ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8629-354X
Current Organisation
Flinders University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics | Conservation and Biodiversity | Ecology | Genetics | Biogeography and Phylogeography | Ethology and Sociobiology | Evolutionary Impacts of Climate Change | Terrestrial Ecology | Host-Parasite Interactions | Genetic Immunology | Ecology | Behavioural ecology | Environmental Science and Management | Evolutionary Biology | Host-parasite interactions | Animal behaviour | Behavioural Ecology
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Sparseland, Permanent Grassland and Arid Zone Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity | Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity at Regional or Larger Scales | Expanding Knowledge in the Environmental Sciences | Climate Change Mitigation Strategies |
Related Links
Publications
Gene flow between two thick-billed grasswren subspecies with low dispersal creates a genomic pattern of isolation-by-distance
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 20-09-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.16.460701
Abstract: In the era of the Anthropocene, habitat loss and environmental change threaten the persistence of many species. Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) is a useful molecular tool for understanding how patterns of gene flow are associated with contemporary habitat distributions that may be affected by environmental change. Two parapatric subspecies of the threatened thick-billed grasswren (TBGW Amytornis modestus ) more frequently occur in different plant communities. As such, a preference for plant community type could reduce subspecific introgression and increase genetic ersity at the parapatric boundary. We aimed to measure gene flow within and among two TBGW subspecies and tested whether ergent genomic markers were associated with plant community type. We sequenced 118 in iduals from either of the two TBGW subspecies or in the region of parapatry and identified 7583 SNPs through ddRADseq. We found evidence of asymmetric gene flow and a genomic pattern of isolation-by-distance. There were sixteen genomic outliers correlated with plant community type (regardless of location). These findings show that plant community type does not prevent introgression in one subspecies ( A. m. raglessi ), but low dispersal and habitat heterogeneity could contribute to the maintenance of distinct subspecific morphotypes. Local adaptation in different plant community types could also provide a mechanism for future ergence. We suggest subspecific introgression could increase genetic variation and the adaptive potential of the species, facilitating species persistence under conditions of climate change. Characterising gene flow facilitates conservation management. This study used genomic markers to measure gene flow between thick-billed grasswren subspecies and found results that support taxonomic identification of the two subspecies and suggests grasswrens have low dispersal and may benefit from increased genetic ersity. Recognition of models of ergence with gene flow will be necessary for future conservation management.
Inclusive fitness theory and eusociality
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-03-2011
DOI: 10.1038/NATURE09831
Plant community predicts the distribution and occurrence of thick-billed grasswren subspecies (Amytornis modestus) in a region of parapatry
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/ZO17081
Abstract: Habitat heterogeneity can have considerable effects on gene flow and migration across a region of parapatry. Describing habitat across a region of parapatry is important for the development of eco-evolutionary theory. Two subspecies of thick-billed grasswren (Amytornis modestus) share a region of parapatry between the South Australian salt lakes, Lake Eyre and Lake Torrens. While the two subspecies remain morphologically erged outside the region of parapatry, it is not known what factors within the region of parapatry may affect migration and gene flow. In this study, we test associations between habitat differences and subspecies distributions and discuss whether ecological barriers could play a role in mitigating gene flow between the subspecies. We compare dominant plant species (1) between the allopatric ranges of the subspecies and within their region of parapatry, and (2) in relation to presence or absence of grasswrens within their region of parapatry. We found that the dominant plant species differed between grasswren subspecies in their allopatric range and in their region of parapatry, and also differed in the region of parapatry at sites with or without grasswrens. Specifically, grasswrens were absent in vegetation that is typical of sand dunes. These findings are discussed in light of evidence for secondary contact and hybridisation between A. m. indulkanna and A. m. raglessi, and susceptibility to introgression.
Offspring genetic structure reveals mating and nest infestation behaviour of an invasive parasitic fly (Philornis downsi) of Galápagos birds
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-04-2010
Clarifying climate change adaptation responses for scattered trees in modified landscapes
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-02-2011
Life history influences how fire affects genetic diversity in two lizard species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.12757
Abstract: 'Fire mosaics' are often maintained in landscapes to promote successional ersity in vegetation with little understanding of how this will affect ecological processes in animal populations such as dispersal, social organization and re-establishment. To investigate these processes, we conducted a replicated, spatiotemporal landscape genetics study of two Australian woodland lizard species [Amphibolurus norrisi (Agamidae) and Ctenotus atlas (Scincidae)]. Agamids have a more complex social and territory structure than skinks, so fire might have a greater impact on their population structure and thus genetic ersity. Genetic ersity increased with time since fire in C. atlas and decreased with time since fire in A. norrisi. For C. atlas, this might reflect its increasing population size after fire, but we could not detect increased gene flow that would reduce the loss of genetic ersity through genetic drift. Using landscape resistance analyses, we found no evidence that postfire habitat succession or topography affected gene flow in either species and we were unable to distinguish between survival and immigration as modes of postfire re-establishment. In A. norrisi, we detected female-biased dispersal, likely reflecting its territorial social structure and polygynous mating system. The increased genetic ersity in A. norrisi in recently burnt habitat might reflect a temporary disruption of its territoriality and increased male dispersal, a hypothesis that was supported with a simulation experiment. Our results suggest that the effects of disturbance on genetic ersity will be stronger for species with territorial social organization.
A review of the role of parasites in the ecology of reptiles and amphibians
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12695
Isolation and characterisation of eighteen microsatellite markers from the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (Echinodermata:Holothuriidae)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/ZO12114
Abstract: We isolated 18 new, polymorphic, microsatellite markers from Holothuria scabra, a commercially important species of sea cucumber found throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify 206 unique loci for which primers were designed. Of these unique loci, we trialled 65 primer pairs in the target species, and 48 (74%) lified a product of the expected size. Eighteen loci were found to be polymorphic and reliable, and were screened for variation in 50 in iduals, from a single population from Croker Island, Northern Territory, Australia. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.96 (mean = 0.46) and the number of alleles per locus from 2 to 28 (mean = 9.61). These loci will be useful for the investigation of population structure and mating systems in H. scabra and may also be of use in other holothurian species.
Identification of seventeen microsatellite markers for conservation genetic studies of the endemic anemonefish, Amphiprion mccullochi
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-09-2012
Subtle genetic clustering among South Australian colonies of little penguins (Eudyptula minor)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2020
Additional instances of snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis) parasitism on sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) in South Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-06-2021
Standardized genetic diversity-life history correlates for improved genetic resource management of Neotropical trees
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DDI.12716
Molecular systematics of social skinks: Phylogeny and taxonomy of the Egernia group (Reptilia: Scincidae)
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2008
A Review of Salmonella and Squamates (Lizards, Snakes and Amphisbians): Implications for Public Health
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-08-2017
Does effective population size affect rates of molecular evolution: Mitochondrial data for host/parasite species pairs in bees suggests not
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.8562
Abstract: Adaptive evolutionary theory argues that organisms with larger effective population size ( N e ) should have higher rates of adaptive evolution and therefore greater capacity to win evolutionary arm races. However, in some certain cases, species with much smaller N e may be able to survive besides their opponents for an extensive evolutionary time. Neutral theory predicts that accelerated rates of molecular evolution in organisms with exceedingly small N e are due to the effects of genetic drift and fixation of slightly deleterious mutations. We test this prediction in two obligate social parasite species and their respective host species from the bee tribe Allodapini. The parasites (genus Inquilina ) have been locked into tight coevolutionary arm races with their exclusive hosts (genus Exoneura ) for ~15 million years, even though Inquilina exhibit N e that are an order of magnitude smaller than their host. In this study, we compared rates of molecular evolution between host and parasite using nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rate ratios (d N /d S ) of eleven mitochondrial protein‐coding genes sequenced from transcriptomes. Tests of selection on mitochondrial genes indicated no significant differences between host and parasite d N /d S, with evidence for purifying selection acting on all mitochondrial genes of host and parasite species. Several potential factors which could weaken the inverse relationship between N e and rate of molecular evolution are discussed.
Changes in parasite species distributions could be driven by host range expansions: the case of hybridisation between two Australian reptile ticks
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 24-05-2023
DOI: 10.1071/ZO23010
Abstract: Anthropogenic stressors such as climate change and diminishing habitats cause widespread disturbances in species distributions for a variety of taxa. Range shifts and hybridisation following secondary contact become of particular importance when it comes to parasites such as ticks, as they are dependent on their host distributions and can carry numerous harmful pathogens. We aimed to determine if two parapatric reptile tick species, Amblyomma albolimbatum and A. limbatum, hybridise at their parapatric boundary by comparing morphological and genomic variation using single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results show that both tick species were genomically distinct, but hybridisation has occurred. We found a hybrid and an A. limbatum outside of their previously known range, suggesting there could have been a shift in tick distribution. What were thought to be hybrids due to intermediate morphological traits were not hybrids but morphological variants of the parental species. This information suggests more distinctive morphological features are needed for identifying these tick species and that novel environmental conditions and a broadening of tick niche due to hybridisation could increase host exposure to different pathogens.
Which provenance and where? Seed sourcing strategies for revegetation in a changing environment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2013
Hemolivia and Hepatozoon: Haemogregarines with Tangled Evolutionary Relationships
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PROTIS.2014.06.001
Abstract: The generic name Hemolivia has been used for haemogregarines characterized by morphological and biological features. The few molecular studies, focused on other haemogregarine genera but involving Hemolivia s les, indicated its close relationship to the genus Hepatozoon. Here we analyze molecular data for Hemolivia from a broad geographic area and host spectrum and provide detailed morphological documentation of the included s les. Based on molecular analyses in context of other haemogregarines, we demonstrate that several sequences deposited in GenBank from isolates described as Hepatozoon belong to the Hemolivia cluster. This illustrates the overall difficulty with recognizing Hemolivia and Hepatozoon without sufficient morphological and molecular information. The close proximity of both genera is also reflected in uncertainty about their precise phylogeny when using 18S rDNA. They cluster with almost identical likelihood either as two sister taxa or as monophyletic Hemolivia within paraphyletic Hepatozoon. However, regardless of these difficulties, the results presented here provide a reliable background for the unequivocal placement of new s les into the Hemolivia/ Hepatozoon complex.
