Emerging genomic applications in mammalian ecology, evolution, and conservation

Abstract

Genomic technologies have advanced rapidly in recent decades and have ushered in an exciting new era for the study of mammals. Mammalogists working with non-model species are now able to explore many new research areas that were unimaginable only a short time ago. For example, it is currently possible for individual researchers to sequence and assemble genomes for mammalian species of their choosing and to generate genome-wide DNA sequence data from hundreds of individuals simultaneously. Moreover, the miniaturization of both PCR and sequencing technology has created new opportunities for generating real-time DNA or RNA sequence data in the field. Here, we highlight emerging genomic technologies and associated methods that are providing exciting new research avenues for mammalogists in the fields of evolutionary genomics and ecology. Our aim is to not only provide a resource for novel experimental design, but also to provide a record of the current state of genomic applications as the American Society of Mammalogists enters a new century of discovery.