Adaptation in the Alleyways: Candidate Genes Under Potential Selection in Urban Coyotes

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Urban ecology
• Genomics

Background:

• Cities are recent evolutionary developments.
• Urbanization's impact on ecosystems is known, but its effect on adaptive evolution is understudied.
• Coyotes (Canis latrans) are widespread urban carnivores, making them ideal for studying urbanization's genomic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify candidate genes associated with coyote adaptation to urban environments.
• To provide a framework for future research on wildlife genomics in urban settings.
• To understand how urbanization influences coyote genotypes and phenotypes.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging the domestic dog genome due to the close evolutionary relationship between coyotes and dogs.
• Utilizing conserved mammalian genes from model species.
• Analyzing urban-rural gradients and comparing metropolitan areas to understand selection pressures.

Main Results:

• Identified key variables influencing selection pressure on urban coyotes.
• Suggested candidate genes related to diet, health, behavior, cognition, and reproduction.
• Highlighted the potential for genomic adaptation in response to urbanization.

Conclusions:

• Coyotes provide a model for understanding wildlife adaptation to anthropogenic change.
• Genomic studies can reveal pathways of adaptation in urban wildlife.
• Understanding adaptation is crucial for species persistence and human-wildlife coexistence.