ANGUIOMICS: Genomic insights ...

ANGUIOMICS: Genomic insights into the evolutionary history and contact zones of slow-worm lizards (Anguis) (2018-2020)

Investigator: RNDr. Václav Gvoždík, Ph.D.
Number of Project: 18-24544S
Agency: Czech Science Foundation
Duration: 01. 01. 2018 - 31. 12. 2020

The project will combine multidisciplinary techniques using three types of genomic data (phylo-, cyto-, and population) and GIS-based environmental niche modelling in Anguis lizards. First, a phylogenomic inference and cytogenomic characterization of the species will facilitate understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus. Second, a study of a genome-wide variation at a population level across the secondary contact zone of A. fragilis and A. colchica in two geographic regions (central Europe and northern Balkans) will allow to empirically assess levels of introgression to uncover the strength of barriers maintaining divergence between the species, and to compare the situation in the two regions. We will further test an association between genomic variation and environmental parameters, which will uncover loci under selection by environmental factors. This will enable to test, if the two species respond to environmental factors in a similar or different way, and to understand how they interact in the contact zone.