Evolutionary cytogenomics, genetic diversity and Biogrography of Arowana species (Teleostei: Osteoglossiformes)

Abstract

This project is linked with the Research Project (FAPESP 2018/22033-1) entitled "An intercontinental approach for the investigation of chromosome evolution, genetic diversity and biogeography in the order Osteoglossiformes (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha). Part III". With this specific project, we will profit from the scientific expertise of both research groups to progress our understanding of cytogenetics, genomic and biogeography of Arowana species. Specifically, the project will be the first to examine both genomic and chromosome factors in all arowana species from 3 different continents. The project combines a unique fish model group, with advanced molecular cytogenetic, genomic and biogeographical concepts and tools, together with an international team of highly skilled researchers, to resolve the mechanisms involved in these fishes´ genome organization and geographical distribution. We will use the obtained dataset together with fossil information to recover phylogenetic relationships among Arowanas´ lineages and estimate the divergence times between them. This will allow us to perform a biogeographic reconstruction of the diversification history of the order and to test biogeographic hypotheses that potentially explain the close phylogenetic relationship of species distributed in different continents. (AU)