Isolation via 454 sequencing, and characterisation of microsatellites for Drymodes brunneopygia, southern scrub-robin (Aves: Petroicidae): a species at risk due to substantial habitat loss and climate
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-10-2011
Nanomicelles based on a boronate ester-linked diblock copolymer as the carrier of doxorubicin with enhanced cellular uptake
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2016.01.044
Abstract: This study sought to develop a new type nanomicelle based on boronate ester-linked poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(benzyl glutamate) (PEG-BC-PBLG) diblock copolymer as the carrier of doxorubicin (Dox) to achieve acid-induced detachment of PEG shells and subsequent boronic acid-mediated enhanced endocytosis. In vitro studies revealed that the PEG-BC-PBLG copolymer was stable in neutral solutions but tend to hydrolysed under acidic conditions, which was attributed to the acid-sensitive properties of boronate ester bonds. The formation of PEG-BC@PBLG micelles was confirmed based on critical micelle concentration (CMC), particle size, and morphology observations. It was observed that these micelles were spherical with an average particle size of approximately 80nm, as measured by dynamic laser scattering (DLS), suggesting their passive targeting to tumour tissue and endocytosis potential. Dox-loaded PEG-BC@PBLG micelles (PEG-BC@PBLG·Dox) showed sustained drug release profiles over 9h, and their cumulative drug release was dependent on the pH value of the environment. Remarkably, cellular uptake ability of PEG-BC@PBLG micelles was found to be higher than that of non-boronate ester-linked PEG@PBLG micelles due to boronic acid-mediated endocytosis, as revealed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) green-conjugated micelles, thereby providing higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. The antitumour activity and toxicity of PEG-BC@PBLG·Dox micelles in vivo were evaluated in BLAB/c mice against HepG2 cell-derived tumours. Compared with Dox, PEG-BC@PBLG·Dox showed reduced toxicity, whereas its tumour growth inhibition rate was 17% higher than that of free Dox. These results indicate the great potential of PEG-BC@PBLG micelles as the carrier of various lipophilic anticancer drugs with improved anti-tumour efficacy.
Evolutionary divergence in freshwater insects with contrasting dispersal capacity across a sea of desert
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/FWB.12959
Isolation, via 454 sequencing, and characterisation of microsatellites for Phalacrocorax fuscescens, the black-faced cormorant (Aves : Phalacrocoracidae)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/ZO12084
Abstract: The black-faced cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscescens, is a brood-reducing seabird endemic to the southern waters of Australia. Microsatellite loci were isolated from genomic DNA using 454 shotgun sequencing. Thirty-one loci were tested and, of these, 16 were found to be polymorphic. Further characterisation was conducted on seven loci that were genotyped in 42 adult in iduals from a single breeding colony in South Australia. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to eight (s.d. ± 2.16), and the mean observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.66 (s.d. ± 0.249) and 0.62 (s.d. ± 0.178) respectively. We confirm that four loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Four other Phalacrocorax species were trialled for lification of these four polymorphic loci. Amplification success varied between loci and species. These loci will be useful in determining genetic family structure and exploring nestling relatedness to further understand how relatedness influences competitive behaviours in brood-reducing species.
Development and characterization of 13 new, and cross amplification of 3, polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci in the common myna (Acridotheres tristis)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-02-2012
Microsatellite markers from the Ion Torrent: A multi-species contrast to 454 shotgun sequencing
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-11-2014
Abstract: The development and screening of microsatellite markers have been accelerated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and in particular GS-FLX pyro-sequencing (454). More recent platforms such as the PGM semiconductor sequencer (Ion Torrent) offer potential benefits such as dramatic reductions in cost, but to date have not been well utilized. Here, we critically compare the advantages and disadvantages of microsatellite development using PGM semiconductor sequencing and GS-FLX pyro-sequencing for two gymnosperm (a conifer and a cycad) and one angiosperm species. We show that these NGS platforms differ in the quantity of returned sequence data, unique microsatellite data and primer design opportunities, mostly consistent with the differences in read length. The strength of the PGM lies in the large amount of data generated at a comparatively lower cost and time. The strength of GS-FLX lies in the return of longer average length sequences and therefore greater flexibility in producing markers with variable product length, due to longer flanking regions, which is ideal for capillary multiplexing. These differences need to be considered when choosing a NGS method for microsatellite discovery. However, the ongoing improvement in read lengths of the NGS platforms will reduce the disadvantage of the current short read lengths, particularly for the PGM platform, allowing greater flexibility in primer design coupled with the power of a larger number of sequences.
Comparison of Reptilian Genomes Reveals Deletions Associated with the Natural Loss of γδ T Cells in Squamates
Publisher: The American Association of Immunologists
Date: 15-04-2022
Abstract: T lymphocytes or T cells are key components of the vertebrate response to pathogens and cancer. There are two T cell classes based on their TCRs, αβ T cells and γδ T cells, and each plays a critical role in immune responses. The squamate reptiles may be unique among the vertebrate lineages by lacking an entire class of T cells, the γδ T cells. In this study, we investigated the basis of the loss of the γδ T cells in squamates. The genome and transcriptome of a sleepy lizard, the skink Tiliqua rugosa, were compared with those of tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus, the last living member of the Rhynchocephalian reptiles. We demonstrate that the lack of TCRγ and TCRδ transcripts in the skink are due to large deletions in the T. rugosa genome. We also show that tuataras are on a growing list of species, including sharks, frogs, birds, alligators, and platypus, that can use an atypical TCRδ that appears to be a chimera of a TCR chain with an Ab-like Ag-binding domain. Tuatara represents the nearest living relative to squamates that retain γδ T cells. The loss of γδTCR in the skink is due to genomic deletions that appear to be conserved in other squamates. The genes encoding the αβTCR chains in the skink do not appear to have increased in complexity to compensate for the loss of γδ T cells.
Transmission mode and distribution of parasites among groups of the social lizard Egernia stokesii
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2006
DOI: 10.1007/S00436-005-0120-9
Abstract: We explored patterns of infection of three apicomplexan blood parasites with different transmission mechanisms in 46 social groups across seven populations of the Australian lizard, Egernia stokesii. There was higher aggregation of infections within social groups for Hemolivia, transmitted by ticks, and Schellackia, either tick-transmitted or directly transmitted from mother to offspring, than for Plasmodium, with more mobile dipteran vectors. Prevalence was not related to group size, proximity to other groups or spatial overlap with adjacent groups for any of the parasites. However, for Hemolivia, groups with higher levels of relatedness among adults had higher parasite prevalence. Living in social groups leads to higher risk of infection for parasites with low transmission mobility. An unanswered question is why so few lizard species tolerate these risks to form stable social aggregations.
Lizards, ticks and contributions to Australian parasitology: C. Michael Bull (1947-2016)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Avian predation intensity as a driver of clinal variation in colour morph frequency
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-09-2018
Abstract: Phenotypic variation provides the framework for natural selection to work upon, enabling adaptive evolution. One of the most discernible manifestations of phenotypic variability is colour variation. When this variation is discrete, genetically based colour pattern morphs occur simultaneously within a population. Why and how colour polymorphisms are maintained is an evolutionary puzzle. Several evolutionary drivers have been hypothesized as influencing clinal patterns of morph frequency, with spatial variation in climate and predation being considered especially important. Despite this, no study has examined both of their roles simultaneously. The aims of this study were to: (a) examine the covariation of physiology, environmental variables and colouration at a local scale and (b) determine if these factors and their interplay explain broad clinal variation in morph frequency. We used the lizard Liopholis whitii as a model system, as this species displays a discrete, heritable polymorphism for colour pattern (plain-backed, patterned morphs) whose morph frequency varies latitudinally. We measured reflectance, field activity temperatures and microhabitat structure to test for differences in crypsis, thermal biology and microhabitat selection of patterned and plain-backed morphs within a single population where colour morphs occur sympatrically. We then used data from the literature to perform a broad-scale analysis to identify whether these factors also explained the latitudinal variation of morph frequency in this species. At the local scale, plain-backed morphs were found to be less cryptic than patterned morphs while no other differences were detected in terms of thermal biology, dorsal reflectance and microhabitat use. At a broader scale, predation was the most influential factor mediating morph frequency across latitudes. However, the observed pattern of morph frequency is opposite to what the modelling results suggest in that the incidence of the least cryptic morph is highest where predation pressure is most severe. Clinal variation in the level of background matching between morphs or the potential reproductive advantage by the plain-backed morph may, instead, be driving the observed morph frequency. Together, these results provide key insights into the evolution of local adaptation as well as the ecological forces involved in driving the dynamics of colour polymorphism.
Characterization and cross-amplification of novel microsatellite markers for two Australian sedges, Lepidosperma sp Mt Caudan and L. sp Parker Range (Cyperaceae)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-11-2014
Isolation and characterization of 11 novel microsatellite loci in a West African leaf-nosed bat, Hipposideros aff. ruber
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-09-2014
Consistent after all: behavioural repeatability in a long-lived lizard across a 6-year field study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
New host and locality records for gastrointestinal helminths of five reptile species from the Mid North region of South Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2021
Anonymous nuclear loci in non-model organisms: making the most of high-throughput genome surveys
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-05-2012
DOI: 10.1093/BIOINFORMATICS/BTS284
Abstract: Motivation: When working with non-model organisms, few if any species-specific markers are available for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population studies. Therefore, researchers often try to adapt markers developed in distantly related taxa, resulting in poor lification and ascertainment bias in their target taxa. Markers can be developed de novo and anonymous nuclear loci (ANL) are proving to be a boon for researchers seeking large numbers of fast-evolving, independent loci. However, the development of ANL can be laboratory intensive and expensive. A workflow is described to identify suitable low-copy anonymous loci from high-throughput shotgun sequences, dramatically reducing the cost and time required to develop these markers and produce robust multilocus datasets. Results: By successively removing repetitive and evolutionary conserved sequences from low coverage shotgun libraries, we were able to isolate thousands of potential ANL. Empirical testing of loci developed from two reptile taxa confirmed that our methodology yields markers with comparable lification rates and nucleotide ersities to ANLs developed using other methodologies. Our approach capitalizes on next-generation sequencing technologies to enable the development of phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population markers for taxa lacking suitable genomic resources. Contact: terry.bertozzi@samuseum.sa.gov.au
Specific MHC class I supertype associated with parasite infection and color morph in a wild lizard population
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-09-2018
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.4479
POLYMORPHIC MICROSATELLITE LOCI FOR VIROLA SEBIFERA (MYRISTICACEAE) DERIVED FROM SHOTGUN 454 PYROSEQUENCING
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-03-2013
DOI: 10.3732/APPS.1200295
Egernia stokesii (gidgee skink) MHC I positively selected sites lack concordance with HLA peptide binding regions
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-08-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00251-016-0947-5
Abstract: Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play an important role in vertebrate disease resistance, kin recognition and mate choice. Mammalian MHC is the most widely characterised of all vertebrates, and attention is often given to the peptide binding regions of the MHC because they are presumed to be under stronger selection than non-peptide binding regions. For vertebrates where the MHC is less well understood, researchers commonly use the amino acid positions of the peptide binding regions of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) to infer the peptide binding regions within the MHC sequences of their taxon of interest. However, positively selected sites within MHC have been reported to lack correspondence with the HLA in fish, frogs, birds and reptiles including squamates. Despite squamate ersity, the MHC has been characterised in few snakes and lizards. The Egernia group of scincid lizards is appropriate for investigating mechanisms generating MHC variation, as their inclusion will add a new lineage (i.e. Scincidae) to studies of selection on the MHC. We aimed to identify positively selected sites within the MHC of Egernia stokesii and then determine if these sites corresponded with the peptide binding regions of the HLA. Six positively selected sites were identified within E. stokesii MHC I, only two were homologous with the HLA. E. stokesii positively selected sites corresponded more closely to non-lizard than other lizard taxa. The characterisation of the MHC of more intermediate taxa within the squamate order is necessary to understand the evolution of the MHC across all vertebrates.
Genetic population structure of Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) in temperate Australasian waters inferred from microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
Development of microsatellite loci for the riparian tree species Melaleuca argentea (Myrtaceae) using 454 sequencing
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2013
DOI: 10.3732/APPS.1200401
Contemporary habitat loss reduces genetic diversity in an ecologically specialized butterfly
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-04-2010
Microsatellite primers identified by 454 sequencing in the riparian and floodplain tree species Eucalyptus victrix Myrtaceae
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-04-2013
DOI: 10.3732/APPS.1200402
Pollen diversity matters: Revealing the neglected effect of pollen diversity on fitness in fragmented landscapes
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.12056
Abstract: Few studies have documented the impacts of habitat fragmentation on plant mating patterns together with fitness. Yet, these processes require urgent attention to better understand the impact of contemporary landscape change on bio ersity and for guiding native plant genetic resource management. We examined these relationships using the predominantly insect-pollinated Eucalyptus socialis. Progeny were collected from trees located in three increasingly disturbed landscapes in southern Australia and were planted out in common garden experiments. We show that in idual mating patterns were increasingly impacted by lower conspecific density caused by habitat fragmentation. We determined that reduced pollen ersity probably has effects over and above those of inbreeding on progeny fitness. This provides an alternative mechanistic explanation for the indirect density dependence often inferred between conspecific density and offspring fitness.
Patterns of morphological and mitochondrial diversity in parapatric subspecies of the Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus)
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-04-2017
Polymorphic microsatellite markers, isolated using a simple enrichment procedure, in the threatened smooth snake (Coronella austriaca)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-11-2005
The Problems ofa PrioriCategorisation of Agonism and Cooperation: Circle-Tube Interactions in Two Allodapine Bees
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ETH.12228
Genetic evidence for a family structure in stable social aggregations of the Australian lizard Egernia stokesii
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-294X.2001.01171.X
Abstract: In this study we used data from six unlinked microsatellite loci to examine stable aggregations of Egernia stokesii, from a population in the southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia. We show that these aggregations are comprised of breeding partners, their offspring from two or more cohorts, and related adults, providing the first genetic evidence of a family structure in any lizard species. Despite this high level of relatedness within aggregations, most breeding pairs were unrelated and partners were less closely related to each other than they were to other potential within-group partners. Where in iduals dispersed, both sexes usually moved to social groups close to their natal group. Although both sexes showed natal philopatry, there was some evidence that females in groups were more related than males in groups. These data suggest that an active choice of unrelated partners and male-biased dispersal may be the mechanisms used by E. stokesii to avoid inbreeding within groups.
Global meta-analysis shows progress towards recovery of soil microbiota following revegetation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Identification of twenty one microsatellite loci for conservation genetic studies of the endemic butterflyfish Chaetodon tricinctus
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-09-2012
Breakdown of phylogenetic signal: A survey of microsatellite densities in 454 shotgun sequences from 154 non model Eukaryote species
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-07-2012
Translocation for conservation: Neonates are less suitable than adults
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12875
Isolation via 454 sequencing and characterisation of microsatellites for Acacia montana (Fabaceae), Mallee wattle: an endemic shrub from southeastern Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-08-2014
Occasional hybridization between a native and invasive Senecio species in Australia is unlikely to contribute to invasive success
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 15-08-2017
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.3630
Abstract: Hybridization between native and invasive species can facilitate introgression of native genes that increase invasive potential by providing exotic species with pre-adapted genes suitable for new environments. In this study we assessed the outcome of hybridization between native Senecio pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius A.Rich. (dune ecotype) and invasive Senecio madagascariensis Poir. to investigate the potential for introgression of adaptive genes to have facilitated S. madagascariensis spread in Australia. We used lified fragment length polymorphisms (141 loci) and nuclear microsatellites (2 loci) to genotype a total of 118 adults and 223 seeds from S. pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius and S. madagascariensis at one allopatric and two shared sites. We used model based clustering and assignment methods to establish whether hybrid seed set and mature hybrids occur in the field. We detected no adult hybrids in any population. Low incidence of hybrid seed set was found at Lennox Head where the contact zone overlapped for 20 m (6% and 22% of total seeds s led for S. pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius and S. madagascariensis respectively). One hybrid seed was detected at Ballina where a gap of approximately 150 m was present between species (2% of total seeds s led for S. madagascariensis ). We found no evidence of adult hybrid plants at two shared sites. Hybrid seed set from both species was identified at low levels. Based on these findings we conclude that introgression of adaptive genes from S. pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius is unlikely to have facilitated S. madagascariensis invasions in Australia. Revisitation of one site after two years could find no remaining S. pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius , suggesting that contact zones between these species are dynamic and that S. pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius may be at risk of displacement by S. madagascariensis in coastal areas.
Avian predation intensity as a driver of clinal variation in colour morph frequency
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12894 10.1111/1365-2656.12894 10.1111/1365-2656.12894 10.1111/1365-2656.12894
Isolation and characterisation of microsatellite markers for the dwarf sheoak Allocasuarina humilis (Casuarinaceae), an important understorey species in ecological restoration
Publisher: Biodiversity Heritage Library
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.5962/P.292267
Taking stock: a review of the known parasites of the sleepy lizard,Tiliqua rugosa(Gray, 1825), a common lizard endemic to Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-03-2019
Taxonomic affinities within Australian and New Zealand Mustelus sharks (Chondrichthyes: Triakidae) inferred from allozymes, mitocho ndrial DNA and precaudal vertebrae counts
Publisher: American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH)
Date: 05-2002
Does revegetation cause soil microbiota recovery? Evidence from revisiting a revegetation chronosequence 6 years after initial sampling
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13635
Abstract: The global bio ersity and land degradation crises have brought about an urgent need and great demand for restoration actions. However, restoration outcomes are often less than ideal, indicating a need for improved restoration practices. Soil microbiota are extremely erse and functionally important and should be further considered in restoration. However, despite their importance, there remains a gap in understanding of how soil microbiota respond following native plant revegetation. Several studies have used cross‐sectional study designs of restoration chronosequences to infer that revegetation causes the recovery of soil microbiota, but it is near‐impossible to determine cause and effect relationships with cross‐sectional study designs. Here we used high‐throughput licon sequencing of the bacterial 16s rRNA gene from soil s les collected at two timepoints, 6 years apart, at a revegetation chronosequence in South Australia. Our results show some indications of recovery but not the additional recovery in bacterial community composition toward the reference sites as expected after this 6‐year period—a result that appears at odds to the expected patterns of revegetation causing recovery of soil microbiota. Spatially dependent factors (e.g. soil chemistry), biotic and abiotic barriers, seasonal differences in s ling, and variability among the ecological reference sites could each help explain this apparent lack of additional microbial recovery. More detailed longitudinal and/or experimental manipulation work is required to further examine the cause‐effect relationships. Our study contributes important new information and highlights knowledge gaps in how soil microbiota respond to revegetation, and we urge caution when attempting to infer causation from cross‐sectional chronosequence studies.
Random non-coding fragments of lizard DNA: anonymous nuclear loci for the Australian skink, Tiliqua rugosa, and their utility in other Egernia-group species
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/ZO14085
Abstract: We report the development of 48 anonymous nuclear loci from the Australian skink Tiliqua rugosa using 454 sequencing. These loci lified across a Western Australian lineage (47 loci), a ‘northern’ lineage (48 loci) and a ‘southern’ lineage (46 loci). We further tested lification for the related T. adelaidensis and Egernia stokesii where 37 and 34 loci lified respectively. The loci showed variability within T. rugosa (22 polymorphic loci) and at least 27 loci also exhibited variation among the three species, highlighting the usefulness of these markers for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population genetic analyses in T. rugosa and related species.
Isolation and characterisation via 454 sequencing of microsatellites from the tawny frogmouth, Podargus strigoides (Class Aves, Family Podargidae)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/ZO12062
Abstract: We isolated 24 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from the tawny frogmouth, a nocturnal bird endemic to Australia, which has successfully adapted to urban environments. Initially, 454 shotgun sequencing was used to identify 733 loci with primers designed. Of these, we trialled 30 in the target species of which all lified a product of expected size. Subsequently, all 30 of these loci were screened for variation in 25 in iduals, from a single population in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Twenty-eight loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.03 to 0.96 (mean 0.58) and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 18 (average of 6.5) we confirmed that 24 loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. The 24 loci identified here will be sufficient to unequivocally identify in iduals and will be useful in understanding the reproductive ecology, population genetics and the gene flow amongst localities in urban environments where this bird thrives.
Isolation of microsatellite loci from a social lizard, Egernia stokesii, using a modified enrichment procedure
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-1999
Characterisation of 15 novel microsatellite loci for the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-04-2014
Rapid isolation of 14 microsatellite markers for Van Diemen’s siphon limpet Siphonaria diemenensis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-04-2012
Did postglacial sea-level changes initiate the evolutionary divergence of a Tasmanian endemic raptor from its mainland relative?
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 22-12-2013
Abstract: Populations on continental islands are often distinguishable from mainland conspecifics with respect to body size, appearance, behaviour or life history, and this is often congruent with genetic patterns. It is commonly assumed that such differences developed following the complete isolation of populations by sea-level rise following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, population ergence may predate the LGM, or marine dispersal and colonization of islands may have occurred more recently in both cases, populations may have also erged despite ongoing gene flow. Here, we test these alternative hypotheses for the ergence between wedge-tailed eagles from mainland Australia ( Aquila audax audax ) and the threatened Tasmanian subspecies ( Aquila audax fleayi ), based on variation at 20 microsatellite loci and mtDNA. Coalescent analyses indicate that population ergence appreciably postdates the severance of terrestrial habitat continuity and occurred without any subsequent gene flow. We infer a recent colonization of Tasmania by marine dispersal and cannot discount founder effects as the cause of differences in body size and life history. We call into question the general assumption of post-LGM marine transgression as the initiator of ergence of terrestrial lineages on continental islands and adjacent mainland, and highlight the range of alternative scenarios that should be considered.
Characterisation of microsatellite markers for the granite endemic Kunzea pulchella (Lindl.) A. S. George (Myrtaceae) identified using next generation sequencing
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2013
Population structure of the Australian gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus Gunther) inferred from allozymes, mitochondrial DNA and vertebrae counts
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1998
DOI: 10.1071/MF98009
Abstract: The gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) is the main target of southern Australian shark fisheries. Its stock structure was investigated through allozymes (up to 28 loci), mitochondrial DNA (up to 10 restriction enzymes) and vertebrae counts. The average heterozygosity per allozyme locus (0.099) and degree of polymorphism (0.255) was high for sharks. Composite mitochondrial DNA haplotype ersity (0.534) and mean nucleotide sequence ersity (0.16%) were also moderately high. Three of the seven polymorphic allozyme loci (CK-A*, LDH-1*, PEP*) and the mtDNA haplotypes showed significant spatial differentiation. Two genetic stocks were identified: one along the southern coast of Australia from Bunbury in Western Australia to Eden in New South Wales and one off northern New South Wales (in the region of Newcastle to Clarence River). There was some evidence for a third stock off Townsville, Queensland. The northern occurrences extend the known geographical range of this species. Vertebrae counts from Eden northwards increased, supporting the conclusion of population heterogeneity off eastern Australia.
A direct benefit of native saltbush revegetation for an endemic lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) in southern Australia
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/ZO12063
Abstract: Land alteration for intensive agriculture has been a major cause of species decline and extinction globally. In marginal grazing regions of southern Australia, native perennial shrubs are increasingly being planted to supplement pasture feeding of stock. Such revegetation has the benefits of reducing erosion and salinity, and importantly, the potential provision of habitat for native fauna. We explored the use of revegetated native saltbush by the sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) an endemic Australian species common in the region. We repeatedly s led revegetated saltbush throughout 2010 and 2011 for adults (n = 55) and juveniles (n = 26). Using genotypes from eight microsatellite loci, parents were assigned to half of all juveniles with high statistical confidence. Parents were s led in the same patch of revegetated saltbush as their offspring, thus supporting the observation that juvenile sleepy lizards remain within the home range of their parents before dispersal. Most importantly, our findings indicate that revegetated saltbush provides important habitat for T. rugosa at significant life stages – before and during breeding for adults, and before dispersal for juveniles. We conclude that revegetation using simple, monoculture plantations provides beneficial habitat for T. rugosa and may also be beneficial habitat for other native species in human-altered agricultural landscapes.
Molecular genetic data provide support for a model of transmission dynamics in an Australian reptile tick, Bothriocroton hydrosauri
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2009
Habitat saturation promotes delayed dispersal in a social reptile
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-01-2017
Larger lizards live longer in the group-living Egernia stokesii
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/ZO16024
Abstract: Animal space use has implications for gene flow, disease dynamics, mating systems and the evolution of sociality. Given recent attention to sociality in reptiles, lizards are an important group for expanding our understanding of animal space use. Lizard space use is commonly investigated within one population over a short period and limited attention has been given to potential predictors of site fidelity. This study evaluated site fidelity in three populations of group-living Egernia stokesii (gidgee skink) between two field surveys separated by almost a decade. Of 43 recaptured lizards, 28 (65%) occupied their original space, and 15 (36%) of those shared their space with the same other lizard or lizards in both surveys. This confirmed long-term site and social bond fidelity in E. stokesii. We found that larger lizards were more likely to be recaptured. Neither body size, in idual genetic heterozygosity, nor the availability of refuges strongly predicted whether lizards were recaptured in the same or a different place. The reasons why some lizards stayed in the same space while others moved are yet to be resolved.
Fine‐scale genetic structuring in a group‐living lizard, the gidgee skink (Egernia stokesii)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12862
Isolation and characterization of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the smooth Cherax cainii and hairy marron C. tenuimanus (Decapoda: Parastacidae)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-11-2014
Scat on the doorstep: Refuge choice in a group‐living lizard is influenced by the presence of scat piles
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12864
Widespread horizontal transfer of retrotransposons
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 31-12-2013
Abstract: In higher organisms such as vertebrates, it is generally believed that lateral transfer of genetic information does not readily occur, with the exception of retroviral infection. However, horizontal transfer (HT) of protein coding repetitive elements is the simplest way to explain the patchy distribution of BovB, a long interspersed element (LINE) about 3.2 kb long, that has been found in ruminants, marsupials, squamates, monotremes, and African mammals. BovB sequences are a major component of some of these genomes. Here we show that HT of BovB is significantly more widespread than believed, and we demonstrate the existence of two plausible arthropod vectors, specifically reptile ticks. A phylogenetic tree built from BovB sequences from species in all of these groups does not conform to expected evolutionary relationships of the species, and our analysis indicates that at least nine HT events are required to explain the observed topology. Our results provide compelling evidence for HT of genetic material that has transformed vertebrate genomes.
Primers for novel microsatellite markers in “fire-specialist” lizards (Amphibolurus norrisi, Ctenotus atlas and Nephrurus stellatus) and their performance across multiple populations
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-12-2010
Rickettsia detected in the reptile tick bothriocroton hydrosauri from the lizard tiliqua rugosa in south Australia
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-06-2016
Casteless behaviour in social groups of the bee Exoneurella eremophila
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-10-2017
Isolation, characterization and multiplex polymerase chain reaction of novel microsatellite loci for the avian parasite Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1471-8286.2007.01900.X
Abstract: An enrichment technique was used to isolate 11 di-, tri-, and tetra microsatellites for the parasitic fly Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae). These loci were polymerase chain reaction lified in singleplexes or two-plexes for P. downsi. The loci showed low to moderate polymorphism, exhibited between three and four alleles, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.86. These new markers will be useful for population-level and paternity analyses and will provide valuable information about the ecology of this high-impact parasite of vulnerable bird species.
Why Is Social Behavior Rare in Reptiles? Lessons From Sleepy Lizards
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2017
Rise of the machines - recommendations for ecologists when using next generation sequencing for microsatellite development
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1755-0998.2011.03037.X
Abstract: Next generation sequencing is revolutionizing molecular ecology by simplifying the development of molecular genetic markers, including microsatellites. Here, we summarize the results of the large-scale development of microsatellites for 54 nonmodel species using next generation sequencing and show that there are clear differences amongst plants, invertebrates and vertebrates for the number and proportion of motif types recovered that are able to be utilized as markers. We highlight that the heterogeneity within each group is very large. Despite this variation, we provide an indication of what number of sequences and consequent proportion of a 454 run are required for the development of 40 designable, unique microsatellite loci for a typical molecular ecological study. Finally, to address the challenges of choosing loci from the vast array of microsatellite loci typically available from partial genome runs (average for this study, 2341 loci), we provide a microsatellite development flowchart as a procedural guide for application once the results of a partial genome run are obtained.
Characterization of microsatellite loci from the socially monogamous lizard Tiliqua rugosa using a PCR-based isolation technique
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-1997
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-294X.1997.00242.X
Abstract: Ocular manifestations of anemia include conjunctival pallor, retinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, Roth spots, subhyaloid hemorrhage, venous dilatation, disc edema, and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). Retinal arterial occlusion is a very rare complication of iron deficiency anemia. We, hereby, report such a rare case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) occurring as a complication of iron deficiency anemia. A 49-year-old female presented with sudden painless diminution of vision in her right eye (RE) for 2 weeks with visual acuity of 20/120 in the affected eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Fundus examination of RE showed disc pallor, arteriolar attenuation, and retinal whitening at macula. Fluorescein angiography study demonstrated delayed filling of superotemporal branch of retinal artery, suggesting BRAO as the cause of vision loss. Thorough evaluation for underlying etiology revealed severe iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 3.9 g/dl). Her blood pressure, blood sugar profile, lipid profile, carotid Doppler, echocardiogram, coagulation profile, and immunological workup were all unremarkable. She was treated with packed cell transfusion and oral iron supplementation, and her vision improved to 20/40 at 1-month follow-up. Retinal vascular occlusions can occur rarely in iron deficiency anemia, and therefore anemia should be considered, while evaluation of vascular occlusion - specially in those with associated conjunctival pallor as in our case.
