Hybrid assembly and comparative genomics unveil insights into the evolution and biology of the red-legged partridge.

The red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of southwestern Europe, and understanding its genetics is vital for conservation and management. Here we sequence, assemble, and annotate a highly contiguous and nearly complete version of its genome. This assembly encompasses 96.9% of the avian genes flagged as essential in the BUSCO aves_odb10 dataset. Moreover, we pinpointed RNA and protein-coding genes, 95% of which had functional annotations. Notably, we observed significant chromosome rearrangements in comparison to quail (Coturnix japonica) and chicken (Gallus gallus). In addition, a comparative phylogenetic analysis of these genomes suggests that A. rufa and C. japonica diverged roughly 20 million years ago and that their common ancestor diverged from G. gallus 35 million years ago. Our assembly represents a significant advancement towards a complete reference genome for A. rufa, facilitating comparative avian genomics, and providing a valuable resource for future research and conservation efforts for the red-legged partridge.

Long-read de novo assembly of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) genome.

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a popular game bird species that is in decline in several regions of southwestern Europe. The introduction of farm-reared individuals of a distinct genetic make-up in hunting reserves can result in genetic swamping of wild populations. Here we present a de novo genome assembly for the red-legged partridge based on long-read sequencing technology. The assembled genome size is 1.14 Gb, with scaffold N50 of 37.6 Mb and contig N50 of 29.5 Mb. Our genome is highly contiguous and contains 97.06% of complete avian core genes. Overall, the quality of this genome assembly is equivalent to those available for other close relatives such as the Japanese quail or the chicken. This genome assembly will contribute to the understanding of genetic dynamics of wild populations of red-legged partridges with releases of farm-reared reinforcements and to appropriate management decisions of such populations.

New primers for sex identification in the Chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar).

1. Male and female Chukar partridges are difficult to differentiate based on their morphology or by the Chromobox-Helicase-DNA binding (CHD) during early growth.2. The current study developed a novel, simple, low-cost and rapid sexing protocol for Chukar partridges based on the newly defined sexing gene ubiquitin-associated protein 2 (UBAP2).3. The length of polymorphism between UBAP2-W and UBAP2-Z homologous genes allows for easy sex discrimination in this species. Molecular sexing analysis was based on the simultaneous amplification of both genes, resulting in two distinct amplicons (947 bp and 535 bp) in heterogametic females and only a single band (535 bp) in homogametic males, which is easy to detect with agarose gel electrophoresis.4. This technique is simple and convenient for genetic sex determination in Chukar partridges.

The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population.

Conservation translocations are an important conservation tool commonly employed to augment declining or reestablish extirpated populations. One goal of augmentation is to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding depression (i.e., genetic rescue). However, introducing individuals from significantly diverged populations risks disrupting coadapted traits and reducing local fitness (i.e., outbreeding depression). Genetic data are increasingly more accessible for wildlife species and can provide unique insight regarding the presence and retention of introduced genetic variation from augmentation as an indicator of effectiveness and adaptive similarity as an indicator of source and recipient population suitability. We used 2 genetic data sets to evaluate augmentation of isolated populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the northwestern region of the species range (Washington, USA) and to retrospectively evaluate adaptive divergence among source and recipient populations. We developed 2 statistical models for microsatellite data to evaluate augmentation outcomes. We used one model to predict genetic diversity after augmentation and compared these predictions with observations of genetic change. We used the second model to quantify the amount of observed reproduction attributed to transplants (proof of population integration). We also characterized genome-wide adaptive divergence among source and recipient populations. Observed genetic diversity (HO = 0.65) was higher in the recipient population than predicted had no augmentation occurred (HO = 0.58) but less than what was predicted by our model (HO = 0.75). The amount of shared genetic variation between the 2 geographically isolated resident populations increased, which is evidence of periodic gene flow previously assumed to be rare. Among candidate adaptive genes associated with elevated fixation index (FST) (143 genes) or local environmental variables (97 and 157 genes for each genotype-environment association method, respectively), we found clusters of genes with related functions that may influence the ability of transplants to use local resources and navigate unfamiliar environments and their reproductive potential, all possible reasons for low genetic retention from augmentation.

