Entering the phylogenomic era: advances in Tropidurine systematics must unveil the origins of a complex South American lizard radiation

• Grant number: 16/08249-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Miguel Trefaut Urbano Rodrigues
• Grantee: André Luiz Gomes de Carvalho
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/20235-3 - Entering the phylogenomic era (BEPE phase): advances in tropidurine systematics must unveil the origins of a complex South American lizard radiation, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: It has passed the time when phylogenetic trees sufficed as the major goal of a research program in comparative biology; they can be better explored if serving other comprehensive evolutionary investigations. In this project, we will examine the identity, relationships, and diversification/biogeographic history of one of the most complex South American lizard radiations, the tropidurines. Our aims are threefold: (1) to produce a comprehensive phylogenomic hypothesis and a novel systematic classification; (2) to investigate species boundaries and detect cryptic species; and (3) to determine if species diversification within the subfamily Tropidurinae followed a regular, random or explosive course potentially associated with major geological-geographical events/elements or ecological processes. We have started building the largest multi-locus data set ever produced for tropidurines (up to 10 loci; > 1000 samples), and a phylogenomic data set of ultra-conserved elements (UCEs). We hypothesize that species diversification was in great part driven by geographical isolation in stable areas during Pleistocene and pre-Pleistocene periods. Based on our prior knowledge of contrasting ecological preferences of distinct tropidurine clades, patterns of endemism and genetic isolation/diversity are expected to be greatly dependent on ecological factors primarily related to habitat use. These hypotheses will be tested with aid of time-calibrated trees, genetic diversity comparisons, and trait-dependent diversification analyses. BROADER IMPACTS: This project will open space for training of two undergrad students and will generate massive amounts of DNA sequence data, further accelerating species recognition and conservation plans in South America. In addition, it seeks to establish collaborations between the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, and the University of Washington, USA, for training of researchers in NGS and bioinformatics. (AU)

Scientific publications

(5)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CARVALHO, ANDRE L. G.; ROLANDO RIVAS, LUIS; CESPEDES, RICARDO; RODRIGUES, MIGUEL T.. A new collared lizard (Tropidurus: Tropiduridae) endemic to the Western Bolivian Andes and its implications for seasonally dry tropical forests. American Museum Novitates, n. 3896, p. 1-54, MAR 19 2018. (16/08249-6)

CARVALHO, ANDRE L. G.; JECKEL, ADRIANA M.; NISA, CAROLINA; LUNA, MARIA CELESTE; PIANTONI, CARLA. A novel epidermal gland type in lizards (alpha-gland): structural organization, histochemistry, protein profile and phylogenetic origins. ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, v. 192, n. 4, p. 1137-1166, AUG 2021. (15/12841-5, 12/10000-5, 16/08249-6, 15/25272-9, 17/20235-3, 16/09999-9)

CARVALHO, ANDRE L. G.. Resolving the obscure identity of Steironotus arenarius Tschudi, 1845 and Tropidurus tschudii Roux, 1907 (Squamata: Tropiduridae). South American Journal of Herpetology, v. 19, n. 1, p. 40-53, APR 2021. (17/20235-3, 16/08249-6)

CARVALHO, A. N. D. R. E. L. G.; LASPIUR, A. L. E. J. A. N. D. R. O.; KLACZKO, J. U. L. I. A.; RIVAS, L. U. I. S. R. O. L. A. N. D. O.; RODRIGUES, M. I. G. U. E. L. T. R. E. F. A. U. T.; DE SENA, M. A. R. C. O. A. U. R. E. L. I. O.; CESPEDES, R. I. C. A. R. D. O.. Total evidence phylogenetic analysis of Leiosauridae (Squamata) with focus on the 'para-anoles' and description of a new Urostrophus species from the Bolivian Andes. SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY, v. 21, n. 1, p. 47-pg., 2023-12-31. (16/08249-6, 11/50146-6, 17/20235-3)

CARVALHO, ANDRE L. G.; ROLANDO RIVAS, LUIS; CESPEDES, RICARDO; RODRIGUES, MIGUEL T.. A new collared lizard (Tropidurus: Tropiduridae) endemic to the Western Bolivian Andes and its implications for seasonally dry tropical forests. American Museum Novitates, v. N/A, n. 3896, p. 54-pg., 2018-03-19. (16/08249-6)