Phylogenomic insights into the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers (Falco cherrug) and the origins of gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus).

ABSTRACT: The Altai falcon from Central Asia always attracted the attention of humans. Long considered a totemic bird in its native area, modern falconers still much appreciated this large-bodied and mighty bird of prey due to its rarity and unique look. The peculiar body characteristics halfway between the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus) triggered debates about its contentious taxonomy. The weak phylogenetic signal associated with traditional genetic methods could not resolve this uncertainty. Here, we address the controversial evolutionary origin of Altai falcons by means of a genome-wide approach, Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing, using sympatric eastern sakers falcons, allopatric western saker falcons and gyrfalcons as outgroup. This approach provided an

SUBMITTER: Zinevich L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10584951 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature