Persian and European fallow deer formed part of the Levantine Neolithic Package were worshiped as Greco-Roman deities and, over millennia, were the subject of repeated human-mediated translocations and extirpations. By integrating... more
Persian and European fallow deer formed part of the Levantine Neolithic Package were worshiped as Greco-Roman deities and, over millennia, were the subject of repeated human-mediated translocations and extirpations. By integrating biomolecular datasets with archaeological and textual evidence, we reveal these species' biocultural historiesspanning their Glacial refugia to their global spread as symbols of colonial power. The deep histories of fallow deer highlight the problems inherent in dichotomous categorizations of all species as either wild or domestic. In addition, they complicate existing wildlife conservation strategies and offer alternative perspectives on the management of translocated animals.
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Persian and European fallow deer formed part of the Levantine Neolithic Package were worshiped as Greco-Roman deities and, over millennia, were the subject of repeated human-mediated translocations and extirpations. By integrating... more
Persian and European fallow deer formed part of the Levantine Neolithic Package were worshiped as Greco-Roman deities and, over millennia, were the subject of repeated human-mediated translocations and extirpations. By integrating biomolecular datasets with archaeological and textual evidence, we reveal these species' biocultural historiesspanning their Glacial refugia to their global spread as symbols of colonial power. The deep histories of fallow deer highlight the problems inherent in dichotomous categorizations of all species as either wild or domestic. In addition, they complicate existing wildlife conservation strategies and offer alternative perspectives on the management of translocated animals.
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Determining accurate phylogenetic relationships of species within the genus Tursiops and closely related Delphininae species, has remain a challenging task for evolutionary cetologists. Previous studies have not agreed on the monophyletic... more
Determining accurate phylogenetic relationships of species within the genus Tursiops and closely related Delphininae species, has remain a challenging task for evolutionary cetologists. Previous studies have not agreed on the monophyletic status of this genus, and although cross-lineage reticulations has been suggested as a main driver of phylogenetic uncertainty, no formal test of this has been carried out. In this study, we use a double digest RADseq protocol, to carry out a high resolution nuclear phylogenetic study of the Delphininae, with particular emphasis on species/ecotypes of the genus Tursiops. We also carried out cross-lineage reticulation analyses, and tested for several sources of bias in determining phylogenies from whole-genome data. Our results suggest likely monophily for the genus Tursiops, with the recently described T. australis grouping within the T. aduncus lineage. We also show the presence of extensive cross-lineage gene flow between pelagic and European coastal ecotypes of T. truncatus, as well as in the early stages of diversification between spotted (Stenella frontalis; Stenella attenuate), common (Delphinus delphis), spinner (Stenella longirostris), Fraser (Lagenodelphis hosei) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). Our study provides a significant step in our understanding of the group’s evolutionary history, and demonstrates that patterns of cross-lineage gene flow might have been more extensive and complex that previously thought. Furthermore, we make recommendation regarding potential taxonomic classification within the genus Tursiops, and propose a sub-species status for previously well described ecotypes.
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Local adaptation and adaptive radiations are typically associated with phenotypic variation suited to alternative environments. In the marine environment, the nature of relevant ecological or environmental transitions is poorly... more
Local adaptation and adaptive radiations are typically associated with phenotypic variation suited to alternative environments. In the marine environment, the nature of relevant ecological or environmental transitions is poorly understood, especially for highly mobile species. Here we compare three genetic lineages in the genus Tursiops (bottlenose dolphins), using linear measurements and geometric morphometric techniques, in the context of environmental variation in the northwest Indian Ocean. Cranial morphology was clearly differentiated comparing Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus, while a recently discovered genetic lineage, found in the Arabian Sea, was morphologically most similar to T. aduncus from the same region, but distinct for various measures, particularly metrics associated with the lateral dimension of the skull. The extent of divergence between T. truncatus and T. aduncus compared to differences between the T. aduncus lineages is consistent with the recent phylogeny for these species. Therefore, with the corroboration of genetic and morphological inference, we propose two conservation units of T. aduncus be recognized in the region at a sub-specific level so that their conservation can be managed effectively. We consider possible evolutionary mechanisms associated with regional habitat characteristics and the exploitation of distinct prey resources.
