DNA Analysis Proves Indigenous Cultivation of Beaked Hazelnut

 

Scientists have studied the DNA of a native hazelnut in order to analyze how Indigenous peoples stewarded their land. The use of the beaked hazelnut (Corylus Cornuta) by indigenous peoples for food, medicine, craftmanship, and more has survived in oral traditions, so the study set out to investigate how the genetic profile of the hazelnut aligned with this knowledge. The hazelnuts were collected across western North America and the DNA of the specimens were analyzed. They mapped out the geographic distribution of plants sharing these genetic traits as well. It was discovered that people were transplanting and cultivating hazelnuts over long distances from their origin. They were selectively managing them, enabling the increase of genetic diversity within the hazelnut. Also, by analyzing specific unique hazelnut clusters only present in certain areas, they were able to support Indigenous land claims in those areas.

In my opinion this study is of great importance to understanding the behaviors of Indigenous peoples in the past. It was believed before that Indigenous peoples did not cultivate or steward the land they lived on, and this study brings a wider appreciation of Indigenous cultures and their behaviors. We are able to better understand how Indigenous settlers influenced genetic diversity within the land. We are able to learn more about how these cultures practiced environmental sustainability, giving us a better understanding of their values and motivations as a society. This study helps restore knowledge that was lost over time and by colonizing settlers who separated the Indigenous peoples from their land and cultures.

Y Chromosome Analysis of Horses

 

Scientists are attempting to trace the paternal line in horses by using the Y chromosome. The Y chromosome has always been difficult to study since it contains many repeating sections and palindromes. Since computer technology has made it easier to analyze it, a worldwide collection of horse DNA samples were able to be analyzed, and the ancestries of these horses were able to be traced. Horse and human history are closely linked, and humans have used stallion mediated breeding with horses due to the fact that it is easier to trace a stallion’s fertility than a mare’s. Pedigrees are used to trace horse ancestry today, but since they are done manually then only go back a few generations. With the Y chromosome analysis, however, they are able to go back many generations and examine evolutionary lineages within the horse’s paternal ancestry. This will allow horse breeders to better prevent inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity.

In my opinion, this is a very useful and unique effort. Mapping the Y chromosomes of a variety of horses in order to examine their evolutionary development and lineages on their paternal side proved to be extraordinarily beneficial. By gaining the ability to trace the genetics of horses across multiple generations, we can better keep record of particular lineages and ensure that horses with similar lineages do not breed together in order to prevent genetic defects. We can work to better conserve and enhance genetic diversity within horses. We are also able to better analyze breeding influences over time and how they connect with human history as well.

    

                         

Our Understanding of Bird Evolution... WRONG?!

     A new study was released that has completely changed the view of our understanding of the evolution of birds. The University of Florida found a section of one chromosome that was fused and mixed in with other nearby DNA. This specific string of this particular chromosome has spent "millions of years frozen in time" and is only "two percent of the bird genome". This discovery has scientists convinced that finding this section of the genome allows them to group most birds into two categories based on their evolutionary cousins, flamingos and doves. After looking further into exclusive family trees and inspecting individual genes, it was found that recombination, a process that enhances genetic diversity by making sure no two siblings are alike, was not active for a handful of billion years about the time the dinosaurs disappeared. It is said that flamingos and doves look similar in this "frozen" part of their DNA. Although these two things were similar, the rest of the genome is much more distantly related. The scientists who took part in this study also believe that this is possible for other species as well.

    This is a super interesting study that completely changes the course of the original belief about the evolution of birds, especially in terms of genetic diversity and reproduction during the time of the "frozen" section of the bird's chromosome. This is super interesting and might give us a better insight into more species ancestry in the future and allow for a better understanding of evolution! 

                                    

(News Article): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240401190411.htm

(Scientific Article): https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319506121

(Alternative Link): https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/why-are-flamingos-pink-and-other-flamingo-facts

Scientists Have Solved the Damselfly Color Mystery

        Researchers at Lund University have studied the common bluetail damselfly for over 20 years and have observed the genetic variance in females. These variations include three different color forms, one of which gives male-like features that protect them from mating harassment.
        In a new study, an international team of researchers found that this genetic variation is a shared trait among several species of damselfly. The genetic variation stemmed from changes in a specific genomic region at least five million years ago. This study is important to evolutionary biology, population genetics, and conservation biology as understanding how and why genetic variation arises and is maintained for long periods is crucial. Since all populations, of a limited size, experience genetic variation that is lost over time, it is important to understand both the mechanisms behind the emergence and persistence of genetic variation.
        In a new study that was published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, researchers meticulously mapped the extensive color variation among the females of the bluetail damselfly. Of the three genetically determined color variations, one of them makes them look like males. The study clarifies how and why the color variation arose and reveals that the variation was maintained for a long period of time due to balanced natural selection. Researchers sequenced the DNA of the three color forms in bluetail damselfly females and compared it to its closely related tropical relative Ischnura senegalensis. This analysis revealed that the genetic color variation in females traces back at least five million years and involved several mutations in a specific genetic region on the thirteenth chromosome.
        With the identification of the gene behind the female color variation, researchers can now further explore and identify different genotypes in the males and in the aquatic larval stage of damselflies. Researchers now have a solid foundation to investigate the color variation over longer evolutionary time scales in other damselfly species that are found globally.
        This study raises questions about color signals and their function and evolutionary consequences for partner choice and conflicts between sexes. This study offers insight into conservation efforts and promotes further investigation into the ecological impacts of these genetic traits. It is also interesting to see how important the mechanism responsible for the emergence of new genetic diversity is and how it could result from different processes like mutation or genetic recombination.

Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231117102534.htm

https://www.labmanager.com/scientists-have-solved-the-damselfly-color-mystery-31322#:~:text=By%20sequencing%20the%20DNA%20of,million%20years%20ago%3B%20through%20several

Genetic Sequencing Reveals Ruffed Grouse Population Is Not As Bad As Once Thought

A recent study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, has determined that ruffed grouse harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the species, which has had declining population for decades, might be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. The population decline has been due largely to disease and habitat loss, and often when these arw the causes of population decline inbreeding can occur, which can lead to a decline in genetic diversity over time. However, the current state of the genetics of ruffed grouse suggests that protection could help maintain, or even grow, the population in some area. The researchers also found two genetic "anomalies," called chromosomal inversions where a segment of DNA broke off and then reattached in the reverse order, but they do not know the implications of this inversion yet. DNA analysis of individuals against each other and the whole population suggests population subdivision across the state of Pennsylvania is not as much of an issue as people thought. However, reduced genetic connectivity in the south was identified, which is likely due to fragmentation of the grouse's habitat by human development. This research hoped to influence conservation efforts for the roughed grouse to make informed decisions on creating and maintaining habitats that connect populations via forested regions, evaluating the impact of hunting to ensure harvest is not contributing to the decline of more vulnerable populations of roughed grouse, and implementing periodic genetic monitoring to track changes and assess whether habitat interventions lead to positive genetic changes.

I found this article particularly interesting because in an article I posted on October 3rd, the day before this research was published, I discussed how genetics were being used to determine which species were endangered by comparing genetics to identify similarities in individuals genomes, and thereby identifying consanguineous breeding in species. I suggested that this genetic technology could be used to aid in conservation efforts and this research compounds my confidence in the use of genetics in wildlife conservation. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231004201940.htm

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.17129 

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/ruffed-grouse-population-more-resilient-expected-genetic-study-finds/

Genomic Effects of Inbreeding on Scandinavian Wolves

 

Researchers at Uppsala University studied the genetic origins of the Scandinavian grey wolf population, which began with only three wolves from Finland in the 1980s. After five generations of inbreeding, between 10 and 25% of the original genetic variation was lost, amounting to 160,000 genetic variants. The founding wolves weren't entirely unrelated, contributing to a reduction in initial genetic diversity. Professor Hans Ellegren highlighted the need for inbred populations to receive new genetic material from diverse sources. Despite recent genetic contributions from immigrating wolves, the high level of inbreeding threatens the retention of these new variants.

The Uppsala University study on Scandinavian grey wolves vividly highlights the perils of inbreeding. With just five generations resulting in a loss of up to 25% of original genetic variation, the fragility of such limited gene pools becomes starkly evident. This research is a potent reminder of the need for diversity to ensure the long-term health and survival of species. The second article, which is focused on human inbreeding shows that inbreeding between closely related individuals can result in significant health risks for offspring, including the increased likelihood of inheriting rare genetic diseases. Research shows that inbred children exhibited decreased cognitive abilities, reduced height, and lung function, and were more susceptible to diseases in general. 

Links: 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220208143310.htm

https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/what-scientists-found-after-analyzing-cases-of-inbreeding-in-the-uk

Pathogenic Affects on Social Behavior

 

When different pathogens move throughout a population, people are able to adapt and adjust in order to fight them off. Research that was conducted at Harvard shows insight on how pathogens are changing social behaviors of different organisms. It is not known what happens inside an organism's brain, but species that range from fruit flies to primates are exhibiting changes in social behavior due to infection-induced changes. In one species specifically, the organism was found to be loners, and consistently showed isolating behaviors, but when infected by a pathogenic strain of bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) contaminated this species, they became more interested in one another and increased in their mating. The researchers then isolated messenger RNA from the pair of neurons, examining how they are different post-infection, and discovered that the pheromone receptor STR-44 was significantly upregulated in infected worms. Looking beyond worms, it was also pointed out that many different GPCRs for chemicals are encoded in the genomes of several animals, which are used to assess environmental cues. Regulation of these receptors may be a common strategy for animals to change their social behavior in the presence of a pathogen stressor present.

Ultimately, this change along with other changes in behavior increases genetic diversity within a population. It is interesting to think about how being infected by a pathogen can completely change and alter an organism's behavior. Maybe there are different pathogens out there that can be contracted that can increase a species fitness in the environment and make them a smaller target to their predators. This discovery can possibly lead to strengthening different species' fitness' by changing social behaviors that may have caused their species to go extinct previously.

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/03/scientists-explain-how-an-infection-can-produce-genetic-diversity/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891033/#:~:text=The%20genetic%20diversity%20of%20a,rapid%20disease%20transmission%20in%20populations.

Assessment of Genetic Variation and Species Distribution Modeling Used to Formulate a Conservation Plan for the Keystone Species Astacus astacus

    Anthropogenic impacts have decreased the genetic diversity of Astacus astacus, the noble crayfish. It is expected that only 13 percent of the crayfish will survive, excluding the most genetically diverse populations. 
    Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA variations among crayfish were assessed to determine genetic diversity across multiple populations. The mitochondrial DNA revealed that six genetic lineages exist. Using the nuclear DNA, 175 alleles were observed across the 15 microsatellite loci, with an average of 12 alleles per locus. 
    Species distribution modeling showed the current and future susceptibility of habitats to climate change. The information collected was then used to predict invasive species that cause disease in the indigenous populations' future migration patterns. The results also showed that many crayfish populations were isolated from gene flow.
     The conservation plan recommended assisted migration and repopulation to protect this keystone species. By creating a population with multiple genetic lineages and ensuring that the new locations are less susceptible to invasive species, assisted migration and repopulation have a higher chance of success.
    Genetic diversity is essential for increasing the adaptive capability of a population. A disease that affects one individual is likely to have the same effect on individuals that share similar genetic information. As such, crayfish should be prioritized for protection since the indigenous crayfish population is especially vulnerable due to its lack of genetic diversity. 
    There is still diversity across the different populations which allows for recovery; however, introducing species from one population to another should be done with caution. Previous studies have shown that genetic erosion can occur when introducing domesticated organisms to wild populations. Although, in this case, it would be the introduction of one wild population to another, the same principle still applies since genetic variation exists. It is vital to consider every outcome and test potential impacts before implementing conservation efforts since it is harder to reverse actions than to take them in the first place.

What to read next: Multiple drivers of decline in the global status of freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Astacidea). 

Resurrecting Lost Genetics: Cloning Historic Horses to Increase Genetic Diversity in the Przewalski's Horse Population

     

    The Przewalski's horse, also known as Equus przwalskii, has been struggling with extinction for many years. At one point the Przewalski's was believed to be completely extinct in the wild, but conservation efforts have succeeded in reintroducing Przewalski's horses into protected areas in their natural habitat. More information about Przewalski's horses can be found here

    With a population of about 2,000 individuals in captive breeding programs and in protected areas, the Przewalski's horse has been classified as an endangered species, but the Przewalski's horse is beginning to face a different challenge. The Revive & Restore conservation organization, who has been involved in the conservation efforts of Przewalski's horses, explains that the Przewalski's horse population is now suffering from genetic bottlenecking. Genetic bottlenecking commonly occurs when population numbers are low, and it causes a decrease in genetic diversity in the population because of inbreeding. This lack of genetic diversity causes species to be extremely venerable to sudden environmental changes or diseases because they do not have the genetic variation that helps them to adapt to change. 

    The most common solution to this problem is brining unrelated individuals into the population to broaden the gene pool, but for the Przewalski's horse there are not unrelated individuals because all living Przewalski's horses are decedents of 12 individuals that remained when the recovery efforts began. Thanks to modern science, these unrelated individuals do not necessarily need to be living to be introduced into the population. Conservationist had saved living cells from more than a dozen Przewalski's horses and had them cryopreserved, and these cells contain genetics that are no longer found in the current Przewalski's horse population. Scientists are reintroducing these lost genetics by cloning the historic Przewalski's horses using the frozen cells. In 2020 they successfully cloned a past stallion who they have names Kurt, and once Kurt reaches sexual maturity he will be used in breeding and will help to bring more genetic diversity into the population.

    This is not only an amazing feat in science, but it also such an amazing thing to whiteness. I think the cloning of past Przewalski's horses in order to reintroduce lost genetics is spectacular. As someone in the horse community, I have heard both the advantages and disadvantages of equine cloning and the debate over cloning horses, so it brings me great joy to see this scientific advancement be used to assist the Przewalski's horses on their road of population recovery.

Link to the press release from the San Diego Zoo Global (now known as the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

Przewalski's Horse Press Release Revive & Restore.pdf - Google Drive

Genetic Variant Discovered in Amish Protects from Heart Disease

 

The study of a gene variant found in the history of amish people shows that it can actually lower levels of fibrinogen and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol both of which increase risk of heart disease. The study showed that there is a correlation between the missense mutation in the enzyme coding gene B4GALTI and heart health. This was further confirmed in mice. By studying the genomes of the Old Order Amish, researchers can more easily spot variants that may have disappeared in larger populations over time. This is because the amish are a smaller population with less genetic diversity. The study was performed on a bigger scale with the variant and it showed similar results with reduction in components that lead to heart disease. While this may seem promising, there is still years worth of work left to determine if this variant leads to any other potential harmful effects. The reason behind why this occurs is unknown as well. Nonetheless, more research will be done to possibly turn this discovery into a new pharmaceutical target. 

Most Dog Breeds Are Highly Inbred -- and Unhealthy

 

Within this article traits that are specific to certain dog breeds have been found to be most commonly achieved through inbreeding which significantly increases the amount of health risks for these dogs. An average rate of inbreeding was found to be 25% which is about as equal to how much DNA siblings share, this a a very concerning level to share for any animal or even human in general. In any species strong breed predispositions to health effects such as autoimmune diseases highlight how important it is that inbreeding dogs puts the dogs health at huge risks. Since there is so much inbreeding in the dog world there is a lack of genetic diversity within dogs and there should be more of a focus to preserving the genetic diversity among dogs. There should be a focus and careful management  to not lose the already existing genetic diversity through things such as breeding education and having inbreeding levels monitored.  

The Decrease in the Genetic Diversity of Lions is Affecting Their DNA Adversely

  

    In the article posted by Texas A&M Today, a study was explained; in which it was stated that the DNA in lions from India to South Africa has been changing overtime. The changes in their DNA has been found to be caused by their environment being confined by the growing cities. The impeding of cities has caused the lion population to decrease, as their land has been restricted. The population and land decrease was compared to the bottle neck effect that cheetahs have experienced; which lead to inbreeding within the population. Thus, decreasing genetic diversity which effects their immunity and reproductive abilities. Luckily, it was stated that the lions current state can be reversed. I believe this article did a really great job at addressing the current issue that the lion population from India to South Africa are experiencing, predicting the possible fate of the population if no action is taken, and bringing awareness to the efforts that need to be take to prevent the worst outcome from occurring. I agree with the information provided within this article because it was supported with sufficient data and was connected to what has been previously found among other species, like cheetahs. In my opinion, the preservation of wild life should be put before the expansion of cities. Urbanization has been found to not only harm wildlife, but also create environmental decay, so there really is no good being done by intruding on animals land. I found it very enlightening to hear that the damage done to the lion population is reversible. I hope the proper steps are taken to resolve this issue and keep it from repeating among other species.

Genetics of lions changing with habitat fragmentation

     In this article, it compares the DNA of lions today with a lion population 100 years ago. The information provided is based on the genetic material in the lion population today, and while it is still diverse for the time being, it is comparatively difference with regards to 100 years ago. The lions natural behavior, males travel large distances in order to breed and females usually reside within the pride they are born into. With constant fragmentation of the habitat the lions are not able to travel the large distances, and ultimately breed within the pride and the genetic material will start to deteriorate with regards to diversity. While the information is bad in terms of wild lion population it can provide and interesting opportunity for genetic drift with regards to wild predator populations and possibly the effect of the limited genetic material to really do to these populations over time. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201103172611.htm

https://academic.oup.com/mbe/advance-article/doi/10.1093/molbev/msa

Narwhal Populations Are Thriving Despite Lack of Genetic Diversity

In the scientific community it has long been thought that in order to be a fit and thriving population, you need to have high genetic diversity within that population. In the case of the narwhal- a two ton porpoise known for the 8 foot tooth that grows out of its upper lip- their population has very low genetic diversity. This would normally correlate to a species that is close to extinction. To researchers surprise they found that the narwhal populations are thriving with numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

“There’s this notion that in order to survive and be resilient to changes, you need to have high genetic diversity, but then you have this species that for the past million years has had low genetic diversity and it’s still around — and is actually relatively abundant,” Eline Lorenzen, a molecular ecologist and curator at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, who led the new research, said in a statement.

The reason it is thought that high genetic diversity makes a population less vulnerable to extinction is because having a larger pool of genes to choose from makes it easier to evolve in repose to changes in a populations environment. Researchers estimate that the global population of narwhals is 170,000, enough to move the narwhals from the status of "near threatened" to "least concern," which means they are doing just fine. 

Although this discovery shows that narwhal population sizes are great despite the odds, it does not guarantee that they will be able to adapt to the rapid climate change that is taking place in the arctic, the only place that narwhals live. Temperatures on this planet are rising and ice is melting. In the near future narwhals will be challenged and their low genetic diversity that has sustained them for hundreds of thousands of years may not be enough to endure the changes that have been occurring.

Narwhals aren't genetically diverse

Narwhal populations are increasing but the genetic diversity of these animals haven't increased over the years. Scientists thought that there wasn't much genetic variation due to inbreeding. However, after doing studies this wasn't found to be the case. After genomes were sequenced they were found to have similar DNA to beluga whales, polar bears and walruses. The narwhal population has grown despite this low genetic diversity. What has scientists surprised is the fact that the narwhal population has thrived even though in most animals and plants that have little genetic variation they aren't able to adapt to climate change.

I think that this is really strange because previous research would suggest that narwhal populations would go down due to them not being genetically diverse. This makes me wonder if other animal species have low genetic diversity and are still able to do well in the wild. The research done here will be influential in population genetics and animal populations that have been affected by climate change as well.

Medieval Crusaders Were Very Diverse Based on Recent DNA Analysis

A 13th century sea castle built by Crusaders in Sidon, Lebanon.

In a mass grave around the ruins of the Castle of St. Louis, just outside the city of Sidon, south Lebanon, the burnt skeletons of roughly 25 soldiers were found. The castle was a stronghold for the Crusaders from the 12th to 13th centuries. Based on the evidence that many suffered violent deaths and the origin of artifacts that were found – an Italian coin minted in 1245 and European belt buckles, it was concluded that these were Crusader soldiers.


During those late medieval centuries, soldiers and civilians from Europe were pouring into the Levant, a region in West Asia that borders the Mediterranean Sea. They had arrived seeking to control holy sites that were sacred among all the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam). With their arrival, however, came the murder and displacement of native populations, most of which who were Muslim. This was the time of a series of religious wars, known collectively as the Crusades, that would span 200 years. The date on the Italian coin, the location, and radiocarbon dating of the material from the mass grave points to idea that these men were presumably soldiers of the Seventh Crusade who had died in a failed battle at Sidon in 1253. This war was led by the French king Louis IX.


Geneticist Marc Haber and his colleagues from the Wellcome Sanger Institute obtained DNA sequences from nine of the skeletons. The results of their genetic analysis were astounding. The Crusader armies were much more ethnically diverse than historians had previously believed. In fact, when they compared the DNA of the soldiers to reference databases of modern people’s DNA, they found that three were probably European (two Spaniards and one Sardinian), four were probably Lebanese, and the final two were intermediate between European and Near Eastern.


The last two individuals are evidently of mixed ancestry. When the researchers then analyzed the Y chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA sequences, they discovered that the three European and the two mixed ethnicity soldiers all belonged to Y chromosome haplogroups typical of Europe. However, the latter two had Mitochondrial DNA broadly found across both Europe and the Near East. This suggests that these men were most likely the children of European men who intermarried with local Near Eastern women, or that they were the children of parents who were of mixed ancestries themselves.


This research truly illustrates how long the Crusades lasted. For two hundred years, men from many cultures converged in one place to live, fight, and die together, united by the same religious goal. During their lives, these groups of people forged lasting connections with one another despite coming from different places. This multicultural brotherhood is evident in the genetic legacy they passed on to subsequent generations of Crusaders, born of intermarriages.

Genetic Diversity in European Bovine Breed

In a European study from Munich, Busa cattle (an old European breed) was found to be far more genetically diverse than many of the more modern European breeds available today. The study tested 1828 different cattle representing 60 breeds, 350 of those individuals being Busa cattle. When genotyping for "single-nucleotide polymorphisms", Busa cattle were found to have 14 unique strains. Most of the genetic diversity (that being non-artificially selected diversity) of domesticated cattle can be traced back to or attributed to Busa cattle. Currently there is some push towards a conservation program for this breed to help maintain the functional diversity of cattle worldwide.
As most domesticated breeds of bovine have been bred not to survive but for meat/milk production, the survival of this breed (smaller and less productive but far hardier and healthier) is fascinating. Perhaps the introduction of some of the Busa cattle's' genetics into the more specialized breeds can help to lower their health issues.

Article Link- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180328143255.htm
Additional Info- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mec.14555

Chinook Salmon: A Decline in Genetic Diversity

Over the past years, the genetic modification of salmon for commercial use has been steadily decreasing as less salmon is being caught along the Pacific Northwest. Apart from their general population decline, the past 7000 years has shown a 2/3 decrease in genetic diversity, compared to bones of the same Salmon found in Native American archaeological sites. Such a loss in diversity is detrimental to such a valuable and rich food source. Genetic diversity allows for the different characteristics in the salmon we eat, and helps to control GMO salmon from the natural Chinook Salmon. A possible cause for such a low diversity comes from the numerous man made structures that hinder the natural process for many Chinook Salmon. Dams cover off many potential spawning habitats from ocean Chinook Salmon, thus creating some inbreeding for the fish already located in the rivers and oceans.

Genetic Diversity helps to create more variations in offspring and allows for natural adaptations to occur. Without a growing population the Salmon can be susceptible to a loss in genetic diversity and thus a loss in adaptation and variation. Conservations have been made restore the flow of diversity back into the Salmon, but the damage may be far from repairable.

Link to Pacific Northwest Salmon
Pacific Northwest Salmon (Chinook Salmon)

Link to other Pacific Northwest Salmon
Chinook Salmon Populations

The Resistance: English Ash trees fight back

    

     The Ash trees of Europe are facing the continued spread of a fungal disease that has killed a vast majority of the common tree. Ash dieback disease is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Denmark has lost nearly all of their native ash trees to the disease and it has only recently been introduced to England where it is spreading just as rapidly. But new research reveals that English ash trees have a resistance to the disease that other European ash trees do not.
     The Guardian reports that these more resistant trees could potentially be used to breed down ash trees that could be used to repopulate the forests that have lost large portions of their native trees. There are drawbacks to this plan however. Although these English trees are more resistant to the fungus they are more susceptible to the emerald ash borer. Those working on slowing and controlling the spread of the fungal infection warn that care must be taken when selectively breeding tougher trees.

Map points are scaled by hue (high predicted damage scores in brown, low in green) and plotted according to the geographical origin of the parent trees of the British Screening Panel (n = 130) and the Danish Test Panel (n = 58).

   
     I think this article and the research behind it highlight the benefit of the genetic diversity a single species across several geological locations can develop. Developing an ash tree with a resistance to both the fungal disease and emerald ash borer is the ultimate goal in this situation. If such a tree is created its introduction into the environment must be a careful undertaking. We could just as easily create a tree with a severe susceptibility to the next big disease or insect infestation.

Koalas Get A Helping Hand from Genetics

The endangered Queensland koalas have been getting help from researchers at the National Environmental Research Program Environmental Decisions Hub (NERPED) which have conducted experiments which analyzed their genetic patterns. Their results concluded that the right balance of tree cover and roads is the key to protecting these animals from urban growth. For example, in areas where tree cover falls below 30 percent, the genetic variability drops significantly, as with areas containing major highways. In order to maintain their genetic diversity, koalas must leave the trees to find a mate. This poses huge risks to these animals as civilization expands into their natural habitat.
Koalas are an Australian icon and therefore will always have plenty of support when it comes to their safety. The part of this article that I was drawn to the most were the organizations' suggestions, which included habitat bridges and underpasses beneath highways. These are great suggestions and I believe that they could absolutely help the koalas cross roadways to reduce the number of individuals struck by automobiles.

The original article can be found here.
A link to the Australian Koala Foundation can be found here.