Genomics, Microbiomics and Stable Isotope Ecology of Modern and Extinct Ungulates

Dear Colleagues,

Ungulates, also known as mammals with hooves, include several hundred extinct and modern species. Many of these species are highly successful in their adaptation to diverse ecological niches and dominate in a variety of landscapes. Some species were domesticated by human societies and continue to play tremendous roles in our economy, culture and spiritual life. The anthropogenic interactions led to the complete decimation of some species and the development of conservation efforts to bring other species back from the brink of extinction, thus addressing global climate changes and the long-term viability of species.

Ungulates provide a good example of species that can benefit from cross-disciplinary studies in genomics, microbiomics and isotope ecology. These studies are especially important for species that have historically experienced extensive population bottlenecks and genomic modifications due to economic activities, habitat fragmentation and interbreeding with closely related species. This Special Issue offers an inspiring opportunity to publish studies on how evolutionary and anthropogenic processes have shaped genetic variation in different modern and extinct ungulate species. We encourage authors to submit manuscripts that examine various aspects of ungulate biology and ecology based on whole-genome polymorphisms, the genetic diversity of maternal and paternal lineages, gut and oral microbiomes, and the composition of stable isotopes in teeth and bones. Manuscripts that present morphometric analyses of ungulate species with regard to their adaptation to climate changes are also aligned with the scope of this Special Issue. Considering the vital role that ungulates have played in the history of human civilization and various nations, we welcome manuscripts that have developed from collaborations with Indigenous people and local communities.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Animals.

Dr. Igor Ovchinnikov
Guest Editor

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