The woodrats of California: evolution across a dynamic landscape

Authors

  • Marjorie D. Matocq Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science; Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada
  • Matthew L. Holding Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan
  • Alexandra Coconis Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science; Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada
  • Jim Henderson California Academy of Sciences
  • W. Brian Simison California Academy of Sciences
  • Kathryn M. Everson Integrative Biology Department, Oregon State University

Keywords:

California Floristic Province; hybridization; low coverage genomes; mitogenomes; Neotoma.

Abstract

The dynamic landscapes of California have supported the evolution of high levels of biological diversity, including in the genus Neotoma (woodrats).  Here, we use whole mitochondrial genomes and low coverage genome-wide data to explore patterns of diversity within and among five western lineages of woodrats: Neotoma fuscipes, N. macrotis, N. bryanti, N. lepida and N. cinerea.  We place these patterns of diversity and differentiation within the context of what has been learned about the evolutionary dynamics of these species over the past 25 years.  We end by exploring how new genomic datasets coupled with intensive fieldwork will continue to provide new insights into the evolutionary history and future trajectories of these lineages.

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Published

2025-01-31

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): Vol 16 number 1

Section

Special Contribution

License

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