Influencia potencial de la divergencia adaptativa a nivel genoma sobre el resultado de la reubicación para conservación en una población aislada de urogallo mayor Resumen Las reubicaciones para conservación son una herramienta importante que se usa con frecuencia para aumentar las poblaciones en declinación o reestablecer las poblaciones erradicadas. Una de las metas de este aumento es incrementar la diversidad genética y reducir el riesgo de depresión endogámica (es decir, rescate genético). Sin embargo, la introducción de individuos de una población con divergencia significativa puede perturbar los rasgos coadaptados y reducir la aptitud local (es decir, depresión exogámica). La información genética es cada vez más accesible para las especies silvestres y puede proporcionar conocimiento único con respecto a la presencia y retención de la variación genética introducida a partir del aumento como un indicador de eficiencia y las similitudes adaptativas como un indicador de la idoneidad de la población de origen y la receptora. Usamos dos conjuntos de datos genéticos para evaluar el aumento de las poblaciones aisladas del urogallo mayor (Centrocercus urophasianus) en la región noroeste de la distribución de la especie (Washington, EUA) y para evaluar de forma retrospectiva la divergencia adaptativa entre la población de origen y la receptora. Desarrollamos dos modelos estadísticos para los datos microsatelitales para así evaluar los resultados del aumento. Usamos un modelo para predecir la diversidad genética después del aumento y comparamos estas predicciones con observaciones del cambio genético. Usamos el segundo modelo para cuantificar el aumento de la reproducción observada atribuida a las reubicaciones (evidencia de la integración poblacional). También caracterizamos la divergencia adaptativa a nivel genoma entre la población de origen y la población receptora. La diversidad genética observada (HO = 0.65) fue mayor de lo que se predijo en la población receptora de no haber ocurrido el aumento (HO = 0.58) pero menor de lo que se predijo en nuestro modelo (HO = 0.75). El aumento de la variación genética compartida entre las dos poblaciones residentes geográficamente aisladas incrementó, lo cual es evidencia de un flujo génico periódico que antes se supuso casi no ocurría. Entre los genes adaptativos candidatos asociados a una FST elevada (143 genes) o a variables ambientales locales (97 y 157 genes para cada método de asociación entre el ambiente y el genotipo, respectivamente) encontramos grupos de genes con funciones relacionadas que pueden influir sobre la habilidad de cada reubicación para usar recursos locales y navegar ambientes desconocidos y su potencial reproductivo, todas posibles razones para la baja retención genética en el aumento.

Genomic diversity and demographic history of the endangered Sichuan hill-partridge (Arborophila rufipectus).

Species conservation can be improved by knowledge of genetic diversity and demographic history. The Sichuan hill-partridge (Arborophila rufipectus, SP) is an endangered species endemic to the mountains in southwestern China. However, little is known about this species' genomic variation and demographic history. Here, we present a comprehensive whole-genome analysis of six SP individuals from the Laojunshan National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. We observe a relatively high genetic diversity and low level of recent inbreeding in the studied SP individuals. This suggests that the current population carries genetic variability that may benefit the long-term survival of this species, and that the present population may be larger than currently recognized. Analyses of demographic history showed that fluctuations in the effective population size of SP are inconsistent with changes of the historical climate. Strikingly, evidence from demographic modeling suggests SPs population decreased dramatically 15,100 years ago after the Last Glacial Maximum, possibly due to refugial isolation and later human interference. These results provide the first detailed and comprehensive genomic insights into genetic diversity, genomic inbreeding levels, and demographic history of the Sichuan hill-partridge, which are crucial for the conservation and management of this endangered species.

High-quality genome assembly of a C. crossoptilon and related functional and genetics data resources.

There are four species in the Crossoptilon genus inhibiting at from very low to very high altitudes across China, and they are in varying levels of danger of extinction. To better understand the genetic basis of adaptation to high altitudes and genetic changes due to bottleneck, we assembled the genome (~1.02 Gb) of a white eared pheasant (WT) (Crossoptilon crossoptilon) inhibiting at high altitudes (3,000~7,000 m) in northwest of Yunnan province, China, using a combination of Illumina short reads, PacBio long reads and Hi-C reads, with a contig N50 of 19.63 Mb and only six gaps. To further provide resources for gene annotation as well as functional and population genetics analyses, we sequenced transcriptomes of 20 major tissues of the WT individual and re-sequenced another 10 WT individuals and a blue eared pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum) individual inhabiting at intermediate altitudes (1,500~3,000 m). Our assembled WT genome, transcriptome data, and DNA sequencing data can be valuable resources for studying the biology, evolution and developing conservation strategies of these endangered species.

De novo Phased Genome Assembly, Annotation and Population Genotyping of Alectoris Chukar.

The Alectoris Chukar (chukar) is the most geographically widespread partridge species in the world, demonstrating exceptional adaptability to diverse ecological environments. However, the scarcity of genetic resources for chukar has hindered research into its adaptive evolution and molecular breeding. In this study, we have sequenced and assembled a high-quality, phased chukar genome that consists of 31 pairs of relatively complete diploid chromosomes. Our BUSCO analysis reported a high completeness score of 96.8% and 96.5%, with respect to universal single-copy orthologs and a low duplication rate (0.3% and 0.5%) for two assemblies. Through resequencing and population genomic analyses of six subspecies, we have curated invaluable genotype data that underscores the adaptive evolution of chukar in response to both arid and high-altitude environments. These data will significantly contribute to research on how chukars adaptively evolve to cope with desertification and alpine climates.

Hybrid de novo genome assembly of the sexually dimorphic Lady Amherst's pheasant.

Pheasants are an important group of birds, valued for their economic benefit as poultry birds, game birds, and as ornamental species for their plumage. Lady Amherst's pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae is an ornamental species, valued for its elaborate and beautiful plumage. In this study, we present a high-quality de novo hybrid genome assembly of C. amherstiae. Previous attempts to sequence the genome of this species resulted in draft-level assemblies, which are not available in the public domain. Using a combination of Illumina short reads and Oxford Nanopore's long-reads, we assembled a high-quality genome of N50 ~3.9 Mb and near complete BUSCO assessment. We observed a correlation between effective population size and past climatic conditions, with an increase in population size during the warm interglacial periods. We further observed significant fluctuations in genes involved with the immune system and visual perception. C. amherstiae is a highly dimorphic species, and significant fluctuations in gene families involved in immune response, visual perception, among others, suggesting a role of mate choice and sexual selection in the evolution and maintenance of exaggerated traits in the males.

Domestication is associated with increased interspecific hybrid compatibility in landfowl (order: Galliformes).

Some species are able to hybridize despite being exceptionally diverged. The causes of this variation in accumulation of reproductive isolation remain poorly understood, and domestication as an impetus or hindrance to reproductive isolation remains to be characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of divergence time, domestication, and mismatches in morphology, habitat, and clutch size among hybridizing species on reproductive isolation in the bird order Galliformes. We compiled and analyzed hybridization occurrences from literature and recorded measures of postzygotic reproductive isolation. We used a text-mining approach leveraging a historical aviculture magazine to quantify the degree of domestication across species. We obtained divergence time, morphology, habitat, and clutch size data from open sources. We found 123 species pairs (involving 77 species) with known offspring fertility (sterile, only males fertile, or both sexes fertile). We found that divergence time and clutch size were significant predictors of reproductive isolation (McFadden's Pseudo-R2 = 0.59), but not habitat or morphological mismatch. Perhaps most interesting, we found a significant relationship between domestication and reproductive compatibility after correcting for phylogeny, removing extreme values, and addressing potential biases (F1,74 = 5.43, R2 = 0.06, P-value = 0.02). We speculate that the genetic architecture and disruption in selective reproductive regimes associated with domestication may impact reproductive isolation, causing domesticated species to be more reproductively labile.

Genomic evolution of island birds from the view of the Swinhoe's pheasant (Lophura swinhoii).

Island endemic birds account for the majority of extinct vertebrates in the past few centuries. To date, the evolutionary characteristics of island endemic bird's is poorly known. In this research, we de novo assembled a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for the Swinhoe's pheasant, which is a typical endemic island bird. Results of collinearity tests suggest rapid ancient chromosome rearrangement that may have contributed to the initial species radiation within Phasianidae, and a role for the insertions of CR1 transposable elements in rearranging chromosomes in Phasianidae. During the evolution of the Swinhoe's pheasant, natural selection positively selected genes involved in fecundity and body size functions, at both the species and population levels, which reflect genetic variation associated with island adaptation. We further tested for variation in population genomic traits between the Swinhoe's pheasant and its phylogenetically closely related mainland relative the silver pheasant, and found higher levels of genetic drift and inbreeding in the Swinhoe's pheasant genome. Divergent demographic histories of insular and mainland bird species during the last glacial period may reflect the differing impact of insular and continental climates on the evolution of species. Our research interprets the natural history and population genetic characteristics of the insular endemic bird the Swinhoe's pheasant, at a genome-wide scale, provides a broader perspective on insular speciation, and adaptive evolution and contributes to the genetic conservation of island endemic birds.

The draft genome of the Temminck's tragopan (Tragopan temminckii) with evolutionary implications.

BACKGROUND: High-quality genome data of birds play a significant role in the systematic study of their origin and adaptive evolution. The Temminck's tragopan (Tragopan temminckii) (Galliformes, Phasianidae), a larger pheasant, is one of the most abundant and widely distributed species of the genus Tragopan, and was defined as class II of the list of national key protected wild animals in China. The absence of a sequenced genome has restricted previous evolutionary trait studies of this taxa. RESULTS: The whole genome of the Temminck's tragopan was sequenced using Illumina and PacBio platform, and then de novo assembled and annotated. The genome size was 1.06 Gb, with a contig N50 of 4.17 Mb. A total of 117.22 Mb (11.00%) repeat sequences were identified. 16,414 genes were predicted using three methods, with 16,099 (98.08%) annotated as functional genes based on five databases. In addition, comparative genome analyses were conducted across 12 Galliformes species. The results indicated that T. temminckii was the first species to branch off from the clade containing Lophura nycthemera, Phasianus colchicus, Chrysolophus pictus, Syrmaticus mikado, Perdix hodgsoniae, and Meleagris gallopavo, with a corresponding divergence time of 31.43 million years ago (MYA). Expanded gene families associated with immune response and energy metabolism were identified. Genes and pathways associated with plumage color and feather development, immune response, and energy metabolism were found in the list of positively selected genes (PSGs). CONCLUSIONS: A genome draft of the Temminck's tragopan was reported, genome feature and comparative genome analysis were described, and genes and pathways related to plumage color and feather development, immune response, and energy metabolism were identified. The genomic data of the Temminck's tragopan considerably contribute to the genome evolution and phylogeny of the genus Tragopan and the whole Galliformes species underlying ecological adaptation strategies.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Przevalski's partridge (Alectoris magna).

Przevalski's partridge (Alectoris magna) is one of the birds in the genus Alectoris endemic to China. The distribution of A. magna was narrow, and it was only found in parts of the Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces. A. magna was considered a monotypic species until it was distinguished into two subspecies. However, external morphological characteristics, rather than genetic differences or evolutionary relationships, are now commonly used as evidence of subspecies differentiation. In this study, a chromosome-level reference genome of A. magna has been constructed by combining Illumina, PacBio and Hi-C sequencing data. The 1135.01 Mb A. magna genome was ultimately assembled. The genome showed 96.9% completeness (BUSCO), with a contig N50 length of 23.34 Mb. The contigs were clustered and oriented on 20 chromosomes, covering approximately 99.96% of the genome assembly. Additionally, altogether 19,103 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 95.10% were functionally annotated. This high-quality genome assembly could serve as a valuable genomic resource for future research on the functional genomics, genetic protection, and interspecific hybridization of A. magna.

Genomic Variation, Population History, and Long-Term Genetic Adaptation to High Altitudes in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae).

Species residing across elevational gradients display adaptations in response to environmental changes such as oxygen availability, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature. Here, we study genomic variation, gene expression, and long-term adaptation in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) populations residing across the elevational gradient of the Tibetan Plateau. We generated a high-quality draft genome and used it to carry out downstream population genomic and transcriptomic analysis. The P. hodgsoniae populations residing across various elevations were genetically distinct, and their phylogenetic clustering was consistent with their geographic distribution. We identified possible evidence of gene flow between populations residing in <3,000 and >4,200 m elevation that is consistent with known habitat expansion of high-altitude populations of P. hodgsoniae to a lower elevation. We identified a 60 kb haplotype encompassing the Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) gene, showing strong genetic divergence between populations of P. hodgsoniae. We identified six single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ESR1 gene fixed for derived alleles in high-altitude populations that are strongly conserved across vertebrates. We also compared blood transcriptome profiles and identified differentially expressed genes (such as GAPDH, LDHA, and ALDOC) that correlated with differences in altitude among populations of P. hodgsoniae. These candidate genes from population genomics and transcriptomics analysis were enriched for neutrophil degranulation and glycolysis pathways, which are known to respond to hypoxia and hence may contribute to long-term adaptation to high altitudes in P. hodgsoniae. Our results highlight Tibetan Partridges as a useful model to study molecular mechanisms underlying long-term adaptation to high altitudes.

Independent loss events of a functional tetherin gene in galliform birds.

IMPORTANCE: Birds represent important hosts for numerous viruses, including zoonotic viruses and pathogens with the potential to cause major economic losses to the poultry industry. Viral replication and transmission can be inhibited or blocked by the action of antiviral restriction factors (RFs) encoded by the host. One well-characterized RF is tetherin, a protein that directly blocks the release of newly formed viral particles from infected cells. Here, we describe the evolutionary loss of a functional tetherin gene in two galliform birds, turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and Mikado pheasant (Syrmaticus mikado). Moreover, we demonstrate that the structurally related protein TMCC(aT) exerts antiviral activity in several birds, albeit by a mechanism different from that of tetherin. The evolutionary scenario described here represents the first documented loss-of-tetherin cases in vertebrates.

Temporal Variations in the Gut Microbiota of the Globally Endangered Sichuan Partridge (Arborophila rufipectus): Implications for Adaptation to Seasonal Dietary Change and Conservation.

Host-associated microbiotas are known to influence host health by aiding digestion, metabolism, nutrition, physiology, immune function, and pathogen resistance. Although an increasing number of studies have investigated the avian microbiome, there is a lack of research on the gut microbiotas of wild birds, especially endangered pheasants. Owing to the difficulty of characterizing the dynamics of dietary composition, especially in omnivores, how the gut microbiotas of birds respond to seasonal dietary changes remains poorly understood. The Sichuan partridge (Arborophila rufipectus) is an endangered pheasant species with a small population endemic to the mountains of southwest China. Here, 16S rRNA sequencing and Tax4Fun were used to characterize and compare community structure and functions of the gut microbiota in the Sichuan partridges across three critical periods of their annual life cycle (breeding, postbreeding wandering, and overwintering). We found that the microbial communities were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria throughout the year. Diversity of the gut microbiotas was highest during postbreeding wandering and lowest during the overwintering periods. Seasonal dietary changes and reassembly of the gut microbial community occurred consistently. Composition, diversity, and functions of the gut microbiota exhibited diet-associated variations, which might facilitate host adaptation to diverse diets in response to environmental shifts. Moreover, 28 potential pathogenic genera were detected, and their composition differed significantly between the three periods. Investigation of the wild bird gut microbiota dynamics has enhanced our understanding of diet-microbiota associations over the annual life cycle of birds, aiding in the integrative conservation of this endangered bird. IMPORTANCE Characterizing the gut microbiotas of wild birds across seasons will shed light on their annual life cycle. Due to sampling difficulties and the lack of detailed dietary information, studies on how the gut microbiota adapts to seasonal dietary changes of wild birds are scarce. Based on more detailed dietary composition, we found a seasonal reshaping pattern of the gut microbiota of Sichuan partridges corresponding to their seasonal dietary changes. The variation in diet and gut microbiota potentially facilitated the diversity of dietary niches of this endangered pheasant, revealing a seasonal diet-microbiota association across the three periods of the annual cycle. In addition, identifying a variety of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera aids in managing the health and improving survival of Sichuan partridges. Incorporation of microbiome research in the conservation of endangered species contributes to our comprehensive understanding the diet-host-microbiota relationship in wild birds and refinement of conservation practices.

A chromosome-level genome assembly for the Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta).

The Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) is a cold-adapted, largely sedentary, game bird with a Holarctic distribution. The species represents an important example of an organism likely to be affected by ongoing climatic shifts across a disparate range. We provide here a high-quality reference genome and mitogenome for the Rock Ptarmigan assembled from PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing of a female bird from Iceland. The total size of the genome is 1.03 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 71.23 Mb and a contig N50 of 17.91 Mb. The final scaffolds represent all 40 predicted chromosomes, and the mitochondria with a BUSCO score of 98.6%. Gene annotation resulted in 16,078 protein-coding genes out of a total 19,831 predicted (81.08% excluding pseudogenes). The genome included 21.07% repeat sequences, and the average length of genes, exons, and introns were 33605, 394, and 4265 bp, respectively. The availability of a new reference-quality genome will contribute to understanding the Rock Ptarmigan's unique evolutionary history, vulnerability to climate change, and demographic trajectories around the globe while serving as a benchmark for species in the family Phasianidae (order Galliformes).