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Research Interests: Zoology, Plant Biology, Biology, Ecology, Fishing, and 5 morePredation, Fishery, Sciaenidae, Scombridae, and Carangidae
online supplemen
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Understanding the evolution of diversity and the resulting systematics in marine systems is confounded by the lack of clear boundaries in oceanic habitats, especially for highly mobile species like marine mammals. Dolphin populations and... more
Understanding the evolution of diversity and the resulting systematics in marine systems is confounded by the lack of clear boundaries in oceanic habitats, especially for highly mobile species like marine mammals. Dolphin populations and sibling species often show differentiation between coastal and offshore habitats, similar to the pelagic/littoral or benthic differentiation seen for some species of fish. Here we test the hypothesis that lineages within the polytypic genus Tursiops track past changes in the environment reflecting ecological drivers of evolution facilitated by habitat release. We used a known recent time point for calibration (the opening of the Bosphorus) and whole mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences for high phylogenetic resolution. The pattern of lineage formation suggested an origin in Australasia and several early divisions involving forms currently inhabiting coastal habitats. Radiation in pelagic environments was relatively recent, and was likely followed by a return to coastal habitat in some regions. The timing of some nodes defining different ecotypes within the genus clustered near the two most recent interglacial transitions. A signal for an increase in diversification was also seen for dates after the last glacial maximum. Together these data suggest the tracking of habitat preference during geographic expansions, followed by transition points reflecting habitat shifts, which were likely associated with periods of environmental change
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European fallow deer (Dama dama dama) microsatellite data genotyped across 10 loc
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In this letter, we revisit a study we published in 2017, following comment in a paper by Marchesini et al. published in this volume. We provide some further analyses that help us to reinforce the original conclusions of our earlier paper,... more
In this letter, we revisit a study we published in 2017, following comment in a paper by Marchesini et al. published in this volume. We provide some further analyses that help us to reinforce the original conclusions of our earlier paper, and to address the points raised by Marchesini et al. We conclude that the concerns raised in their review do not alter the inference we presented earlier, and we identify issues with analyses presented by Marchesini et al. that limit their utility. The key points of inference remain that this species in Europe shows remarkably low levels of diversity within populations and strong structure among populations which can be explained by a combination of natural and anthropogenic processes.
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Determining accurate phylogenetic relationships of species within the genus Tursiops and closely related Delphininae species, has remain a challenging task for evolutionary cetologists. Previous studies have not agreed on the monophyletic... more
Determining accurate phylogenetic relationships of species within the genus Tursiops and closely related Delphininae species, has remain a challenging task for evolutionary cetologists. Previous studies have not agreed on the monophyletic status of this genus, and although cross-lineage reticulations has been suggested as a main driver of phylogenetic uncertainty, no formal test of this has been carried out. In this study, we use a double digest RADseq protocol, to carry out a high resolution nuclear phylogenetic study of the Delphininae, with particular emphasis on species/ecotypes of the genus Tursiops. We also carried out cross-lineage reticulation analyses, and tested for several sources of bias in determining phylogenies from whole-genome data. Our results suggest likely monophily for the genus Tursiops, with the recently described T. australis grouping within the T. aduncus lineage. We also show the presence of extensive cross-lineage gene flow between pelagic and European coa...
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Local adaptation and adaptive radiations are typically associated with phenotypic variation suited to alternative environments. In the marine environment, the nature of relevant ecological or environmental transitions is poorly... more
Local adaptation and adaptive radiations are typically associated with phenotypic variation suited to alternative environments. In the marine environment, the nature of relevant ecological or environmental transitions is poorly understood, especially for highly mobile species. Here we compare three genetic lineages in the genus Tursiops (bottlenose dolphins), using linear measurements and geometric morphometric techniques, in the context of environmental variation in the northwest Indian Ocean. Cranial morphology was clearly differentiated comparing Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus, while a recently discovered genetic lineage, found in the Arabian Sea, was morphologically most similar to T. aduncus from the same region, but distinct for various measures, particularly metrics associated with the lateral dimension of the skull. The extent of divergence between T. truncatus and T. aduncus compared to differences between the T. aduncus lineages is consistent with the recent phylo...
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AimIn the marine environment, where there are few physical boundaries to gene flow, there is often nevertheless intraspecific diversity with consequences for effective conservation and management. Here, we compare two closely related... more
AimIn the marine environment, where there are few physical boundaries to gene flow, there is often nevertheless intraspecific diversity with consequences for effective conservation and management. Here, we compare two closely related dolphin species with a shared distribution in the Indian Ocean (IO) to better understand the biogeographic drivers of their population structure.LocationGlobal oceans and seas with a focus on the Indian OceanTaxonTursiops sp. and Delphinus sp.MethodsBayesian, ordination, assignment, statistical and phylogenetic analyses to assess phylogeography, connectivity and population structure using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA genetic markers.ResultsBoth Tursiops sp. and Delphinus sp. showed population structure across the western IO and, in each case, populations in the Arabian Sea (off India, Pakistan and Oman) were most differentiated. Comparisons with other populations worldwide revealed independent lineages in this geographic region for both genera. ...
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Here we consider the role of depth as a driver of evolution in a genus of deep-sea fishes. We provide a phylogeny for the genus Coryphaenoides (Gadiformes: Macrouridae) that represents the breadth of habitat use and distributions for... more
Here we consider the role of depth as a driver of evolution in a genus of deep-sea fishes. We provide a phylogeny for the genus Coryphaenoides (Gadiformes: Macrouridae) that represents the breadth of habitat use and distributions for these species. In our consensus phylogeny species found at abyssal depths (>4000m) form a well-supported lineage, which interestingly also includes two non-abyssal species, C. striaturus and C. murrayi, diverging from the basal node of that lineage. Biogeographic analyses suggest the genus may have originated in the Southern and Pacific Oceans where contemporary species diversity is highest. The abyssal lineage seems to have arisen secondarily and likely originated in the Southern/Pacific Oceans but diversification of this lineage occurred in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. All abyssal species are found in the North Atlantic with the exception of C. yaquinae in the North Pacific and C. filicauda in the Southern Ocean. Abyssal species tend to have broad ...
Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Phylogenetics, Biology, and 15 moreMedicine, DNA, Atlantic Ocean, Animals, Aquaculture and fisheries, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Genus, Ecosystem, Pacific ocean, Macrouridae, Deep Sea Fishes, Hydrostatic Pressure, Oceans and Seas, Abyssal, and Gadiformes
This study examined the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopssp.), five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and two spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found stranded along the Omani coastline.... more
This study examined the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopssp.), five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and two spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found stranded along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing at least 33 species in 22 families. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number and percentage by frequency of occurrence methods, and a modified index of relative importance. The fish families Apogonidae, Carangidae and Scombridae were the most numerically important prey of the bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The myctophidBenthosema pterotumformed the majority of the prey items of spinner dolphins. Cephalopod remains found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The know...
Research Interests: Zoology, Plant Biology, Biology, Ecology, Fishing, and 5 morePredation, Fishery, Sciaenidae, Scombridae, and Carangidae
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... While no specific legislation exists in Liberia regulating mitigation of marine mammal disturbance during seismic surveys, the UK's Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines were followed (see... more
... While no specific legislation exists in Liberia regulating mitigation of marine mammal disturbance during seismic surveys, the UK's Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines were followed (see www.jncc.gov.uk). ...