitochondrial marker cytochrome b to shed light on the origin of this remote population. We detected three unique haplotypes, close to those occurring in the populations of Podarcis tauricus from central/north Balkans and Hungary. Our data exclude the hypothesis of a single founder (a randomly or intentionally introduced pregnant female or her progeny) of the Czech population and indicate a native, autochthonous origin of the population or recent introduction/range expansion.
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7
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Stratakis M, Koutmanis I, Ilgaz Ç, Jablonski D, Kukushkin OV, Crnobrnja‐Isailovic J, Carretero MA, Liuzzi C, Kumlutaş Y, Lymberakis P, Poulakakis N. Evolutionary divergence of the smooth snake (Serpentes, Colubridae): The role of the Balkans and Anatolia. ZOOL SCR 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manos Stratakis
- Department of Biology School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
| | - Iraklis Koutmanis
- Department of Biology School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
| | - Çetin Ilgaz
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Dokuz Eylül University Buca‐İzmir Turkey
- Research and Application Center for Fauna and Flora Dokuz Eylul University Buca‐İzmir Turkey
| | - Daniel Jablonski
- Department of Zoology Comenius University in Bratislava Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Oleg V. Kukushkin
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Ecological Monitoring T.I. Vyazemski Karadag Research Station – Nature Reserve of Russian Academy of Sciences Theodosia Crimea
- Department of Herpetology Institute of Zoology of Russian Academy of Sciences Saint Petersburg Russia
| | - Jelka Crnobrnja‐Isailovic
- Department of Biology and Ecology Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics University of Niš Niš Serbia
- Department of Evolutionary Biology Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” ‐ National Institute of Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Beograd Serbia
| | - Miguel A. Carretero
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources InBIO Universidade do Porto Vila do Conde Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics Biodiversity and Land Planning CIBIO Vairão Portugal
| | | | - Yusuf Kumlutaş
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Dokuz Eylül University Buca‐İzmir Turkey
- Research and Application Center for Fauna and Flora Dokuz Eylul University Buca‐İzmir Turkey
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Department of Biology School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Irakleio Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation for Research and Technology ‐ Hellas (FORTH) Irakleio Greece
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8
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Kiourtsoglou A, Kaliontzopoulou A, Poursanidis D, Jablonski D, Lymberakis P, Poulakakis N. Evidence of cryptic diversity in
Podarcis peloponnesiacus
and re‐evaluation of its current taxonomy; insights from genetic, morphological, and ecological data. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Athina Kiourtsoglou
- Department of Biology School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Heraklion Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Heraklion Greece
| | - Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou
- CIBIO‐InBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - Dimitris Poursanidis
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics Foundation for Research and Technology ‐ Hellas Heraklion Greece
| | - Daniel Jablonski
- Department of Zoology Comenius University in Bratislava Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Heraklion Greece
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Department of Biology School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Heraklion Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete School of Sciences and Engineering University of Crete Heraklion Greece
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9
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Invasive Italian wall lizards outcompete native congeneric species in finding food in a Y-maze. Acta Ethol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-021-00385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Strachinis I, Poulakakis N, Karaiskou N, Patronidis P, Patramanis I, Poursanidis D, Jablonski D, Triantafyllidis A. Phylogeography and systematics of
Algyroides
(Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balkan Peninsula. ZOOL SCR 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Strachinis
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology School of Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Department of Biology University of Crete Irakleio Greece
- Natural History Museum of CreteUniversity of Crete Irakleio Greece
| | - Nikoleta Karaiskou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology School of Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Politis Patronidis
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology School of Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | | | - Dimitris Poursanidis
- Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics Iraklion Greece
| | | | - Alexandros Triantafyllidis
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology School of Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
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Oskyrko O, Jablonski D. The first comprehensive data on the distribution of reptiles within the Southern Bug eco-corridor, Ukraine. HERPETOZOA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides distribution data for 12 species of reptiles in the Southern Bug eco-corridor located within the steppe zone, Mykolaiv Oblast (province), Ukraine. We compiled 935 records from published literature (324), from public databases (68), and from 12 field surveys we made in 2016–2020 (543). All records were mapped on to a grid of 10×10 km, representing the 294 cells of the studied area. We present new distributional data for Podarcis tauricus. For all the other species, our records add new localities that fall within areas where these reptiles were previously reported. Species richness and Shannon’s H’ index show that herpetofauna diversity was higher in the areas along the Southern Bug River. The maximum number of records within a single cell was 118 (for 10 species) in this oblast. Also the high number of identified reptile chorotypes (nine) within the Mykolaiv Oblast revealed that southern Ukraine is an important zoogeographical territory in Europe. These data provide the basis for future biogeographical and ecological studies and conservation priorities.
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12
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Salvi D, Pinho C, Mendes J, Harris DJ. Fossil-calibrated time tree of Podarcis wall lizards provides limited support for biogeographic calibration models. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 161:107169. [PMID: 33798673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Podarcis wall lizards are endemic to the Mediterranean Basin where they represent the predominant reptile group. Despite being extensively used as model organisms in evolutionary and ecological studies their phylogeny and historical biogeography are still incompletely resolved. Moreover, molecular clock calibrations used in wall lizard phylogeography are based on the assumption of vicariant speciation triggered by the abrupt Mediterranean Sea level rise at the end of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). However, the validity of this biogeographic calibration remains untested. In this study we inferred a robust time tree based on multilocus data and fossil calibrations using both gene concatenation and species-tree approaches and including models with gene-flow. We found five deeply divergent, geographically coherent, and well-supported clades comprising species from i) Iberian Peninsula and North Africa; ii) Western Mediterranean islands, iii) Sicilian and Maltese islands; and iv-v) Balkan region and Aegean islands. The mitochondrial tree shows some inconsistencies with the species tree that warrant future investigation. Diversification of main clades is estimated in a short time frame during the Middle Miocene and might have been associated with a period of global climate cooling with the establishment of a marked climatic zonation in Europe. Cladogenetic events within the main clades are scattered throughout the time tree, from the Late Miocene to the Early Pleistocene, suggesting that speciation events in wall lizards reflect a complex interplay between regional topography, climate and geological history rather than a shared major climatic or paleogeographic event. Our absolute time estimates, as well as a relative dating approach, demonstrate that the assumption of a causal link between sea-level rise at the end of the MSC and the diversification of many island endemics is not justified. This study reinforces the notion that multiple dispersal and vicariant events, at different time frames, are required to explain current allopatric distributions and to account for the historical assembly of Mediterranean biota, and cautions against the use of biogeographic calibrations based on the assumption of vicariance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Salvi
- University of L'Aquila, Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy; CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Pinho
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Joana Mendes
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - D James Harris
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
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13
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Jablonski D, Gkontas I, Poursanidis D, Lymberakis P, Poulakakis N. Stability in the Balkans: phylogeography of the endemic Greek stream frog, Rana graeca. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
We still have little knowledge concerning the phylogeography of amphibians and reptiles from the Balkan Peninsula compared with the other two Mediterranean peninsulas. This raises concerns for endemic taxa from these peninsulas, because it might interfere with further conservation efforts. Here we focus on the endemic Greek stream frog (Rana graeca) and reconstruct its biogeography and evolutionary history. Using four genetic markers (Cytb, 16S, COI and BDNF) in > 350 sequences covering the whole distribution range, we conducted phylogenetic, demographic and ecological niche analyses, which revealed the phylogeography of this species. Surprisingly, this examination of R. graeca reveals a very shallow level of intraspecific genetic variability through the Balkans, with two main, statistically supported lineages having a partly sympatric distribution. The most variable marker was Cytb, which showed 19 haplotypes in 123 analysed sequences in the whole species distribution area. Here presented genetic data, together with the environmental niche projection and demographic analyses suggest that R. graeca was probably affected only marginally by climatic oscillations, with the Hellenides as the most suitable area for the occurrence of the species in different geological periods. This is consistent with the observed genetic diversity, which is mostly related to these mountains. Although the species shows a certain level of phenotypic variability and ecological preferences, this might be related to species plasticity affected by the micro-climatic conditions in small areas, which merits further research. Comparing phylogeography of other amphibian and reptile species in the Balkans, we showed that the observed pattern represents a new view on the phylogeography of the Balkan herpetofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jablonski
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ioannis Gkontas
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Irakleio, Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio, Greece
| | - Dimitris Poursanidis
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, The Remote Sensing Lab, Vassilika Vouton, Irakleio, Greece
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio, Greece
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Irakleio, Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio, Greece
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14