Relationship between semen quality and level of heterozygosity on the model of endangered population of Western capercaillie.

Sperm quality is a very important population survival factor, which can be influenced by the level of male's genetic diversity and can influence reproduction effectiveness, what may be crucial in terms of decision about local, endangered population protection plans. Thus, we analysed if heterozygosity and age influence sperm quality in the engendered European capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) population in Polish breeding stations. Obtained results showed no relationship between normal sperm morphology and heterozygosity, as well as age and sperm morphology, but it was shown that both high and low level of heterozygosity significantly influenced the percentage of abnormal sperm. Thus, heterozygosity level can be a useful tool for population reproduction potential prediction, however, further research on how those abnormalities influence fertilization process are needed.

Genomic diversity and signals of selection processes in wild and farm-reared red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa).

The genetic dynamics of wild populations with releases of farm-reared reinforcements are very complex. These releases can endanger wild populations through genetic swamping or by displacing them. We assessed the genomic differences between wild and farm-reared red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and described differential selection signals between both populations. We sequenced the whole genome of 30 wild and 30 farm-reared partridges. Both partridges had similar nucleotide diversity (π). Farm-reared partridges had a more negative Tajima's D and more and longer regions of extended haplotype homozygosity than wild partridges. We observed higher inbreeding coefficients (FIS and FROH) in wild partridges. Selective sweeps (Rsb) were enriched with genes that contribute to the reproductive, skin and feather colouring, and behavioural differences between wild and farm-reared partridges. The analysis of genomic diversity should inform future decisions for the preservation of wild populations.

Characterization of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers for the chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii, Galliformes) using Illumina MiSeq sequencing.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii, Galliformes) is a vulnerable and endemic bird from southwestern China. To better protect this species and increase its population size, genetic markers are urgently needed for investigation and conservation of both wild and captive populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: By using next-generation sequencing, we developed and characterized markers for seven microsatellite loci of the Chinese monal. PCR examination and statistical analysis indicated that these microsatellites exhibited moderate to high levels of polymorphism, with the expected heterozygosity and polymorphic information content ranging from 0.578 to 0.858 and from 0.540 to 0.841, respectively. Cross-species genome comparison further suggests that these microsatellites are a feature of certain galliform species rather than being specific to the Chinese monal. CONCLUSION: A combination of the seven highly polymorphic loci may provide a fundamental genetic toolkit to assess genetic backgrounds and will contribute to design conservation plan, breeding management and other possible studies of the Chinese monal and other evolutionarily related species in the future.

The draft genome of the Tibetan partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) provides insights into its phylogenetic position and high-altitude adaptation.

The Tibetan partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) is a widely distributed endemic species in high-altitude areas across the Tibetan Plateau where the hypoxia, lower temperature and high ultraviolet radiation are pivotal factors influencing survival. However, the underlying genetic adaptation of the Tibetan partridge to extreme environments remains uncertain due to limited genomic resources. Similarly, the phylogenetic position of Perdix within Phasianidae remains controversial due to lacking information. Consequently, we de novo assembled and annotated the whole genome of the Tibetan partridge. The genome size was 1.15 Gb with contig N50 of 3.70 Mb. A total of 202.30 Mb (17.61%) repetitive elements and 445,876 perfect microsatellites were identified. A total of 16,845 functionally annotated protein-coding genes were identified in the Tibetan partridge. Genomic phylogenetic analysis across 30 Galliformes species indicated a close relationship between Perdix and typical pheasants composed of Chrysolophus, Symaticus, Phasianus, Crossopilon, and Lophura. However, the phylogenetic relationship of (Perdix + (Chrysolophus + (Syrmaticus + other pheasants))) was different from those of (Perdix + (Syrmaticus + (Chrysolophus + other pheasants))) in previous studies. Comparative genomic results identified NFKB1 and CREBBP positively selected genes related to hypoxia with 3 and 2 Tibetan partridge-specific missense mutations, respectively. Expanded gene families were mainly associated with energy metabolism and steroid hydroxylase activity, meanwhile, contracted gene families were mainly related to immunity and olfactory perception. Our genomic data considerably contribute to the phylogeny of Perdix and the underlying adaptation strategies of the Tibetan partridge to a high-altitude environment.