Genus-wide paleogenetic analysis of Middle to Late Pleistocene extinct straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon) to infer phylogeography and patterns of admixture

• Applicant: Dr. Sina Baleka
• Subject Area: Evolution, Anthropology ; Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 442555017

The largely unknown extinct straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon) once roamed wide parts of Africa and Eurasia. The genus is part of the family Elephantidae, which also encompasses the three living elephant species. Palaeoloxodon specimens have been proven challenging to place in the phylogenetic tree using morphological features. Additionally, they display features complicating paleogenetic (= ancient DNA = aDNA) research, namely a distribution in warm climates and a relatively high age, which both are detrimental for DNA preservation. However, the few studies carried out revealed surprising results, severely altering our view of the evolution of Elephantidae. The DNA sequences generated, which are some of the oldest from non-permafrost regions, showed that Palaeoloxodon belonged to a different branch in the phylogenetic tree than previously believed. The single available high-coverage genome revealed that this Palaeoloxodon specimen showed high levels of admixture with two different lineages within the Elephantidae. Clearly, more data is needed, extending the geographical range of the current samples (four from Germany and one from Italy) and also the depth of information obtained. The proposed research will generate the first genus-wide paleogenetic overview over Palaeoloxodon, determining the number and distribution of species. Estimations of divergence times, population size changes, and events of admixture during the Pleistocene hold the opportunity to link these events to climatic cycles, helping our understanding of the connection between climate change and species reactions.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Canada
• Host: Professor Dr. Hendrik Poinar