International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 108-119 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 108 Review Article Open Access Population Genomics of Primates: Diversity, Structure, and Evolutionary Dynamics YepingHan Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: liviayphan@gmail.com International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0014 Received: 21 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 23 May, 2024 Published: 30 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Han, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Han Y.P., 2024, Population genomics of primates: diversity, structure, and evolutionary dynamics, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(3): 108-119 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0014) Abstract This study synthesizes current research to provide a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary dynamics within and between primate species. Advances in genomic technologies, such as high-throughput sequencing and comparative genomics, have unveiled significant genetic variation across various primate species, including endangered ones like the black and white ruffed lemur and Coquerel’s sifaka. Despite their endangered status, these species exhibit high levels of genetic diversity, underscoring the importance of genomic data in conservation efforts. Key findings from phylogenomic studies emphasize the need to consider ancestral population variation when interpreting sequence divergence and evolutionary histories. Genomic data have illuminated long-term evolutionary processes and population dynamics that are otherwise difficult to observe, providing critical insights into gene regulatory evolution and phenotypic diversity across primates. Unique insights from case studies, particularly on African great apes, highlight complex demographic histories, including ancient admixture events, and significant genetic differentiation among populations. These studies underscore the intricate interplay between gene flow, selection, and genetic drift in shaping primate genomes. This study highlights the crucial role of population genomics in elucidating the evolutionary mechanisms driving primate diversity and adaptation, offering valuable perspectives for both evolutionary biology and conservation strategies. Keywords Primates; Genetic diversity; Population structure; Evolutionary dynamics; Conservation genomics 1 Introduction Population genomics is a field of study that focuses on understanding the genetic composition of populations and how it changes over time due to various evolutionary forces such as mutation, selection, recombination, and genetic drift. This field is significant in evolutionary biology as it provides insights into the mechanisms driving genetic diversity and adaptation within and between species (Peter et al., 2016). Historically, advancements in genomic technologies, such as high-throughput DNA sequencing, have revolutionized our ability to analyze genetic variation at a genome-wide scale, enabling more precise estimates of genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics (Osada, 2015). The integration of phylogenetics and population genetics, known as phylogenomics, has further enhanced our understanding of evolutionary histories and the functional elements within genomes (Siepel, 2009). Primates hold a unique position in evolutionary biology due to their close genetic relationship to humans. Studying primate genomics is crucial for understanding human evolution, as it allows researchers to identify genetic differences and similarities that have shaped the phenotypic traits of humans and their closest relatives (Stone and Verrelli, 2006). Primates also exhibit a rich diversity in morphology, behavior, and ecological adaptations, making them an ideal group for studying the impact of genomic diversity on biological processes (Kuderna et al., 2023). Furthermore, many primate species are threatened with extinction due to anthropogenic effects, highlighting the importance of conservation genomics to inform population management and preserve biodiversity (Orkin et al., 2020).
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