A5064312724- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Botanical Research and Applications
- Botany, Ecology, and Taxonomy Studies
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
- Ichthyology and Marine Biology
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Morphological variations and asymmetry
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications
- Aeolian processes and effects
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Child and Animal Learning Development
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Immunotherapy and Immune Responses
- Statistical Methods and Applications
Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
2014-2022
University of Antwerp
2006-2021
Ghent University
2021
Institute of Natural Sciences
2012
Livestock conservation practice is changing rapidly in light of policy developments, climate change and diversifying market demands. The last decade has seen a step technology analytical approaches available to define, manage conserve Farm Animal Genomic Resources (FAnGR). However, these rapid changes pose challenges for FAnGR terms technological continuity, capacity integrative methodologies needed fully exploit new, multidimensional data. final conference the ESF program aimed address...
Abstract Recent technological advances in the field of genomics offer conservation managers and practitioners new tools to explore for applications. Many these are well developed used by other life science fields, while others still development. Considering possibilities, choosing right tool(s) from toolbox is crucial can pose a challenging task. With this mind, we strive inspire, inform illuminate on how efforts benefit current genomic biotechnological revolution. inspirational case studies...
Recent literature has revealed the importance of variation in neuropeptide receptor gene sequences regulation behavioral phenotypic variation. Here we focus on polymorphisms oxytocin (OXTR) and vasopressin 1a (Avpr1a) chimpanzees bonobos. In humans, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) third intron OXTR (rs53576 SNP (A/G)) is linked with social behavior, risk allele (A) carriers showing reduced levels empathy prosociality. Bonobos differ these same traits, therefore hypothesized that...
This article documents the addition of 238 microsatellite marker loci and 72 pairs Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for following species: Adelges tsugae, Artemisia tridentata, Astroides calycularis, Azorella selago, Botryllus schlosseri, Botrylloides violaceus, Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii, Campylopterus curvipennis, Colocasia esculenta, Cynomys ludovicianus, leucurus, gunnisoni, Epinephelus coioides,...
Despite being closely related, bonobos and chimpanzees show remarkable behavioral differences, the proximate origins of which remain unknown. This study examined link between variation in vasopressin 1a receptor gene (Avpr1a) bonobos. Chimpanzees are polymorphic for a ~360 bp deletion (DupB), includes microsatellite (RS3) 5' promoter region Avpr1a. In chimpanzees, DupB has been linked to lower sociability, social sensitivity, higher anxiety. differ on these traits, leading some believe that...
Due to the pronounced morphological variation and geographical distribution of Galápagos' Opuntia cacti, numerous hypotheses have been advanced regarding their radiation, diversification, classification. The currently accepted classification is based on morphology recognizes six species fourteen varieties, but plasticity many characteristics renders any taxonomy problematic. Our analysis previously published data agrees only partially with current We present first molecular phylogeny these...
As in any vertebrate, heads of fishes are densely packed with functions. These functions often impose conflicting mechanical demands resulting trade-offs the species-specific phenotype. When phenotypical traits linked to gender-specific parental behavior, we expect sexual differences these trade-offs. This study aims use mouthbrooding cichlids as an example test hypotheses on evolutionary between intricately that affect different aspects fitness. We focused oral apparatus, which is not only...
The okapi is an endangered, evolutionarily distinctive even-toed ungulate classified within the giraffidae family that endemic to Democratic Republic of Congo. currently under major anthropogenic threat, yet date nothing known about its genetic structure and evolutionary history, information important for conservation management given species' current plight. distribution okapi, being confined Congo Basin spanning River, also makes it species testing general biogeographic hypotheses fauna, a...
Abstract The Opuntia (prickly pear) genus contains over 200 species. Six of them are endemic to the Galapagos archipelago. Although these cacti ‘keystone’ species Galapagos’ semi‐arid ecosystem, they have never been studied in detail. Because their current threatened status and important role we developed 16 microsatellite markers study population genetic structure some These display a high level polymorphism with numbers alleles per locus ranging from six 53. Results also revealed possible...
DNA collections are a valuable type of Natural Science collection, enabling the validation past research, serving as source for new genomic studies and supporting ex situ conservation. The DiSSCo Flanders collection working group, aiming to advance "unlock" their collections, identified need for: 1) actively sharing best practices regarding management collections; 2) providing guidance on how bring theory into practice. By combining practice examples from within group with available...
Trans‐Saharan migratory bird species encounter large scale seasonal atmospheric convergence zones, where opposing monsoon and continental air masses meet. These macro‐scale conditions determine local weather, influence foraging behaviour survival rates. Here, we investigate the flight of pallid swifts Apus pallidus , a small aerial insectivore, in relation to non‐breeding season using state‐of‐the‐art GPS logged data. Our analysis shows two novel diurnal patterns which suggest that swift...
While stress is expected to increase developmental instability (DI), not all studies confirm this. This heterogeneity could in part be due the use of subtle differences between left and right side bilateral symmetrical organisms quantify DI, leading large sampling error obscuring associations with DI. Traits that develop simultaneously more than twice (such as flower petals or bird feathers) reflect individual DI reliably, such stronger are emerge. Furthermore, some have shown strengths...
Developmental instability (DI) as measured by fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been proposed to reflect fitness and stress. Furthermore, the associated developmental buffering may reduce morphological variation, conceal expression of genetic variation such play an important role in evolutionary biology. However, observed associations between FA various forms stress quality appear very heterogeneous. Presently it is difficult interpret biological relevance this heterogeneity because little...
Abstract For captive breeding to be an effective conservation tool, population fitness needs guaranteed according the latest insights. Preserving genetic diversity has been a major pillar in breeding, as it is proxy for long‐term viability. Small differences on DNA level can impact individual’s overall and when situated mitochondrial genome might more specifically affect process of aging fertility. In general, transmitted via mother. natural selection, variants beneficial female will...
Abstract The okapi (Okapia johnstoni), or forest giraffe, is the only species in its genus and extant sister group of giraffe within family Giraffidae. one remaining large vertebrates surrounded by mystery because elusive behavior as well armed conflicts region where it occurs, making difficult to study. Deforestation puts under constant anthropogenic pressure, currently listed “Endangered” on IUCN Red List. Here, we present first annotated de novo genome assembly based PacBio continuous...