Robert Waterhouse’s Post

Source: (Ecology and evolution) Study on hybrid zones of ecologically distinct Rubus species reveals adaptive introgression at species' range margins in extreme environments. Genome analysis shows non-neutral introgression linked to biological processes. Niche modeling predicts habitat loss for temperate species, while hybrids expand upslope, aiding species persistence.

From unique cave-dwelling spiders to colorful Mediterranean sea slugs, the diversity of species being sequenced by Biodiversity Genomics Europe is truly amazing! 🕸 🌿🦋🐢🌺🐝 📺 Check out this playlist to learn more about these species and discover what insights these genomes will bring! https://lnkd.in/eTWkfkda Earth BioGenome Project #BiodiversityGenomics #Genomes #EuropeanBiodiversity

Source: (Molecular ecology) Southern Ocean octopus Pareledone turqueti exhibits genomic variation influenced by ecological, environmental, and geographic factors. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms reveals a biogeographically structured distribution with isolation-by-distance and long-distance connectivity between East and West Antarctica. Key drivers of variation include bottom water temperature and geographic distance, with adaptations linked to oxygen transport and temperature gradients identified in the Scotia Sea. This study highlights seascape drivers of genetic variation and environmental adaptations in the Southern Ocean.

If evolution was originally depicted as a tree, with different #Species branching off as new blooms, then new research published in Nature (Nature Portfolio) shows how the branches may actually be more entangled. Harvard University researchers show that hybrids between species of #Butterflies can produce new species that are genetically distinct from both parent species and their earlier forebears. Read more on EurekAlert! here: https://lnkd.in/eSM6b8Zc #ConservationEcology #Hybridization

📣 New Publication in the journal Ecology and Evolution  🐟 Led by the amazing fish geneticist Giacomo Bernardi from University of California, Santa Cruz, and in collaboration with other experts from the Mediterranean Sea, we've analyzed the genetic dynamics of the #lionfish #invasion in the #Mediterranean Sea. 🧬 Using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and RAD seq genomic markers, we've dissected the population structure within the Mediterranean, finding insignificant genetic diversity loss compared to their Red Sea counterparts. ➡️ Interestingly, certain genes, notably those related to osmoregulation and fin spine sizes, emerge as critical to their invasion success. 🌍 The #Suez Canal provides a natural experiment for understanding the role of species' genetic characteristics and life histories in overcoming geographical barriers. Read the study here: https://lnkd.in/dGddP8de #MarineBiology #ConservationGenomics #InvasiveSpecies #LionfishInvasion #NextGenerationSequencing #BiodiversityPreservation #EcologyAndEvolution #MarineConservation #ScienceResearch

Our latest paper highlights the importance of NGS in invasion biology - especially within the Mediterranean Sea where Lessepsian immigrants (species that have migrated from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal) undergo a step-wise colonization process.

Previously uncharacterized parasite uncovered in fish worldwide - University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science: Using genome reconstruction, scientists unveiled a once "invisible" fish parasite present in many marine fish world-wide that belongs to one of the most important groups of parasites at a clinical level. However, it had gone unnoticed in previous studies. The parasite is geographically and taxonomically widespread in fish species around the planet, with implications for commercial fishing and oceanic food webs. https://lnkd.in/eUdwmXPs

🌱 Genetic Diversity and Evolution 🧬 Genetic diversity is vital for the survival and evolution of species, enabling adaptability and resilience against changing environments. Populations with higher genetic variation are better equipped to survive environmental stressors, such as climate change or disease outbreaks. A recent study published in Nature found that populations with greater genetic diversity are more likely to adapt and survive new challenges. A well-known example is the Galápagos finches, whose genetic variability has allowed them to thrive despite shifting environmental conditions, demonstrating natural selection in action. Understanding the role of genetic diversity in evolution is crucial for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term survival of species. #GeneticDiversity #Evolution #Biodiversity #NaturalSelection #Genetics #Adaptation

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 The Colossal Biosciences, which is dedicated to bringing back extinct species, has reported the first successes: scientists have managed to recreate with 99.9% accuracy the genome of the Tasmanian marsupial wolf, which became extinct almost a hundred years ago. The genome contains only 45 gaps, which can be closed in the coming months. The new organism, genetically close to the extinct one, will be based on its closest relative, the fat-tailed marsupial mouse. In order for the critter to survive in the wild, Colossal has engaged in conservation efforts and found a way to make the new species immune to the poison of cane toads, an invasive species that triggered the extinction of marsupials. Despite its claimed successes, #Colossal has yet to provide the scientific community with evidence to support a complete reconstruction of the marsupial wolf genome. If all goes well with the marsupials, Colossal promises to resurrect the dodo bird and woolly mammoths by modifying the genome of their closest relatives - pigeons and elephants, respectively. -- More innovation news: https://lnkd.in/dS3Np_JV #archtown #biotech

Genomes of multicellular algal relatives reveal evolutionary clues to plant origins, Berlin, Germany (SPX) May 06, 2024 Land plants, which dominate our planet's landscape, have developed from simple organisms into complex forms with diverse organs and cell types. This transformation, supported by a vast network of genes, facilitates the intricate shaping of plant structures through various molecular processes. This significant evolution began with a singular event-plant terrestrialization-when ancestors of,