Fossils provide important insight into our understanding of phylogenetic history by serving as calibration points for divergence time estimation. However, uncertainties in the fossil record due to parallel evolution and convergent evolution can critically affect estimates of node ages. Here, we compare and contrast estimates of phylogenetic divergence with geologic and fossil history for two freshwater snail genera of the family Viviparidae in East Asia (Cipangopaludina and Margarya).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Calcareous outcrops, rocky areas composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO), often host a diverse, specialized, and threatened biomineralizing fauna. Despite the repeated evolution of physiological and morphological adaptations to colonize these mineral rich substrates, there is a lack of genomic resources for calcareous rock endemic species. This has hampered our ability to understand the genomic mechanisms underlying calcareous rock specialization and manage these threatened species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNewly arrived species on young or remote islands are likely to encounter less predation and competition than source populations on continental landmasses. The associated ecological release might facilitate divergence and speciation as colonizing lineages fill previously unoccupied niche space. Characterizing the sequence and timing of colonization on islands represents the first step in determining the relative contributions of geographical isolation and ecological factors in lineage diversification.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe announce the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of , a threatened land snail endemic to the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The circular genome is 14.2 kb and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 21 tRNA genes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Young adult (YA) cancer survivors have been historically under-represented in cancer survivorship research, which has contributed to more disparate health outcomes compared with young and older cancer survivors. Using qualitative methods, this study explored YAs' perceptions of cancer survivorship and identified YA-specific barriers and preferences for participation in cancer survivorship research.
Methods: Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with YA cancer survivors (N = 19) attending a patient-focused oncology conference.