SYSTEMATIC OF THE GENUS SCOLOMYS ANTHONY, 1924 (RODENTIA: CRICETIDAE: SIGMODONTINAE: ORYZOMYINI): MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR PATTERNS

• Grant number: 25/01560-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Reis Percequillo
• Grantee: Nathália Pinheiro Feregueti
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/11444-0 - Diversity of neotropical rodents (Rodentia: Sciuridae, Cricetidae, Echimyidae): origin, evolution and biogeography, AP.TEM

Abstract

The order Rodentia is the largest and most diverse of the class Mammalia, representing about 39% of mammal species, with emphasis on the subfamily Sigmodontinae, which covers a wide diversity and distribution in South America. The evolutionary history of this group suggests that geological events, such as the uplift of the Andes, provided ecological opportunities that shaped its diversification. In this context, the genus Scolomys, belonging to the tribe Oryzomyini, stands out for its unique morphological characteristics and its distribution in Amazonian habitats. Currently, the genus is represented by two recognized species: S. melanops and S. ucayalensis, although molecular evidence suggests the existence of other lineages not yet described. Studies indicate that Scolomys lineages diverged during the Pleistocene, standing out as an ideal model for understanding biogeographic patterns and speciation processes. Despite advances in the description of new species and understanding of Neotropical diversification, there are still gaps in the study of this genus. Thus, this project proposes a molecular analysis based on next-generation sequencing (UCE), in addition to morphological studies with computed microtomography (CTScan), in order to conduct a systematic review to define species, identify phylogenetic relationships, and explore morphometric variations within the genus Scolomys. The expected results will be essential for understanding the evolutionary history of the group and thus supporting conservation strategies in the face of threats such as habitat loss and climate change. (AU)