Soil DNA chronosequence analysis shows bacterial community re‐assembly following post‐mining forest rehabilitation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13706
Abstract: Mining activities modify both aboveground and belowground ecological communities, presenting substantial challenges for restoration. The soil microbiome is one of these impacted communities and performs important ecosystem functions but receives limited focus in restoration. Sequencing soil DNA enables accurate and cost‐effective assessment of soil microbiota, allowing for comparisons across land use, environmental, and temporal gradients. We used licon sequencing of the bacterial 16s rRNA gene extracted from soil s les across a 28‐year post‐mining rehabilitation chronosequence to assess soil bacterial composition and ersity following rehabilitation at a bauxite mine in Western Australia's jarrah forest. We show that while bacterial alpha ersity did not differ between reference and rehabilitated sites, bacterial community composition changed dramatically across the chronosequence, suggesting strong impacts by mining and rehabilitation activities. Bacterial communities generally became increasingly similar to unmined reference sites with time since rehabilitation. Soil from sites rehabilitated as recently as 14 years ago did not have significantly different communities to reference sites. Overall, our study provides evidence indicating the recovery of soil bacterial communities toward reference states following rehabilitation. Including several ecological reference sites revealed substantial natural variability in bacterial communities from within a single mine site. We urge future restoration chronosequence studies to s le reference sites that geographically span the restored sites and/or are spatially paired with restored sites to ensure this variability is captured and to improve any inferences on recovery.
Isolation and characterization of twenty microsatellite markers for the study of hybridization in butterflyfish of the genus Chaetodon
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2013
An instance of parasitism on a human by a nymph of the kangaroo soft tick, Ornithodoros gurneyi Warburton, 1926 (Acari: Argasidae) in South Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Microsatellite mutations in litters of the Australian lizard Egernia stokesii
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2000
Comparative Studies of Development and Host Utilization by Calligrapha pantherina on Sida acuta and S rhombifolia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1994
Kinship in a social bee mediates ovarian differentiation and has implications for reproductive skew theories
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
When one tail isn't enough: abnormal caudal regeneration in lepidosaurs and its potential ecological impacts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/BRV.12625
Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Asian green mussel Perna viridis (Mollusca, Mytilidae)
Publisher: Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre Oy (REABIC)
Date: 2017
Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni (Meyer, 1793)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2019
Hold your breath: Observations of the endangered pygmy bluetongue (Tiliqua adelaidensis) submerged in flooded burrows
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.13351
Abstract: Understanding adaptations to extreme weather events by endangered species is critical to inform conservation decisions, particularly when their adaptations relate to artificial habitat supplementation at translocation sites. Apnoea, temporary suspension of breathing, has been observed as an anti‐predator adaptation by semi‐aquatic reptiles that e underwater for periods of time to avoid detection. This study reports on the observations of an endangered grassland skink, the pygmy bluetongue ( Tiliqua adelaidensis ), remaining submerged in rain‐induced flooded artificial burrows at an experimental translocation site.
Characterisation of microsatellites for Litoria nannotis (Amphibia:Hylidae), an endangered waterfall frog endemic to the Australian Wet Tropics
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/ZO16072
Abstract: Litoria nannotis is an endangered waterfall frog from the wet tropics region in north Queensland that has suffered significant population declines due to the emerging fungal disease known as chytridiomycosis. The species has two deeply ergent lineages, and we used 454 shotgun sequencing of DNA extracted from one in idual of the northern lineage to identify and design PCR primers for 576 microsatellite loci. Thirty markers were tested for lification success and variability in a population s le from each lineage. Of these, 17 were found to be polymorphic in the northern lineage and 10 loci were polymorphic in the southern lineage. Numbers of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 14 (mean = 6.47, s.d. = 4.02) for the northern lineage (17 polymorphic loci), and from 2 to 8 (mean = 5.40, s.d. = 2.55) in the southern lineage (10 polymorphic loci). Levels of heterozygosity were high in both lineages (northern mean HE = 0.63, s.d. = 0.21, range = 0.27–0.89 southern mean HE = 0.57, s.d. = 0.25, range = 0.18–0.81). These loci will be useful in understanding the genetic variation and connectivity amongst populations of this species recovering from mass population declines due to disease.
Selection outweighs drift at a fine scale: Lack of MHC differentiation within a family living lizard across geographically close but disconnected rocky outcrops
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-04-2018
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.14571
Abstract: The highly polymorphic genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are involved in disease resistance, mate choice and kin recognition. Therefore, they are widely used markers for investigating adaptive variation. Although selection is the key driver, gene flow and genetic drift also influence adaptive genetic variation, sometimes in opposing ways and with consequences for adaptive potential. To further understand the processes that generate MHC variation, it is helpful to compare variation at the MHC with that at neutral genetic loci. Differences in MHC and neutral genetic variation are useful for inferring the relative influence of selection, gene flow and drift on MHC variation. To date, such investigations have usually been undertaken at a broad spatial scale. Yet, evolutionary and ecological processes can occur at a fine spatial scale, particularly in small or fragmented populations. We investigated spatial patterns of MHC variation among three geographically close, naturally discrete, s ling sites of Egernia stokesii, an Australian lizard. The MHC of E. stokesii has recently been characterized, and there is evidence for historical selection on the MHC. We found E. stokesii MHC weakly differentiated among sites compared to microsatellites, suggesting selection, acting similarly at each site, has outweighed any effects of low gene flow or of genetic drift on E. stokesii MHC variation. Our findings demonstrate the strength of selection in shaping patterns of MHC variation or consistency at a fine spatial scale.
Thick-billed grasswren (Amytornis modestus) songs differ across subspecies and elicit different subspecific behavioural responses
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-06-2018
Piles of scats for piles of DNA: deriving DNA of lizards from their faeces
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/ZO14059
Abstract: Non-invasive genetic s ling using scats has a well established role in conservation biology, but has rarely been applied to reptiles. Using scats from captive and wild Egernia stokesii (Squamata, Scincidae) we evaluated two storage and six DNA-extraction methods and the reliability of subsequent genotype and sequence data. Accurate genotype and sequence data were obtained from frozen and dried captive lizard scat DNA extracted using a QIA ® DNA Stool Mini Kit and a modified Gentra® Puregene® method, but success rates were reduced for wild lizard scats. Wild E. stokesii eat more plants than their captive counterparts, possibly resulting in scat DNA extracts containing plant compounds that inhibit PCR- lifications. Notably, reliable genotypes and sequences were obtained from wild E. stokesii scat DNA extracted using a Qiagen DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit, a method designed to remove plant inhibitory compounds. Results highlight the opportunity for using scat-derived DNA in lizard studies, particularly for species that deposit scats in piles.
Proposing a new hypothesis: Rickettsia spp. as a mechanism maintaining parapatry between two Australian reptile tick species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12897
MHC in a monogamous lizard – Characterization of class I MHC genes in the Australian skink Tiliqua rugosa
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.DCI.2015.07.012
Abstract: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly variable region of vertebrate genomes that encodes cellular proteins involved in the immune response. In addition to the benefits of MHC research in understanding the genetic basis of host resistance to disease, the MHC is an ideal candidate for studying genetic ersity under strong natural selection. However, the MHC of many non-model vertebrate taxa are poorly characterized, hindering an understanding of disease resistance and its application to conservation genetics in these groups. Squamates (lizards and snakes) remain particularly underrepresented despite their being the most erse order of non-avian sauropsids. We characterized MHC class I sequence ersity from an Australian skink, the sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa), using both cDNA and genomic sequence data and also present genomic class I sequences from the related skinks Tiliqua adelaidensis and Egernia stokesii. Phylogenetic analysis of Tiliqua and other published sqamate MHC class I sequences suggest that MHC erged very early in Tiliqua compared with the other studied squamates. We identified at least 4 classical MHC class I loci in T. rugosa and also shared polymorphism among T. rugosa, T. adelaidensis and E. stokesii in the sequences encoding peptide-binding α1 and α2 domains.
Isolation, via 454 Sequencing, and Characterization of Microsatellites for Vachellia farnesiana (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.3732/APPS.1300035
Spatial proximity and asynchronous refuge sharing networks both explain patterns of tick genetic relatedness among lizards, but in different years
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12899
Isolation via next‐generation sequencing of microsatellites from the Tasmanian macroalgae Lessonia corrugata (Lessoniaceae)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.3732/APPS.1500042
Mating system and early viability resistance to habitat fragmentation in a bird-pollinated eucalypt
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-11-2015
DOI: 10.1038/HDY.2012.72
Isolation of additional polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the giant Australian cuttlefish (Sepia apama)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-03-2007
Development of eight polymorphic microsatellites for an Australasian rainforest tree species, Cryptocarya mackinnoniana (Lauraceae)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2007
Limited contemporary gene flow and high self-replenishment drives peripheral isolation in an endemic coral reef fish
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-04-2013
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.584
Isolation, via 454 sequencing, characterization and transferability of microsatellites for Grevillea thelemanniana subsp. thelemanniana and cross-species amplification in the Grevillea thelemanniana complex (Proteaceae)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2013
Isolation via 454 sequencing, and characterisation of microsatellite markers for the Pilbara endemic Acacia atkinsiana (Fabaceae)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2014
Genetic variation in the invasive avian parasite, Philornis downsi (Diptera, Muscidae) on the Galapagos archipelago
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2008
Abstract: Understanding the dispersal and genetic structure of invasive insects across islands is important for designing management plans that are appropriate at spatial and temporal scales. For invasive parasites, population dynamics are largely determined by the distribution and density of their host species. The introduced parasitic fly, Philornis downsi , parasitises nestlings of endemic birds on all major islands of the Galápagos archipelago. The fly's high mortality and fitness impacts are of conservation concern for vulnerable and declining species of Darwin's finches. Using microsatellite data in Bayesian clustering and landscape genetic analyses, we examine gene flow and dispersal in P. downsi between three islands and across habitats (highlands, lowlands) and examine for the presence of population bottlenecks. We also examine variation at the mitochondrial gene CO1 across islands to establish if cryptic species were present. Both the mitochondrial and microsatellite data were consistent with there being a single species across islands. We found low genetic differentiation between islands and strong evidence for inter-island gene flow, or shared recent ancestry among in iduals. Landscape genetic analysis identified two genetic clusters: one encompassing Santa Cruz and Isabela, and one on Floreana Island. There was no evidence of genetic differentiation between habitats and molecular variance was mainly attributable to within in iduals. The combined P. downsi population was found to have undergone a population bottleneck. Philornis downsi populations have high connectivity within and between islands, with low levels of genetic differentiation between Floreana and the other two islands examined. The genetic bottleneck found across islands suggests there was a small founding population or few introduction events of P. downsi . The high dispersal capacity and wide habitat use of P. downsi highlights the significant threat that this parasite poses to the Galápagos avifauna. Our findings are relevant for assessing the viability of methods to control P. downsi on Galápagos, such as the sterile insect technique.
Associations between blood parasite infection and a microsatellite DNA allele in an Australian scincid lizard (Egernia stokesii)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2006
DOI: 10.1007/S00436-006-0254-4
Abstract: We used blood s les from 175 in iduals of the Australian lizard Egernia stokesii to determine infection status of three apicomplexan blood parasites from the genera Hemolivia, Schellackia, and Plasmodium and to determine genotypes at 12 microsatellite DNA loci. We found one significant association between genotype and infection status. For locus Est4, in iduals carrying allele 159 had lower prevalence of infection with Hemolivia (14.3% of 28 lizards) than in iduals that did not carry the allele (58.4% of 89 lizards). We interpret this as a linkage to a functional gene associated with parasite resistance. We found no evidence among seven lizard populations that the frequency of allele 159 was related to the population prevalence of Hemolivia infection and discuss several explanations of that pattern.
Genes and group membership predict Gidgee skink (Egernia stokesii) reproductive pairs
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-04-2017
Abstract: Due to their role in mate choice, disease resistance and kin recognition, genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are good candidates for investigating genetic-based mate choice. MHC-based mate choice is context dependent and influenced by many factors including social structure. Social structure ersity makes the Egernia group of lizards suitable for comparative studies of MHC-based mate choice. We investigated mate choice in the gidgee skink (Egernia stokesii), a lizard that exhibits high levels of social group and spatial stability. Group membership was incorporated into tests of the good genes as heterozygosity and compatible genes hypotheses for adaptive (MHC) and neutral (microsatellite) genetic ersity (n = 47 in iduals genotyped). Females were more likely to pair with a male with higher MHC ersity and with whom they had a lower degree of microsatellite relatedness. Males were more likely to pair with a female with higher microsatellite heterozygosity and with whom they shared a lower proportion of MHC alleles. Lizards were more likely to mate with an in idual from within, rather than outside, their social group, which confirmed earlier findings for this species and indicated mate choice had already largely occurred prior to either social group formation or acceptance of an in idual into an existing group. Thus, a combination of genes and group membership, rather than group membership alone, predicted mate choice in this species. This work will contribute to an enhanced understanding of squamate group formation and a deeper understanding of the evolution of sociality within all vertebrates.
Mating patterns and pollinator mobility are critical traits in forest fragmentation genetics
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-09-2015
DOI: 10.1038/HDY.2013.48
Dispersal responses override density effects on genetic diversity during post-disturbance succession
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 30-03-2016
Abstract: Dispersal fundamentally influences spatial population dynamics but little is known about dispersal variation in landscapes where spatial heterogeneity is generated predominantly by disturbance and succession. We tested the hypothesis that habitat succession following fire inhibits dispersal, leading to declines over time in genetic ersity in the early successional gecko Nephrurus stellatus . We combined a landscape genetics field study with a spatially explicit simulation experiment to determine whether successional patterns in genetic ersity were driven by habitat-mediated dispersal or demographic effects (declines in population density leading to genetic drift). Initial increases in genetic structure following fire were likely driven by direct mortality and rapid population expansion. Subsequent habitat succession increased resistance to gene flow and decreased dispersal and genetic ersity in N. stellatus . Simulated changes in population density alone did not reproduce these results. Habitat-mediated reductions in dispersal, combined with changes in population density, were essential to drive the field-observed patterns. Our study provides a framework for combining demographic, movement and genetic data with simulations to discover the relative influence of demography and dispersal on patterns of landscape genetic structure. Our results suggest that succession can inhibit connectivity among in iduals, opening new avenues for understanding how disturbance regimes influence spatial population dynamics.
Recognition of reptile predator scent is innate in an endangered lizard species
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 09-06-2021
DOI: 10.1071/ZO20064
Abstract: Chemical cues can alert prey to the presence of predators before the predator is within visual proximity. Recognition of a predator’s scent is therefore an important component of predator awareness. We presented predator and control scents to wild, wild-born captive, and predator-naive captive-born pygmy bluetongue lizards to determine (1) whether lizards respond to reptile chemical cues differently from controls, (2) whether captive lizards respond more strongly to a known predator than to other predatory reptiles, (3) whether captive-born lizards recognise predators innately, whether captive-born lizards have reduced predator recognition compared with wild lizards and whether time spent in captivity reduces responses to predators, and (4) whether the avoidance response to predator detection differs between naive and experienced lizards. There was no significant difference in the number of tongue flicks to predator scent among wild, wild-born and captive-born lizards, suggesting that predator detection is innate in the pygmy bluetongue lizard and time in captivity did not reduce predator recognition. The number of tongue flicks directed towards brown snake scent was significantly higher than that to the novel and water controls for all lizard origins. Lizards of all origins continued to bask in the presence of predator scents, suggesting that chemical cues alone may be insufficient to instigate an avoidance response and other cues may be required.
Diverse aging rates in ectothermic tetrapods provide insights for the evolution of aging and longevity.
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 24-06-2022
Abstract: Comparative studies of mortality in the wild are necessary to understand the evolution of aging yet, ectothermic tetrapods are underrepresented in this comparative landscape, despite their suitability for testing evolutionary hypotheses. We present a study of aging rates and longevity across wild tetrapod ectotherms, using data from 107 populations (77 species) of nonavian reptiles and hibians. We test hypotheses of how thermoregulatory mode, environmental temperature, protective phenotypes, and pace of life history contribute to demographic aging. Controlling for phylogeny and body size, ectotherms display a higher ersity of aging rates compared with endotherms and include phylogenetically widespread evidence of negligible aging. Protective phenotypes and life-history strategies further explain macroevolutionary patterns of aging. Analyzing ectothermic tetrapods in a comparative context enhances our understanding of the evolution of aging.
Isolation and characterisation of ten microsatellite markers for the tetraploid Stypandra glauca R.Br. (Hemerocallidaceae) identified using next generation sequencing
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-12-2013
Isolation and characterisation of microsatellites for the endangered Slater’s skink, Liopholis slateri (Squamata : Scincidae), via next-generation sequencing
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/ZO17053
Abstract: We characterised 14 new polymorphic microsatellite loci for the endangered lizard Liopholis slateri. Initially, 454 shotgun sequencing was used to identify 46 loci, which were trialled for lification. Subsequently, 14 of these loci were screened for variation in 21 in iduals from scat-derived DNA s les collected from Owen Springs Reserve in central Australia. All 14 loci were polymorphic, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.19 to 0.86 and the number of alleles per locus ranging from 2 to 10. These loci will be useful in understanding the genetic variation and connectivity within and among extant L. slateri populations.
Isolation of polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the highly endangered Baw Baw frog (Philoria frosti)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1471-8286.2007.02006.X
Abstract: We isolated 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Baw Baw frog, Philoria frosti, from a genomic library enriched for (AAC)(n) and (AAAG)(n) repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranges from two to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.96.
De novo genotyping of the major histocompatibility complex in an Australian dragon lizard, Ctenophorus decresii
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-11-2018
Development of microsatellite markers using 454 sequencing for the rare socially parasitic hoverfly, Microdon mutabilis
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/ZO12042
Abstract: To date there have been only limited fine-scale investigations into the molecular ecology of the European hoverfly, Microdon mutabilis, due to the paucity of available polymorphic markers. We describe the development of primers lifying five novel microsatellite loci using next-generation sequencing (454) and three previously undescribed M. mutabilis microsatellite loci using enrichments. In hoverflies from a population in Ireland, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 16, and the observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.26 and 0.97
Development, characterisation and cross-species amplification of 16 novel microsatellite markers for the endangered Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta) in Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-08-2013
Assessing the scope for genetic rescue of an endangered butterfly: the case of the Eltham copper
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/ICAD.12235
Development of microsatellite markers for two Australian Persoonia (Proteaceae) species using two different techniques
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.3732/APPS.1300023
Isolation, via 454 sequencing, characterisation and transferability of twelve microsatellite loci for Hydrophis spiralis, the yellow sea snake (Serpentes: Elapidae)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2012
A giant armoured skink from Australia expands lizard morphospace and the scope of the Pleistocene extinctions
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 14-06-2023
Abstract: There are more species of lizards and snakes (squamates) alive today than any other order of land vertebrates, yet their fossil record has been poorly documented compared with other groups. Here, we describe a gigantic Pleistocene skink from Australia based on extensive material that includes much of the skull and postcranial skeleton, and spans ontogenetic stages from neonate to adult. Tiliqua frangens substantially expands the known ecomorphological ersity of squamates. At approximately 2.4 kg, it was more than double the mass of any living skink, with an exceptionally broad, deep skull, squat limbs and heavy, ornamented body armour. It probably filled the armoured herbivore niche that land tortoises (testudinids), absent from Australia, occupy on other continents. Tiliqua frangens and other giant Plio-Pleistocene skinks suggest that small-bodied groups that dominate vertebrate bio ersity might have lost their largest and often most morphologically extreme representatives in the Late Pleistocene, expanding the scope of these extinctions.
Palaeomagnetic re-investigation of early permian rift basalts from the Baoshan block, SW China: Constraints on the site-of-origin of the gondwana-derived eastern cimmerian terranes
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 26-02-2013
DOI: 10.1093/GJI/GGT012
The attempted predation of a sand goanna (Varanus gouldii) by a juvenile red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12924
Small effective population sizes of bee social parasites compared to their hosts raise important questions for evolutionary arms race
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JZO.12325
The impact of habitat fragmentation on dispersal of Cunningham’s skink (Egernia cunninghami): evidence from allelic and genotypic analyses of microsatellites
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2001
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-294X.2001.01253.X
Abstract: The effects of habitat fragmentation on processes within and among populations are important for conservation management. Despite a broad spectrum of lifestyles and the conservation significance of many reptiles, very little work on fine-scale population genetics has been carried out on this group. This study examines the dispersal patterns of a rock crevice-dwelling lizard, Cunningham's skink (Egernia cunninghami), in a naturally vegetated reserve and an adjacent deforested site. Both genotypic and genic approaches were employed, using microsatellite loci. The spatial organization of in iduals with respect to pairwise relatedness coefficients and allele frequencies, along with assignment tests, were used to infer dispersal characteristics for both sexes in a natural and a cleared area. The distribution of relatedness in both habitats was spatially structured, with E. cunninghami showing high pairwise relatedness within their rocky retreat sites. Analysis of relatedness over different spatial scales, spatial autocorrelation of alleles and assignment tests, all indicated that both sexes in the cleared area show less dispersal than their counterparts in the reserve. Furthermore, deforestation may inhibit female dispersal to a greater extent than that of males. The geographical structuring of allele frequencies for adults in the cleared area, but not the reserve, indicates that habitat fragmentation has the potential to alter at least the microevolution of E. cunninghami populations.
Tiliqua rugosa microsatellites: isolation via enrichment and characterisation of loci for multiplex PCR in T. rugosa and the endangered T. adelaidensis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2007
A shot in the genome: how accurately do shotgun 454 sequences represent a genome?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-05-2012
Abstract: Next generation sequencing (NGS) provides a valuable method to quickly obtain sequence information from non-model organisms at a genomic scale. In principle, if sequencing is not targeted for a genomic region or sequence type (e.g. coding region, microsatellites) NGS reads can be used as a genome snapshot and provide information on the different types of sequences in the genome. However, no study has ascertained if a typical 454 dataset of low coverage (1/4-1/8 of a PicoTiter plate leading to generally less than 0.1x of coverage) represents all parts of genomes equally. Partial genome shotgun sequencing of total DNA (without enrichment) on a 454 NGS platform was used to obtain reads of Apis mellifera (454 reads hereafter). These 454 reads were compared to the assembled chromosomes of this species in three different aspects: (i) dimer and trimer compositions, (ii) the distribution of mapped 454 sequences along the chromosomes and (iii) the numbers of different classes of microsatellites. Highly significant chi-square tests for all three types of analyses indicated that the 454 data is not a perfect random s le of the genome. Only the number of 454 reads mapped to each of the 16 chromosomes and the number of microsatellites pooled by motif (repeat unit) length was not significantly different from the expected values. However, a very strong correlation (correlation coefficients greater than 0.97) was observed between most of the 454 variables (the number of different dimers and trimers, the number of 454 reads mapped to each chromosome fragments of one Mb, the number of 454 reads mapped to each chromosome, the number of microsatellites of each class) and their corresponding genomic variables. The results of chi square tests suggest that 454 shotgun reads cannot be regarded as a perfect representation of the genome especially if the comparison is done on a finer scale (e.g. chromosome fragments instead of whole chromosomes). However, the high correlation between 454 and genome variables tested indicate that a high proportion of the variability of 454 variables is explained by their genomic counterparts. Therefore, we conclude that using 454 data to obtain information on the genome is biologically meaningful.
Increased genetic diversity as a defence against parasites is undermined by social parasites: Microdon mutabilis hoverflies infesting Formica lemani ant colonies
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 11-10-2007
Abstract: Genetic ersity can benefit social insects by providing variability in immune defences against parasites and pathogens. However, social parasites of ants infest colonies and not in iduals, and for them a different relationship between genetic ersity and resistance may exist. Here, we investigate the genetic variation, assessed using up to 12 microsatellite loci, of workers in 91 Formica lemani colonies in relation to their infestation by the specialist social parasite Microdon mutabilis . At the main study site, workers in infested colonies exhibited lower relatedness and higher estimated queen numbers, on average, than uninfested ones. Additionally, estimated queen numbers were negatively correlated with estimated average numbers of mates per queen within infested colonies. At another site, infested colonies also exhibited significantly lower worker relatedness, and estimated queen numbers were comparable in trend. In contrast, in two populations of F. lemani where M. mutabilis was absent, relatedness within colonies was high (40 and 90% with R .6). While high genetic variation can benefit social insects by increasing their resistance to pathogens, there may be a cost in the increased likelihood of infiltration by social parasites owing to greater variation in nestmate recognition cues. This study provides the first empirical test of this hypothesis.
Development of microsatellite markers and analysis of their inheritance in the Australian reptile tick, Bothriocroton hydrosauri
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/J.1471-8286.2007.01987.X
Abstract: Despite long-term study, the mechanism explaining the parapatric distribution of two Australian reptile tick species is not understood. We describe the development of primers lifying 10 microsatellite Bothriocroton hydrosauri loci, for the study of population structure and dispersal patterns of this tick. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from two to seven in ticks from the study site, and the observed heterozygosity between 0.28 and 0.69. Pedigree analysis indicates that one locus is inherited in a non-Mendelian manner in three families, which was not explained by null allele presence.
Environmental Complexity and Biodiversity: The Multi-Layered Evolutionary History of a Log-Dwelling Velvet Worm in Montane Temperate Australia
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-12-2013
Characterisation of major histocompatibility complex class I transcripts in an Australian dragon lizard
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.DCI.2018.02.012
Abstract: Characterisation of squamate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes has lagged behind other taxonomic groups. MHC genes encode cell-surface glycoproteins that present self- and pathogen-derived peptides to T cells and play a critical role in pathogen recognition. Here we characterise MHC class I transcripts for an agamid lizard (Ctenophorus decresii) and investigate the evolution of MHC class I in Iguanian lizards. An iterative assembly strategy was used to identify six full-length C. decresii MHC class I transcripts, which were validated as likely to encode classical class I MHC molecules. Evidence for exon shuffling recombination was uncovered for C. decresii transcripts and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of Iguanian MHC class I sequences revealed a pattern expected under a birth-and-death mode of evolution. This work provides a stepping stone towards further research on the agamid MHC class I region.
Twenty microsatellite loci for population and conservation genetic studies of the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/ZO14030
Abstract: Twenty di- to pentanucleotide microsatellites are reported for the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), a large raptor from Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. These loci were tested for variation among 49 in iduals. All loci are polymorphic with 2–14 alleles per locus, and observed heterozygosities ranged between 0.021 and 0.898. Genotype frequencies for all loci did not differ significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and there was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium. These markers will be used to assess population structure and conservation genetics of this species, focusing on population differentiation and gene flow between Tasmanian and mainland populations and conservation genetics of the endangered Tasmanian population.
Development of twenty-four novel microsatellite markers for the freshwater crayfish, Geocharax gracilis, using next generation sequencing
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-12-2012
Twenty-five new polymorphic microsatellites for the eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki (Actinopterygii : Poeciliidae), an invasive species in Australia
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/ZO12095
Abstract: We isolated 25 new polymorphic microsatellite markers from the eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. Initially, 454 shotgun sequencing was used to identify 1187 loci for which primers could be designed. Of these 1187, we trialled 48 in the target species, 40 of which lified a product of expected size. Subsequently, those 40 loci were screened for variation in 48 in iduals from a single population in Canberra, Australia. Twenty loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and polymorphic, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.72 (mean: 0.45 ± 0.18) and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 5 (mean: 3.20 ± 1.05). These loci will be useful in understanding genetic variation, paternity analysis and in managing this species across both its native and invasive range.
Egernia lizards
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2015.02.070
Abstract: While et al's quick guide to Egernia lizards, a group of social lizards from Austalasia.
Isolation of microsatellites in a parthenogenetic lizard Menetia greyii (Scincidae) and their utility in sexual species of the Menetia greyii complex
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-02-2004
Group living in squamate reptiles: a review of evidence for stable aggregations
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BRV.12201
Abstract: How sociality evolves and is maintained remains a key question in evolutionary biology. Most studies to date have focused on insects, birds, and mammals but data from a wider range of taxonomic groups are essential to identify general patterns and processes. The extent of social behaviour among squamate reptiles is under-appreciated, yet they are a promising group for further studies. Living in aggregations is posited as an important step in the evolution of more complex sociality. We review data on aggregations among squamates and find evidence for some form of aggregations in 94 species across 22 families. Of these, 18 species across 7 families exhibited 'stable' aggregations that entail overlapping home ranges and stable membership in long-term (years) or seasonal aggregations. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that stable aggregations have evolved multiple times in squamates. We: (i) identify significant gaps in our understanding (ii) outline key traits which should be the focus of future research and (iii) outline the potential for utilising reproductive skew theory to provide insights into squamate sociality.
Discrimination between related and unrelated individuals in the Australian lizard Egernia striolata
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2001
Identification of seventeen microsatellite loci for conservation genetic studies of the endemic wrasse Coris bulbifrons
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-11-2013
Decline in lizard species diversity, abundance and ectoparasite load across an elevational gradient in the Australian alps
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12951
Characterisation of novel and rare Y-chromosome short tandem repeat alleles in self-declared South Australian Aboriginal database
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-09-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00414-013-0911-Y
Abstract: Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are used in forensic science laboratories all over the world, as their application is wide and often vital in solving casework. Analysis of an in-house database of South Australian self-declared Aboriginal males held by Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA) using the Applied Biosystem's AmpFℓSTR® Yfiler™ PCR Amplification Kit revealed 43 variant Y-STR alleles at 6 of the 17 loci. All variant alleles were sequenced to determine the exact repeat structure for each. As a high level of admixture has previously been found within the SA Aboriginal database, s les were haplogrouped using Y-SNPs to determine their likely geographical origin. Although a number of variant alleles were associated with non-Aboriginal Y-haplogroups, a high frequency was observed within the Australian K-M9 lineage. Detailed knowledge of these variant alleles may have further application in the development of new DNA markers for identification purposes, and in population and evolutionary studies of Australian Aborigines.
The natural history of the sleepy lizard, Tiliqua rugosa (Gray, 1825) – Insight from chance observations and long‐term research on a common Australian skink species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12715
Isolation and characterisation of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the plant-lise Trioza barrettae (Hemiptera:Triozidae)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/ZO15009
Abstract: We describe the isolation and development of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the critically endangered plant-louse Trioza barrettae (Hemiptera : Triozidae). The loci were tested in 25 in iduals from a single population situated in the south-west of Western Australia. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was detected between any pair of loci. However, eight loci showed significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 27.
Genetic bottlenecks in time and space: Reconstructing invasions from contemporary and historical collections
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 05-09-2014
Sympatric cryptic species in the crinoid genus Cenolia (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comasteridae) delineated by sequence and microsatellite markers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2014.05.006
Abstract: The marine species of the southern coast of Australia have not been well studied with regard to molecular connectivity. Cryptic species are expected to be prevalent on this coastline. Here, we investigate the crinoid genus Cenolia (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comasteridae) using molecular methods to elucidate cryptic species and phylogenetic relationships. The genus Cenolia dominates the southern Australian crinoid fauna in shallow waters. Few studies have examined crinoids for cryptic species at a molecular level and these have been predominantly based on mitochondrial data. We employ the nuclear markers 28S rRNA and ITS-2 in addition to the mitochondrial COI. Six ergent mitochondrial clades were identified. Gene flow between confirmed clades was subsequently examined by the use of six novel microsatellite markers, showing that sympatric taxa with low mtDNA ergences (1.7% K2P) were not interbreeding in the wild. The type specimens of Cenolia benhami and C. spanoschistum were examined, as well as all six ergent clades. Morphological characters iding taxa were refined. Due to comb pinnule morphology, the New Zealand species benhami was determined to belong to the genus Oxycomanthus (nov. comb.). Three new species of Cenolia (including the Australian "benhami") require description.
Isolation of microsatellites via enrichment and a sequence tagged method in a South American lizard with suspected parental care, Liolaemus leopardinus
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-05-2009
Australian lizards are outstanding models for reproductive biology research
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 28-09-2020
DOI: 10.1071/ZO21017
Abstract: Australian lizards are a erse group distributed across the continent and inhabiting a wide range of environments. Together, they exhibit a remarkable ersity of reproductive morphologies, physiologies, and behaviours that is broadly representative of vertebrates in general. Many reproductive traits exhibited by Australian lizards have evolved independently in multiple lizard lineages, including sociality, complex signalling and mating systems, viviparity, and temperature-dependent sex determination. Australian lizards are thus outstanding model organisms for testing hypotheses about how reproductive traits function and evolve, and they provide an important basis of comparison with other animals that exhibit similar traits. We review how research on Australian lizard reproduction has contributed to answering broader evolutionary and ecological questions that apply to animals in general. We focus on reproductive traits, processes, and strategies that are important areas of current research, including behaviours and signalling involved in courtship mechanisms involved in mating, egg production, and sperm competition nesting and gestation sex determination and finally, birth in viviparous species. We use our review to identify important questions that emerge from an understanding of this body of research when considered holistically. Finally, we identify additional research questions within each topic that Australian lizards are well suited for reproductive biologists to address.
Development of twenty-three novel microsatellite markers for the seagrass, Zostera muelleri from Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2012
Fifteen microsatellite loci for use in non-invasive sampling studies of the antilopine wallaroo (Macropus antilopinus)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1071/ZO13074
Abstract: A set of 15 microsatellite loci was optimised for multilocus genotyping of non-invasively collected s les of Macropus antilopinus (antilopine wallaroo). Primers were combined in three PCR multiplexes in order to increase the quality of genotypes from scat s les and to allow for replication. In a screen of 104 scat s les from two populations in north-eastern Australia, three loci were found to be monomorphic while the remaining 12 loci had 2–10 alleles. Genotype frequencies for all 12 microsatellite loci from the two populations did not differ significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and there was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium. These informative markers are specifically designed for non-invasive s les and will be used to assess population structure and conservation genetics of this species in the future.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the marine black nerite Nerita atramentosa: tools for assessment and design of marine protected areas
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-02-2012
Conservation genomics of an endangered subspecies of Southern Emu-Wren, Stipiturus malachurus (Passeriformes: Maluridae)
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-01-2018
A contact-based social network of lizards is defined by low genetic relatedness among strongly connected individuals
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
High levels of genetic monogamy in the group-living Australian lizard Egernia stokesii
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2002
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-294X.2002.01552.X
Abstract: The Australian lizard Egernia stokesii lives in spatially and temporally stable groups of up to 17 in iduals. We have recently shown that these groups are comprised of breeding partners, their offspring and, in some cases, highly related adults, providing the first genetic evidence of a family structure in any lizard species. Here we investigated the mating system of E. stokesii using data from up to eight polymorphic microsatellite loci and tested the hypothesis that breeding partners are monogamous both within and between mating seasons. Among 16 laboratory-born litters from field collected gravid females from two sites in South Australia, 75% had a single male parent and no male contributed to more than one litter, indicating a high level of genetic monogamy within a season. Additional analyses of field caught in iduals, captured between 1994 and 1998, enabled assignment of parentage for 70 juveniles and subadults. These data showed that most young (88.6%) had both parents from within the same group and that high proportions of males (88.9%) and females (63.6%) have multiple cohorts of offspring only with the same partner. Our results suggest that monogamy both within and between seasons is a common mating strategy of E. stokesii and that breeding partners maintain stable associations together and with multiple cohorts of their offspring over periods of up to at least 5 years.
New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) microsatellites: isolation and characterisation of 15 novel markers using an enrichment method
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-04-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1755-0998.2009.02572.X
Abstract: The New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) plays a significant role in the pollination and sustainability of Australia's endemic flora, and hence fauna. Despite this key ecosystem function, knowledge of P. novaehollandiae life-history traits and population dynamics remain poorly understood. We describe the development of primers lifying 22 P. novaehollandiae microsatellite loci. Fifteen of the loci were found to be polymorphic, with observed heterozygosity between 0.500 and 1.000, and from four to 17 alleles per locus in adult birds from the study site.
Life-history characteristics of the yakka skink, Egernia rugosa, indicate long-term social structure
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/ZO16061
Abstract: One lineage of squamates, the Egernia group, has received particular study due to stable aggregations identified in many of the species. Egernia rugosa is a large, terrestrial, viviparous skink and has been reported living communally. To investigate whether this species lives in social aggregations, we examined life-history characteristics in one population within the Mulga Lands bioregion of south-west Queensland. We found this skink used both active and inactive rabbit burrows. Parturition occurred in January/February and took several days to complete, with a mean litter size of 2.4 and a mean snout–vent length (SVL) of 84.5 mm. Six subadult age cohorts were identified. Juveniles took at least five years to reach sexual maturity and lizards had a life expectancy of years. Lizards were found clustered in aggregations of up to 21 in iduals (mean = 7.21) of multiple ages. An average of 50% (range = 31–67%) of all in iduals within each of the age cohorts were located at their original location for two or more seasons. Dispersal was recorded for older subadult lizards. These characteristics support the hypothesis that E. rugosa aggregations comprise long-term family units however, genetic analysis would be needed to confirm kin-based associations.
Very low rate of multiple paternity detected in clutches of a wild agamid lizard
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/ZO18006
Abstract: Genetic mating systems described for squamate reptiles range from primarily monogamous to completely polygynandrous. The presence of female multiple mating is almost ubiquitous among squamates and even occurs, albeit at a low rate, in socially monogamous species. Here we examine the genetic mating system of the territorial tawny dragon lizard (Ctenophorus decresii). Paternity was assigned to captive-born hatchlings using eight microsatellite loci, revealing a 4% rate of multiple paternity. One-quarter of males sired more than one clutch, although multiple mating by males is likely underestimated. The rate of multiple paternity in C. decresii represents one of the lowest among squamates and may be a result of successful male territoriality. However, the observed low rate of multiple paternity does not eliminate the possibility of widespread female multiple mating due to the potential for sperm storage and sperm competition. We conclude that the tawny dragon lizard employs a predominantly polygynous genetic mating system.
Shifts in reproductive assurance strategies and inbreeding costs associated with habitat fragmentation in Central American mahogany
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2012
MHC genotyping from next-generation sequencing: detailed methodology for the gidgee skink, Egernia stokesii
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-07-2016
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View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP190100071
Start Date: 10-2020
End Date: 10-2025
Amount: $400,940.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP200102880
Start Date: 06-2020
End Date: 12-2023
Amount: $401,030.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP230100002
Start Date: 08-2023
End Date: 07-2026
Amount: $551,771.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE220100050
Start Date: 2022
End Date: 12-2022
Amount: $361,354.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity