Aarati Basnet

Genomic Insights into the Successful Invasion of the Avian Vampire Fly (Philornis downsi ) in the Galápagos Islands Abstract. Invasive species pose significant threats to island ecosystems, often leading to the decline of native species and the disruption of ecological b

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4/ We also found genetic signatures linked to climate adaptation, especially precipitation. Could environmental factors be shaping their invasion success? Needs more research 🌧️🪰

3/ Surprisingly, we identified adaptive genetic changes near genes linked to neural signaling, muscle development, and metabolism— that may enhance survival in new environments. ⚡🧬

2/ Our study reveals a founder effect—Galápagos populations have lower genetic diversity, indicating recent bottleneck. Despite this, we found signs of ongoing gene flow among islands. So, what’s helping them persist? 🌍🔬

🧵1/ Invasive species wreak havoc on island ecosystems, and the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi) is no exception. It parasitizes Galápagos birds, including Darwin’s finches, but how did it become such a successful invader? We used whole-genome sequencing to find out! 🪰🐦‍⬛