The radiation of New Zealand's skinks and geckos is associated with distinct viromes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

New Zealand is home to over 120 native endemic species of skinks and geckos that radiated over the last 20-40 million years, likely driven by the exploitation of diverse habitats formed during the Miocene. The recent radiation of animal hosts may facilitate cross-species virus transmission, likely reflecting their close genetic relationships and therefore relatively low barriers for viruses to emerge in new hosts. Conversely, as animal hosts adapt to new niches, even within specific geographic locations, so too could their viruses. Consequently, animals that have niche-specialised following radiations may be expected to harbour genetically distinct viruses. Through a metatranscriptomic analysis of eight of New Zealand's native skink and gecko species, as well as the only

SUBMITTER: Waller SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11170836 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature