Publications by authors named "Franco Cianferoni"
The Humboldt Archipelago, situated on Chile's north-central coast, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. However, lizards of the genus are a particularly understudied group in this archipelago. genus is divided into two clades: and .
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- - This research focuses on the genus
- (Triatominae)
- found in Chile and investigates its evolutionary history by testing different colonization routes using mitochondrial DNA and phylogeographic methods.
- - Results indicate that after diverging from its sister genus around
- 4.3 million years ago (Mya)
- , the genus split into two major clades approximately
- 2.1 Mya
- and experienced a significant geographic and genetic separation due to climatic changes.
- - The study suggests that the
- northern clade
- evolved under the influence of the Andes and climate fluctuations, leading to several species, while the
- southern clade's
- stable environment resulted in fewer, more structured species.
Article Synopsis
- Chagas disease is primarily caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by blood-feeding insects known as triatomines, particularly the Mepraia species endemic to Chile.
- Researchers sequenced mitochondrial genes from both island and continental populations of Mepraia to explore their origins and phylogenetic relationships, discovering new lineages and historical migration patterns.
- Findings suggest that the presence of Mepraia on islands is due to a combination of ancient geographic changes and the movement of species, which has implications for understanding how T. cruzi infections might occur in these coastal areas.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates how climate changes have affected the evolution of montane species, particularly focusing on isolated high-elevation areas in Chile, like the Andes.
- - Researchers examined genetic differences in the montane lizard Liolaemus nigroviridis by sequencing a specific mitochondrial gene from samples across six different montane regions in central Chile.
- - Results showed significant genetic divergence among lizard populations, indicating they have been isolated for long periods, which could lead to potential updates in their taxonomic classification.