Genomic and biogeographic patterns of endemic geckos in the Galapagos Islands reveal population structure and species delimitation on inhabited islands.

ABSTRACT: Islands offer invaluable opportunities for studying evolutionary processes due to their isolation and distinct environmental conditions. The Galapagos Islands, renowned for their rich biodiversity, host several endemic gecko species of the genus Phyllodactylus (Gekkota: Phyllodactylidae). Despite their importance derived from their specialized adaptations and their crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance, few studies have been conducted on these geckos. This highlights the need for comprehensive genomic research to understand their evolutionary patterns and population dynamics. This study elucidates the genetic diversity and population structure of six endemic Phyllodactylus species found on four human-inhabited islands in the Galapagos using a RAD-Seq approach. The analysis of over

SUBMITTER: Pozo G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12635237 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature