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Genomic evidence for parallel adaptation to cities.

Colin J Garroway1, Chloé Schmidt1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Molecular Ecology
|August 11, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Urban evolution drives rapid genetic changes in city-dwelling species. Burrowing owls show parallel selection on brain-related genes, indicating their importance for adapting to urban environments.

Keywords:
adaptationbirdscontemporary evolutionecological geneticsnatural selection

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Area of Science:

  • Urban evolutionary biology
  • Evolutionary ecology
  • Population genetics

Background:

  • Cities represent novel environments driving rapid microevolutionary change.
  • Studying urban evolution offers insights into early-stage adaptation.
  • Detecting genetic changes in new urban populations presents challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate genetic changes associated with urbanization in burrowing owls.
  • To address challenges in detecting population genetic shifts in urban vs. rural settings.
  • To explore parallel selection across replicate urban-rural populations.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome resequencing of three replicate urban-rural burrowing owl populations.
  • Comparative analysis of genetic data to identify signatures of selection.
  • Integration of multiple approaches to detect population genetic change.

Main Results:

  • Evidence for selection on genes related to synapses and neuron projections.
  • Identification of selection on genes involved in brain connectivity and cognitive function.
  • Parallel selection across populations suggests importance of brain processes for urban adaptation.

Conclusions:

  • Urbanization drives significant genetic adaptation in burrowing owls.
  • Selection favors genes associated with cognitive functions for successful adaptation to cities.
  • Brain-related phenotypes are crucial for adaptation to novel urban environments.