R. K. Wayne

Genetic and anatomical determinants of olfaction in dogs and wild canids

This study investigates the genetic and anatomical basis of olfaction in dogs and wild canids, finding no evidence of human-directed selection for enhanced olfaction in domestic dogs.

The influence of gene flow on population viability in an isolated urban caracal population

The paper examines the genomic effects of isolation and low gene flow in an urban caracal population and models the impact of migration on population viability.

Environmental DNA reveals invasive crayfish microbial associates and ecosystem-wide biodiversity before and after eradication

The paper uses eDNA metabarcoding to assess biodiversity changes before and after invasive crayfish eradication, identifying microbial bioindicators for invasive species monitoring.

Genomic underpinnings of population persistence in Isle Royale moose

This study examines the genomic factors contributing to population persistence in Isle Royale moose despite low genetic diversity and inbreeding, finding evidence of purging and reduced fitness.

Hibernation slows epigenetic aging in yellow-bellied marmots

This study examines how hibernation affects epigenetic aging in yellow-bellied marmots using epigenetic clocks and pacemakers, finding that aging slows during hibernation.

From zero to infinity: minimum to maximum diversity of the planet by spatio-parametric Rao's quadratic entropy

This paper generalizes Rao's quadratic entropy to create a parametric measure for satellite-based ecosystem diversity, integrating abundance and spectral distance.

Experimental assessment of K locus effects on the gray wolf response to virus

The study investigates the effect of the KB allele on gray wolf gene regulatory responses to viral infection using cell cultures, finding no difference in response between genotypes.

Strongly deleterious mutations are a primary determinant of extinction risk due to inbreeding depression

This study shows that strongly deleterious mutations, not just genetic diversity, are key to extinction risk in small populations due to inbreeding depression.

A Biodiversity Composition Map of California Derived from Environmental DNA Metabarcoding and Earth Observation

The paper integrates environmental DNA and Earth observation to create a biodiversity map of California, showing strong community-environment correlations and environmental filtering effects.

Beach environmental DNA fills gaps in photographic biomonitoring to track spatiotemporal community turnover across 82 phyla

This paper compares eDNA metabarcoding and photographic observations to assess biodiversity and community turnover across 82 phyla, finding eDNA captures seasonal changes and links protected areas to better-sampled sites.

Mountain lion genomes provide insights into genetic rescue of inbred populations

The paper analyzes mountain lion genomes to study genetic rescue effects in inbred populations, finding that translocated individuals quickly lose genetic diversity due to local inbreeding.

Genomic signatures of extensive inbreeding in Isle Royale wolves, a population on the threshold of extinction

The paper analyzes genomic data from Isle Royale wolves to assess the effects of inbreeding and finds that homozygosity of deleterious mutations, not heterozygosity or variant count, correlates with inbreeding depression.

Complex patterns of sex-biased demography in canines

The paper analyzes genetic variation in canines to investigate sex-biased demography, finding evidence of both male- and female-biased mating patterns across different canine populations.