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A Reference Genome Assembly for the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
Gaspard Baudrin1, Jean-Marc Pons1, Bertrand Bed'Hom1
1Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), UMR7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France.
Genome Biology and Evolution
|July 28, 2023
Summary
We present a high-quality genome assembly for the spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), a migratory bird. This resource aids in understanding the speciation process in flycatcher species pairs.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ornithology
Background:
- The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) and Mediterranean flycatcher (Muscicapa tyrrhenica) form a newly recognized species pair.
- Their unusual nested peripatric distribution challenges existing speciation theories for highly dispersing species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate a high-quality genome assembly for the spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata).
- To provide a genomic resource for investigating the eco-evolutionary factors driving speciation in this avian species pair.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing using Nanopore and Illumina technologies.
- Bioinformatic analysis for genome assembly and quality assessment (BUSCO, UCEs).
- Comparative genomics with the Ficedula albicollis reference genome.
Main Results:
- A 1.08 Gb genome assembly for Muscicapa striata comprising 4,779 contigs (N50 3.2 Mb).
- High assembly completeness confirmed by 95% BUSCO and 97.0% UCE loci retrieval.
- Significant synteny with Ficedula albicollis genome, revealing several potential inversions.
Conclusions:
- The generated genome assembly is a valuable resource for evolutionary and ecological studies of Muscicapa flycatchers.
- The assembly facilitates further investigation into the genetic basis of speciation and population structure in these migratory birds.
- Comparative genomic analyses highlight chromosomal rearrangements that may play a role in flycatcher divergence.
