GA23-06116S
Among the most significant limitations in large-scale knowledge of biodiversity are the lack of information on species taxonomy, their distribution, and evolutionary relationships. In this project, we propose to use small terrestrial mammals (rodents and shrews) as highly suitable groups of organisms to identify the factors shaping biodiversity in Africa. Genomic data will be employed for (i) quantifying evolutionary diversity (e.g., identifying geographical centers of biodiversity and endemism), (ii) parameterized descriptions of its dynamics (e.g., rates of diversification, testing alternative hypotheses of diversity accumulation in specific areas), and (iii) creating a synthetic biogeographic scenario (e.g., reconstructing ancestral areas of occurrence, evolutionary origins of bioregions).
The project is based on the availability of a unique collection of genetic material and related data, as well as close collaboration with other teams working in different parts of Africa. The proposed approach will enable a unique analysis of patterns of biological diversity and related processes at a continental scale, potentially having significant impacts, such as identifying priority areas for nature conservation.
Project period 1/2023 – 12/2025