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The genetics and evolution of the critically endangered Trinidad Piping Guan Pipile pipile, synonym Aburria pipile.
Grass, Amelia
Grass, Amelia
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2018-02
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Abstract
The Trinidad Piping Guan, Pipile pipile synonym Aburria pipile (Jaquin, 1784) is the
only endemic Cracid on the island of Trinidad. The species is currently listed as
Critically Endangered and is considered to be in ‘on-going decline’ by the IUCN,
BirdLife International and Cracid Specialist Group. This study aims to examine
aspects of genetic variation and the evolution of the mitochondrial genome in the
Trinidad Piping Guan utilising, for the first time, samples collected from individuals
in the wild and reference specimens of the genus Pipile sourced from museum
collections.
In this study the complete mitochondrial genome of the Trinidad Piping Guan was
sequenced for the first time. Analysis of intra-specific variation of wild Trinidad
Piping Guan individuals using single nucleotide polymorphisms demonstrates
extremely limited variation within the genes of the mitochondrial genome and nuclear
gene intron sequences. Limited variation within this population is consistent with both
historical and contemporary contractions of populations within a restricted island
system, which may have serious implications for the future of this species in terms of
both genetic diversity and conservation management.
Phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Trinidad Piping
Guan enabled placement of the genus Pipile within the Galliforme evolutionary tree
for the first time, and subsequently places the genus within the broader context of the
Aves class. Mito-genomic analysis confirms that the Cracids are one of the basal
Galliforme clades, and sister taxa to the Megapodidae. Phylogenetic placement of the
Pipile genus is basal to that of the Crax species within the Cracidae family, indicative
of an earlier evolutionary origin of the Piping Guans. The inclusion of the Trinidad
Piping Guan, in the avian evolutionary tree using the whole mitochondrial genomes
expands the current genetic phylogeny of the Cracid family, yielding a better
understanding of evolutionary relationships among the Galliforme order and the
diversification of modern avian lineages.
This study has established novel molecular techniques for the analysis of
mitochondrial DNA in historical specimens of the genus Pipile from museum
reference collections. The analysis of inter-specific relationships within the genus
Pipile has clarified the evolutionary and biogeographic relationships between the
Piping Guan species. Additionally, the Trinidad Piping Guan is genetically defined for
the first time as an evolutionarily significant unit, which represents a unique
evolutionary pathway within this important genus in a closed island system on the
island of Trinidad.
Citation
Grass, A. A. (2018). The genetics and evolution of the critically endangered Trinidad Piping Guan Pipile pipile, synonym Aburria pipile (Doctoral dissertation). University of Chester, United Kingdom.
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University of Chester
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Thesis or dissertation
Language
en