Historical butterfly genomes highlight species specific genomic consequences of grassland conversion and abandonment

Aktivitet: Föredrag eller presentationPresentation

Beskrivning

Curbing biodiversity loss requires maintenance of diversity at all levels. While efforts to monitor and maintain ecosystem and species diversity have been the primary focus of conservation practices, we are only beginning to examine the extent and patterns of genetic diversity decline in the wild. Here, we utilize whole genome data from modern and museum samples of three grassland butterfly species to examine genetic erosion over the 100 years. We ask if habitat specialists face a greater loss of genetic diversity compared to generalists in landscapes where intensification of agriculture and forestry degrade and fragment grassland habitat. We infer if populations are now more isolated, with increases in inbreeding and genetic load that would indicate genetic components are now reinforcing species decline. Our work demonstrates how genomic methods can have an invaluable role in addressing the biodiversity crisis by identifying species under greater threat than their abundance suggests
Period2024 mars 13
EvenemangstitelNordic Oikos 2024: New perspectives in ecological and evolutionary research
Typ av evenemangKonferens
PlatsLund, SverigeVisa på karta