CONNECTING CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY WITH DIVERSIFICATION AND CONSERVATION OF A WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN ENDEMIC MAMMAL, SOREX MONTICOLA

Author

Antonia Androski, University of New MexicoFollow

Publication Date

Summer 7-30-2024

Abstract

Repeated glacial cycles of the Pleistocene initiated complex sequences of divergence and secondary contact with gene flow for many North American species. In my first chapter, I expand our understanding of the phylogeography of the montane shrew, Sorex monticola, with range-wide genetic sampling and geospatial analyses to reconstruct the history of clades within this species and test whether evolutionarily divergent clades occupy distinct abiotic niches. In my second chapter, I build upon these hypotheses, providing the first estimates of evolutionary relationships and timing of diversification based on genome-wide markers. In my third chapter, I use a systematic review of the literature and specimen-based resources to evaluate knowledge on the endemic mammals of Southeast Alaska. Recommendations for preservation of voucher specimens, prioritization of climate change in management plans, and partnerships with Indigenous land managers are salient for the entirety of the montane shrew’s range, but particularly for fragmented and insular landscapes.

Keywords

phylogenomics, mammals, shrews, endemics, biological collections, biodiversity

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Joseph A. Cook

Second Committee Member

Dr. Michael J. Andersen

Third Committee Member

Dr. Lisa N. Barrow

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Jesús A. Fernández

Recommended Citation

Androski, Antonia. "CONNECTING CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY WITH DIVERSIFICATION AND CONSERVATION OF A WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN ENDEMIC MAMMAL, SOREX MONTICOLA." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/597