Links to GitHub repositories for recent studies:
We used whole genome sequencing from the majority of species in the swallow genus Hirundo to study evolutionary drivers of correlated genomic landscapes of divergence.
We used whole genome sequencing combined with phenotype variation for hundreds of barn swallows to uncover the genetic basis of sexually-selected plumage traits and to investigate the role of sexual selection in divergence and barriers to gene flow upon secondary contact.
We estimated the family tree for swallows (Hirundinidae) using thousands of UCE loci across the genome from represenatives of a majority of recognized species, including precious specimens from species that may be extinct in the wild. We use the tree to estimate divergence times, historical biogeography, and the evolution of key traits in swallows.
We assembled and analyzed the female-specific W chromosome of the prairie rattlesnake and performed analyses to understand the evolutionary history of ZW sex chromosomes in caenophidian snakes, the unique composition of the W chromosome, and what genes have survived ongoing genetic decay.
We analyzed population genomic data from venom gene regions in rattlesnake populations to characterize genetic diversity and signatures of selection.
We compared levels of autosomal and Z-linked sequence divergence between rattlesnake (Crotalus) species to infer a ratio of male-to-female mutation rate. We found evidence of a ~2-fold male-biased mutation rate, which has ramifications for rates of evolution in sex-linked genes in snakes.
Using a whole-genome resequencing dataset, we explored genetic diversity and differentiation across the genome between barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) subspecies. We compared variation on the Z chromosomes and autosomes to understand how different evolutionary processes have impacted sex-linked genetic diversity in this young species complex. We found evidence that low sex-linked diversity has been shaped by a combination of excess variance in male reproductive success, recent population bottlenecks, linked selection, and reduced gene flow on the Z chromosome.
We analyzed fine-scale LD-based recombination maps from rattlesnake species to characterize the genomic recombination landscape, annotate recombination hotspots, identify associations between hotspots and genomic features, and test the hypothesis that PRDM9 directs recombination hotspots in snake genomes.
Schield Lab 