Journal article
Paleogenomics illuminates the evolutionary history of the extinct Holocene "horned" crocodile of Madagascar, Voay robustus
Communications biology, Vol.4(1), 505
04/27/2021
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02017-0
PMCID: PMC8079395
PMID: 33907305
Abstract
Hekkala et al. use mitochondrial genomic data of the extinct "horned" crocodile, Voay robustus, from Holocene deposits in Madagascar to examine its evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analyses indicate a sister group relationship between Voay and true crocodiles (Crocodylus), and add support to an African origin for the group.
Ancient DNA is transforming our ability to reconstruct historical patterns and mechanisms shaping modern diversity and distributions. In particular, molecular data from extinct Holocene island faunas have revealed surprising biogeographic scenarios. Here, we recovered partial mitochondrial (mt) genomes for 1300-1400 year old specimens (n = 2) of the extinct "horned" crocodile, Voay robustus, collected from Holocene deposits in southwestern Madagascar. Phylogenetic analyses of partial mt genomes and tip-dated timetrees based on molecular, fossil, and stratigraphic data favor a sister group relationship between Voay and Crocodylus (true crocodiles). These well supported trees conflict with recent morphological systematic work that has consistently placed Voay within Osteolaeminae (dwarf crocodiles and kin) and provide evidence for likely homoplasy in crocodylian cranial anatomy and snout shape. The close relationship between Voay and Crocodylus lends additional context for understanding the biogeographic origins of these genera and refines competing hypotheses for the recent extinction of Voay from Madagascar.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Paleogenomics illuminates the evolutionary history of the extinct Holocene "horned" crocodile of Madagascar, Voay robustus
- Creators
- E. Hekkala - Fordham UniversityJ. Gatesy - American Museum of Natural HistoryA. Narechania - American Museum of Natural HistoryR. Meredith - Amer Museum Nat Hist, New York, NY 10024 USAM. Russello - University of British ColumbiaM. L. Aardema - Montclair State UniversityE. Jensen - University of British ColumbiaS. Montanari - American Museum of Natural HistoryC. Brochu - University of Iowa, Earth and Environmental SciencesM. Norell - Amer Museum Nat Hist, New York, NY 10024 USAG. Amato - American Museum of Natural History
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Communications biology, Vol.4(1), 505
- DOI
- 10.1038/s42003-021-02017-0
- PMID
- 33907305
- PMCID
- PMC8079395
- NLM abbreviation
- Commun Biol
- ISSN
- 2399-3642
- eISSN
- 2399-3642
- Publisher
- NATURE PORTFOLIO
- Number of pages
- 11
- Grant note
- DEB1931213 / Fordham University Faculty Fellowship DEB-1556701; DBI-1725932 / NSF; National Science Foundation (NSF) DEB1931213 / National Science Foundation -NSF RAPID; National Science Foundation (NSF) University of California Riverside; University of California System
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/27/2021
- Academic Unit
- Earth and Environmental Sciences; University College Courses
- Record Identifier
- 9984229170602771
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