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Psonis N, Antoniou A, Karameta E, Darriba D, Stamatakis A, Lymberakis P, Poulakakis N. The wall lizards of the Balkan peninsula: Tackling questions at the interface of phylogenomics and population genomics. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 159:107121. [PMID: 33609707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) are the predominant reptile group in southern Europe, including 24 recognized species. Mitochondrial DNA data have shown that, with the exception of P. muralis, the Podarcis species distributed in the Balkan peninsula form a species group that is further sub-divided into two subgroups: the one of "P. tauricus" consisting of P. tauricus, P. milensis, P. gaigeae, and P. melisellensis, and the other of "P. erhardii" comprising P. erhardii, P. levendis, P. cretensis, and P. peloponnesiacus. In an attempt to explore the Balkan Podarcis phylogenomic relationships, assess the levels of genetic structure and to re-evaluate the number of extant species, we employed phylogenomic and admixture approaches on ddRADseq (double digested Restriction site Associated DNA sequencing) genomic data. With this efficient Next Generation Sequencing approach, we were able to obtain a large number of genomic loci randomly distributed throughout the genome and use them to resolve the previously obscure phylogenetic relationships among the different Podarcis species distributed in the Balkans. The obtained phylogenomic relationships support the monophyly of both aforementioned subgroups and revealed several divergent lineages within each subgroup, stressing the need for taxonomic re-evaluation of Podarcis' species in Balkans. The phylogenomic trees and the species delimitation analyses confirmed all recently recognized species (P. levendis, P. cretensis, and P. ionicus) and showed the presence of at least two more species, one in P. erhardii and the other in P. peloponnesiacus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Psonis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Irakleio 70013, Greece.
| | - Aglaia Antoniou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes Pediados, Irakleio, P.O. Box 2214, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouela Karameta
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Irakleio 70013, Greece
| | - Diego Darriba
- Universidade da Coruña, CITIC, Computer Architecture Group, Campus de Elviña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Alexandros Stamatakis
- The Exelixis Lab, Computational Molecular Evolution Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute for Theoretical Informatics, Postfach 6980, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio 71409, Greece
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, Irakleio 71409, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, Irakleio 70013, Greece
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15
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Population Structure Assessed Using Microsatellite and SNP Data: An Empirical Comparison in West African Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010151. [PMID: 33440799 PMCID: PMC7827059 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Projection of genetic variability on geographic maps is a useful strategy to ascertain population structure and gene flow events when previous genetic information on the scenarios analyzed is not high. Here, we compared the performance of microsatellite sets and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) arrays to identify the population structure and between-populations identity in a sample of West African cattle. Large SNP arrays were superior in detecting the population structure due to a more precise assessment of genotypic information of the individuals. However, the projection of genetic parameters on geographical maps was comparable between the SNP and microsatellite data. Geographic-based analyses of genetic variation areuseful inavoiding overinterpretation of the results obtained. Microsatellite markers can still be useful, particularly if the research focuses on non-model organisms or if either the funding or the availability of efficient hardware and software to handle large datasets is limited. Abstract A sample of 185 West African cattle belonging to nine different taurine, sanga, and zebu populations was typed using a set of 33 microsatellites and the BovineHD BeadChip of Illumina. The information provided by each type of marker was summarized via clustering methods and principal component analyses (PCA). The aim was to assess differences in performance between both marker types for the identification of population structure and the projection of genetic variability on geographical maps. In general, both microsatellites and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) allowed us to differentiate taurine cattle from zebu and sanga cattle, which, in turn, would form a single population. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients computed among the admixture coefficients (fitting K = 2) and the eigenvectors corresponding to the first two factors identified using PCA on both microsatellite and SNP data were statistically significant (most of them having p < 0.0001) and high. However, SNP data allowed for a better fine-scale identification of population structure within taurine cattle: Lagunaire cattle from Benin were separated from two different N’Dama cattle samples. Furthermore, when clustering analyses assumed the existence of two parental populations only (K = 2), the SNPs could differentiate a different genetic background in Lagunaire and N’Dama cattle. Although the two N’Dama cattle populations had very different breeding histories, the microsatellite set could not separate the two N’Dama cattle populations. Classic bidimensional dispersion plots constructed using factors identified via PCA gave different shapes for microsatellites and SNPs: plots constructed using microsatellite polymorphism would suggest the existence of weakly differentiated, highly intermingled, subpopulations. However, the projection of the factors identified on synthetic maps gave comparable images. This would suggest that results on population structuring must be interpreted with caution. The geographic projection of genetic variation on synthetic maps avoids interpretations that go beyond the results obtained, particularly when previous information on the analyzed populations is scant. Factors influencing the performance of the projection of genetic parameters on geographic maps, together with restrictions that may affect the election of a given type of markers, are discussed.
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López-González N, Bobo-Pinilla J, Padilla-García N, Loureiro J, Castro S, Rojas-Andrés BM, Martínez-Ortega MM. Genetic similarities versus morphological resemblance: Unraveling a polyploid complex in a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 155:107006. [PMID: 33160038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.107006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Balkan Peninsula is recognized as one of the hotspots of biodiversity in Europe. This area has shown since the Last Glacial Maximum appropriate conditions for species diversification and hybridization, which has led to the existence of numerous taxonomically unresolved entities. Here, we focus on the Western Balkans and explore the genetic structure and relationships among species belonging to the V. austriaca - V. orbiculata diploid-polyploid complex, including populations showing intermediate morphologies. A combination of nuclear markers (microsatellites), plastid DNA regions (trnH-psbA, ycf6-psbM) and ploidy level estimations using flow cytometry are employed to assess the genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of this polyploid complex. To reconstruct the evolutionary history, an approximate Bayesian computation approach is combined with projections of the species distribution models onto the climatic scenarios of the Mid-Holocene (6 ka BP) and Last Glacial Maximum (22 ka BP). Four main groups were found: one well-established entity within the diploid level, V. dalmatica, a second diploid-tetraploid group which corresponds to V. orbiculata, a hexaploid cluster harboring V. austriaca subsp. jacquinii individuals, and an enigmatic tetraploid group. According to the molecular data obtained, this latter cluster represents an allopolyploid cryptic lineage −with V. orbiculata and V. dalmatica as putative parents− morphologically similar to V. orbiculata, but genetically more related to V. austriaca subsp. jacquinii. Veronica dalmatica and this “uncertain tetraploid” group are involved in the formation of the hexaploid taxon V. austriaca subsp. jacquinii, with the possibility of recent gene flow among different cytotypes. The present study supports a scenario of diversification from a diploid common ancestor leading to two different but interrelated lineages. The first one would correspond with the diploid V. orbiculata plus tetraploid individuals of this species arising through allo- and autopolyploidization, and the second one would involve all ploidy levels with allopolyploidization being prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí López-González
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; Biobanco de ADN Vegetal, University of Salamanca, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Javier Bobo-Pinilla
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; Biobanco de ADN Vegetal, University of Salamanca, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Nélida Padilla-García
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; Biobanco de ADN Vegetal, University of Salamanca, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - João Loureiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Silvia Castro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Blanca M Rojas-Andrés
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Plant Systematics & Herbarium (LZ), Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Montserrat Martínez-Ortega
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, University of Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; Biobanco de ADN Vegetal, University of Salamanca, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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17
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Kolendrianou M, Ligkovanlis S, Maniakas I, Tzortzi M, Iliopoulos G. The Palaeolithic cave of Kalamakia (Mani Peninsula), Greece: new insights on the palaeoenvironment using microvertebrates and mesowear analysis of ruminant teeth. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03958. [PMID: 32490227 PMCID: PMC7253483 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, results from the examination of mammalian teeth from the cave of Kalamakia with modern techniques, as well as a qualitative overview of the microvertebrate and lithic material, are presented together with a revision of previous related work done for the site, in order to assess the palaeoenvironmental conditions in the area and the role they played in the Neanderthal's repeated occupation of the cave. Geometric morphometrics analyses performed on the first lower molars of Microtus spp. individuals revealed persistent populations of the subgenus Terricola, in which the presence of Microtus thomasi and Microtus subterraneus are continuous through the stratigraphic units. Mesowear analyses performed on ruminant teeth showed no significant variation in toothwear through time, except for relatively elevated levels of dietary abrasion for the more recent samples. The study of the lithics revealed that Neanderthals visited the cave in alternating short and more permanent episodes of occupation, with the human occupants exhibiting special concern for raw material economy, while exploiting poor raw materials for the construction of their tools. The overview of the microvertebrate remains showed a growing trend towards the upper stratigraphic units, where taxa typical of temperate climate, open woodland and shrubland become more dominant. These results, along with observations derived from previous studies, suggest that temperate climate and open environment were the factors that mainly contributed to making the cave of Kalamakia attractive as a habitation site to the humans of the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kolendrianou
- Department of Geology, University of Patras, GR- 26504, Rio, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Maniakas
- Department of Geology, University of Patras, GR- 26504, Rio, Patras, Greece
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knosos Avenue, GR-71409, Irakleio, Greece
| | - Marianthi Tzortzi
- Department of Geology, University of Patras, GR- 26504, Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - George Iliopoulos
- Department of Geology, University of Patras, GR- 26504, Rio, Patras, Greece
- Corresponding author.
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Montgelard C, Behrooz R, Arnal V, Asadi A, Geniez P, Kaboli M. Diversification and cryptic diversity of
Ophisops elegans
(Sauria, Lacertidae). J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Montgelard
- CEFE PSL‐EPHE (Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés) CNRS Université de Montpellier Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 IRD Montpellier France
- Department of Zoology Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation University of Johannesburg Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Roozbeh Behrooz
- CEFE PSL‐EPHE (Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés) CNRS Université de Montpellier Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 IRD Montpellier France
| | - Véronique Arnal
- CEFE PSL‐EPHE (Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés) CNRS Université de Montpellier Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 IRD Montpellier France
| | - Atefeh Asadi
- CEFE PSL‐EPHE (Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés) CNRS Université de Montpellier Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 IRD Montpellier France
| | - Philippe Geniez
- CEFE PSL‐EPHE (Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés) CNRS Université de Montpellier Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 IRD Montpellier France
| | - Mohammad Kaboli
- Department of Environmental Science Faculty of Natural Resources University of Tehran Karaj Iran
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19
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Senczuk G, Castiglia R, Colangelo P, Delaugerre M, Corti C. The role of island physiography in maintaining genetic diversity in the endemic Tyrrhenian wall lizard (
Podarcis tiliguerta
). J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Senczuk
- Sezione di Zoologia “La Specola” Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Firenze Firenze Italia
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin” Università di Roma “La Sapienza” Rome Italia
| | - R. Castiglia
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin” Università di Roma “La Sapienza” Rome Italia
| | - P. Colangelo
- Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri (CNR‐IRET) Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Rome Italia
| | | | - C. Corti
- Sezione di Zoologia “La Specola” Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Firenze Firenze Italia
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20
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Dufresnes C, Strachinis I, Tzoras E, Litvinchuk SN, Denoël M. Call a spade a spade: taxonomy and distribution of Pelobates, with description of a new Balkan endemic. Zookeys 2019; 859:131-158. [PMID: 31327926 PMCID: PMC6616056 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.859.33634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic era contributes to update the taxonomy of many debated terrestrial vertebrates. In an accompanying work, we provided a comprehensive molecular assessment of spadefoot toads (Pelobates) using genomic data. Our results call for taxonomic updates in this group. First, nuclear phylogenomics confirmed the species-level divergence between the Iberian P.cultripes and its Moroccan relative P.varaldii. Second, we inferred that P.fuscus and P.vespertinus, considered subspecies until recently, feature partial reproductive isolation and thus deserve a specific level. Third, we evidenced cryptic speciation and diversification among deeply diverged lineages collectively known as Pelobatessyriacus. Populations from the Near East correspond to the Eastern spadefoot toad P.syriacus sensu stricto, which is represented by two subspecies, one in the Levant (P.s.syriacus) and the other in the rest of the range (P.s.boettgeri). Populations from southeastern Europe correspond to the Balkan spadefoot toad, P.balcanicus. Based on genetic evidence, this species is also polytypic: the nominal P.b.balcanicus inhabits the Balkan Peninsula; a new subspecies P.b.chloeaessp. nov. appears endemic to the Peloponnese. In this paper, we provide an updated overview of the taxonomy and distribution of all extant Pelobates taxa and describe P.b.chloeaessp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Dufresnes
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Hintermann & Weber SA, Avenue des Alpes 25, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland.,Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, S10 2TN Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ilias Strachinis
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Spartak N Litvinchuk
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky pr. 4, St. 194064 Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Zoology and Physiology, Dagestan State University, Gadzhiyev str. 43-a, 336700 Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
