Genomic signatures of adaptation in native lizards exposed to human-introduced fire ants.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the process of genetic adaptation in response to human-mediated ecological change will help elucidate the eco-evolutionary impacts of human activity. In the 1930s red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) were accidently introduced to the Southeastern USA, where today they are both venomous predators and toxic prey to native eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). Here, we investigate potential lizard adaptation to invasive fire ants by generating whole-genome sequences from 420 lizards across three populations: one with long exposure to fire ants, and two unexposed populations. Signatures of positive selection exclusive to the exposed population overlap immune system, growth factor pathway, and morphological development genes. Among invaded lizards, longer limbs (use

SUBMITTER: Assis BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11695932 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature