Biology subjects

Natesh, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Natesh, M..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Re-assessing the phylogenetic status and evolutionary relationship of Forest Owlet using genomic data

Phylogenetic relationships are often challenging to resolve in recent/younger lineage when only a few loci are used. Ultra Conserved Elements (UCE) are highly conserved regions across taxa that help resolve shallow and deep divergences. We utilized UCEs harvested from whole genomes to assess the phylogenetic position and taxonomic affiliation of an endangered endemic owlet in the family Strigidae - the Forest Owlet Athene blewitti. The taxonomic placement of this species has been revised multiple times. A multigene study attempted to address the question but showed a discrepancy across datasets in its placement of the species within genus Athene. We assembled a dataset of 5018 nuclear UCE loci with increased taxon sampling. Forest Owlet was found to be an early split from the Athene clade but sister to other Athene; and consistent across three approaches - maximum likelihood, bayesian, and the multispecies coalescence. Divergence dating using fossil calibrations suggest that the Athene lineage split from its ancestor about 7.6Mya, and the Forest Owlet diverged about 5.2Mya, consistent with previous multigene approaches. Despite osteological differences from other Athene, we suggest the placement of the Forest Owlet as a member of the Athene to emphasize its evolutionary relationship. Graphical Abstract O_FIG_DISPLAY_L [Figure 1] M_FIG_DISPLAY C_FIG_DISPLAY HIGHLIGHTSO_LIPhylogenomics using genome-wide nuclear markers yielded a well-supported topology for Athene and Glaucidium lineages. C_LIO_LIThree different methods of phylogenetic tree construction showed that Forest Owlet is an early split from all other Athene species. C_LIO_LIDivergence dating in the bayesian framework puts the Forest Owlet age between 5.0my to 5.5my. C_LI

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Empowering conservation practice with efficient and economical genotyping from poor quality samples

O_LIModerate to high density genotyping (100+ SNPs) is widely used to determine and measure individual identity, relatedness, fitness, population structure and migration in wild populations. C_LIO_LIHowever, these important tools are difficult to apply when high-quality genetic material is unavailable. Most genomic tools are developed for high quality DNA sources from labor medical settings. As a result, most genetic data from market or field settings is limited to easily amplified mitochondrial DNA or a few microsatellites. C_LIO_LITo enable genotyping in conservation contexts, we used next-generation sequencing of multiplex PCR products from very low-quality DNA extracted from feces, hair, and cooked samples. We demonstrated utility and wide-ranging potential application in endangered wild tigers and tracking commercial trade in Caribbean queen conch. C_LIO_LIWe genotyped 100 SNPs from degraded tiger samples to identify individuals, discern close relatives, and detect population differentiation. Co-occurring carnivores do not amplify (e.g. Indian wild dog/Dhole) or are monomorphic (e.g. leopard). 62 SNPs from conch fritters and field-collected samples were used to test relatedness and detect population structure. C_LIO_LIWe provide proof-of-concept for a rapid, simple, cost-effective, and scalable method (for both samples and number of loci), a framework that can be applied to other conservation scenarios previously limited by low quality DNA samples. These approaches provide a critical advance for wildlife monitoring and forensics, open the door to field-ready testing, and will strengthen the use of science in policy decisions and wildlife trade. C_LI

genomics↗