| | - Mathieu Denoël
- Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology, Behavioural Biology Group, Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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21
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Jablonski D, Kukushkin OV, Avcı A, Bunyatova S, Kumlutaş Y, Ilgaz Ç, Polyakova E, Shiryaev K, Tuniyev B, Jandzik D. The biogeography of Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1814), with a description of a new rat snake species. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6944. [PMID: 31179175 PMCID: PMC6544014 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rat snake genus Elaphe once comprised several dozens of species distributed in temperate through tropical zones of the New and Old World. Based on molecular-genetic analyses in early 2000s, the genus was split into several separate genera, leaving only 15 Palearctic and Oriental species as its members. One of the three species also occurring in Europe is Elaphe sauromates, a robust snake from the Balkans, Anatolia, Caucasus, Ponto-Caspian steppes, and Levant that has been suspected to be composed of two or more genetically diverse populations. Here, we studied the genetic structure and morphological variation of E. sauromates, aiming to better understand its inter-population relationships and biogeography, and subsequently revise its taxonomy. Methods We reconstructed the phylogeography and analyzed the genetic structure of E. sauromates populations originating from most of its geographic range using both mitochondrial (COI, ND4) and nuclear (C-MOS, MC1R, PRLR, RAG1) DNA gene fragments. We employed Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods for the phylogenetic tree reconstructions, supplemented with species delimitation methods, analysis of haplotype networks, and calculation of uncorrected p-distances. Morphological variation in 15 metric and 18 meristic characters was studied using parametric univariate tests as well as multivariate general linearized models. In total, we analyzed sequences originating from 63 specimens and morphological data from 95 specimens of E. sauromates sensu lato. Results The molecular phylogeny identified two clearly divergent sister lineages within E. sauromates, with both forming a lineage sister to E. quatuorlineata. The genetic distance between them (5.80–8.24% in mtDNA) is similar to the distances among several other species of the genus Elaphe. Both lineages are also moderately morphologically differentiated and, while none of the characters are exclusively diagnostic, their combination can be used for confident lineage identification. Here, following the criteria of genetic and evolutionary species concepts, we describe the lineage from eastern Anatolia and parts of the Lesser and Great Caucasus as a new species E. urartica sp. nov. Discussion Elaphe urartica sp. nov. represents a cryptic species whose ancestors presumably diverged from their common ancestor with E. sauromates around the Miocene-Pliocene boundary. The intraspecific genetic structure indicates that the recent diversity of both species has been predominantly shaped by Pleistocene climatic oscillations, with glacial refugia mainly located in the Balkans, Crimea, and/or Anatolia in E. sauromates and Anatolia and/or the Caucasus in E. urartica sp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jablonski
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Oleg V Kukushkin
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Ecological Monitoring, T. I. Vyazemski Karadag Research Station-Nature Reserve, Russian Academy of Sciences, Theodosia, Crimea.,Laboratory of Herpetology, Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aziz Avcı
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Sabina Bunyatova
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Yusuf Kumlutaş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca-İzmir, Turkey.,Research and Application Center for Fauna and Flora, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca-İzmir, Turkey
| | - Çetin Ilgaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca-İzmir, Turkey.,Research and Application Center for Fauna and Flora, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca-İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ekaterina Polyakova
- Zoological Department, Tula State Regional Exotarium, Ministry of Culture of Tula Region, Tula, Russia
| | - Konstantin Shiryaev
- Zoological Department, Tula State Regional Exotarium, Ministry of Culture of Tula Region, Tula, Russia
| | - Boris Tuniyev
- Scientific Department, Federal State Institution Sochi National Park, Sochi, Russia
| | - David Jandzik
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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