Hybridization is often cited as a potential source of evolutionary novelty in the order Scleractinia. While hybrid embryos can be produced in vitro, it has been difficult to identify adult hybrids in the wild. Here, we tested the potential for hybridization between two closely related species in the family Fungiidae. We mixed approximately 5000 eggs of Ctenactis echinata with sperm from C. crassa. No hybrid embryos were produced. This observation adds to a growing body of evidence for pre-zygotic barriers to hybridization in corals and challenges the claim that hybridization is a major source of evolutionary novelty in the order.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.2-193.v2 | DOI Listing |
mSystems
January 2025
Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
The microbiomes of host organisms and their direct source environments are closely linked and key for shaping microbial community dynamics. The relationship between these linked dynamics is largely unexplored because source substrates are usually unavailable. To address this current knowledge gap, we employed bacteriovorous nematodes as a unique model system, for which source substrates like rotting apples can be easily collected.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcol Evol
January 2025
Molecular Ecology and Evolution Programme, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa.
The reduced cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed researchers to generate nuclear and mitochondrial genome data to gain deeper insights into the phylogeography, evolutionary history and biology of non-model species. While the Cape buffalo () has been well-studied across its range with traditional genetic markers over the last 25 years, researchers are building on this knowledge by generating whole genome, population-level data sets to improve understanding of the genetic composition and evolutionary history of the species. Using publicly available NGS data, we assembled 40 Cape buffalo mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from four protected areas in South Africa, expanding the geographical range and almost doubling the number of mitogenomes available for this species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Genomics
January 2025
Unit of Mycoplasmas, Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
Background: Avian mycoplasmas are small bacteria associated with several pathogenic conditions in many wild and poultry bird species. Extensive genomic data are available for many avian mycoplasmas, yet no comparative studies focusing on this group of mycoplasmas have been undertaken so far.
Results: Here, based on the comparison of forty avian mycoplasma genomes belonging to ten different species, we provide insightful information on the phylogeny, pan/core genome, energetic metabolism, and virulence of these avian pathogens.
Med Sci Sports Exerc
January 2025
Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, CA.
Poor physical function and possession of the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene are each associated with increased dementia risk, but it is unclear how these exposures interact to influence brain health. Purpose: To investigate whether self-reported walking pace (a marker of physical function) and the presence of APOE-ε4 allele interact to modify brain health outcomes. Methods: We used data from a prospective cohort study of middle-aged to older adults from the UK Biobank who self-reported walking pace (slow or steady-to-brisk), and who were initially free of dementia (n = 415,110).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioinformatics
January 2025
The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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