Robert (Scott) Cornman, PhD
Scott Cornman is a Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center.
(Robert) Scott Cornman is a Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center. He received a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Georgia. He is a genomics specialist focusing on the application of SNPs, RNA-Seq, and barcode sequencing to organismal ecology and conservation.
Professional Experience
2015-present, Biologist, USGS FORT, Fort Collins, CO
2012-2015, Biologist, USGS LSC, Leetown, WV
2008-2012, Geneticist, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD
Education and Certifications
PhD Genetics/University of Georgia, 2006
B.A. History/Rice University, 1992
Science and Products
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genetic analysis is increasingly used to understand ecosystem processes and inform conservation, management, and policy. I assist USGS researchers and their collaborators in the design, analysis, and interpretation of high-throughput genetic studies. Common applications include: detecting genes responsive to particular environmental stressors in a sentinel species or species of conservation...
Filter Total Items: 32
Genomic sequence polymorphisms among Corvus kubaryi of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands, inferred from samples collected between 2014 and 2024 Genomic sequence polymorphisms among Corvus kubaryi of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands, inferred from samples collected between 2014 and 2024
This study generated genetic polymorphism data at a genome scale by whole-genome shotgun DNA sequencing of Mariana Crow (Corvus Kubaryi). DNA was extracted from blood tissue originally collected nonlethally from field monitoring efforts, captive rearing, and carcasses, under permit of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Sequencing libraries were generated for the Illumina sequencing...
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by multiple bee species in units of the National Park Service, National Capital Region, 2021-2022 Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by multiple bee species in units of the National Park Service, National Capital Region, 2021-2022
This study generated genetic 'metabarcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen foraging behavior of pollinating bee species on managed field habitat within units of the National Park Service. Specimens were collected within parks of the National Capital Region from 2021-2023 and subsequently identified to species or genus. DNA was then extracted from specimens...
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis, 2021-2023 Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis, 2021-2023
This study generated genetic 'metabarcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen foraging behavior of the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Pollen samples were collected primarily from forest meadow habitats in the Appalachian piedmont of the eastern United States, specifically within the states of Virginia and West Virginia. Three additional...
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods
The dataset consists of two file types. The first type consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences of the transient receptor potential (Trp) superfamily of genes in FASTA format. The sequence data were obtained from the Gene database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene), aligned at the codon level, and trimmed to a defined region...
Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska
This dataset describes sequence data derived from 18S ribosomal and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) DNA. Stomach contents from 190 Macoma calcarea clams were examined for this study. Clams were collected from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea, Alaska in 2018 and 2019 using benthic van Veen grabs.
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis
This study generated genetic 'barcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen collected by the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Pollen samples were associated with a single Bombus affinis colony within a structure in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA, as previously described by Boone et al. (2022). This data release consists of two tab-delimited files: 1)...
Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024) Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024)
Conservation translocations are a common wildlife management tool that can be difficult to implement and evaluate for effectiveness. Genetic information can provide unique insight regarding local impact of translocations (e.g., presence and retention of introduced genetic variation) and identifying suitable source and recipient populations (e.g., adaptive similarity). We developed two...
Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California
This dataset contains the invertebrates (identified to Order and Family) present in Cactus Wren nestling fecal samples and found using DNA sequencing (metabarcoding) methods. Nestling fecal samples were collected from one or more handled nestlings per territory collected between April and July of 2015 through 2019 in San Diego, California. The steps to process these data are detailed in...
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats
The dataset consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and from Cornman and Cryan (2022). Sequences derive from twelve bat species that are representative of bat diversity and for which high-quality gene models have been annotated. Each gene set was codon aligned and subsequently trimmed as...
Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds
The data release details the samples, methods, and raw data used to generate high-quality genome assemblies for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura), and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator). The raw data have been deposited in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the authoritative...
Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States
The dataset consists of genotypes (diploid base calls at variant sites) at 3,601 anonymous sites of the Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) nuclear genome. The genotyped samples are representative of the range of the species and its major population units, and the genotyped loci have a high degree of completeness. This data release consists of several files: 1. sample.metadata.txt...
Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor
Honey bees (Apis mellifera), a critical agricultural pollinator in many areas, have a high rate of infection with a large DNA virus, Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV), yet little is known about its ecology or impact on honey bee colonies, other than its ubiquity and apparent low virulence. This study scanned over 5,000 public data sets to detect AmFV sequences in honey bees as well...
Filter Total Items: 54
Molecular evolution of TRPC4 regulatory sequences supports a role in mammalian thermoregulatory adaptation Molecular evolution of TRPC4 regulatory sequences supports a role in mammalian thermoregulatory adaptation
Background Proteins encoded by the canonical transient receptor potential (Trpc) gene family form transmembrane channels involved in diverse signal-transduction pathways. Trpc4 has been shown necessary for the induction of nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) in mice, a key component of which is thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT). In bats, Trpc4 exhibited diversifying selection within...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
Novel adomaviruses associated with blotchy bass syndrome in black basses (Micropterus spp.) Novel adomaviruses associated with blotchy bass syndrome in black basses (Micropterus spp.)
Black bass (Micropterus spp.) are the most important warmwater game fishes in the United States. They have high socioeconomic and recreational value and support an important aquaculture industry. Since 2008, fisheries managers have been reporting the observation of hyperpigmented melanistic lesions (HPMLs) on smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) in different ecoregions of the United States...
Authors
Luke Iwanowicz, Clayton D. Raines, Kelsey E. Young, Vicki S. Blazer, Heather L. Walsh, Geoff Smith, Cynthia Holt, John Odenkirk, Tom Jones, Jan-Michael Hessenauer, Morgan Alexandra Biggs, Christopher Buck, Justin Blaine Greer, Robert S. Cornman
Prevalence of pelagic diatoms and harmful algae in tellinid bivalve diets during record low sea ice in the Pacific Arctic determined by DNA metabarcoding Prevalence of pelagic diatoms and harmful algae in tellinid bivalve diets during record low sea ice in the Pacific Arctic determined by DNA metabarcoding
Understanding changes at the base of the marine food web in the rapidly transforming Arctic is essential for predicting and evaluating ecosystem dynamics. The northern Bering Sea experienced record low sea ice in 2018, followed by the second lowest in 2019, highlighting the urgency of the issue for this region. In this study, we investigated the diet of the clam Macoma calcarea in the...
Authors
Chelsea W. Koch, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Lee W. Cooper, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Ann Elizabeth Riddle-Berntsen, Robert S. Cornman
Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota
Understanding the forage diets of imperiled bumble bees can improve conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts. In this study, we describe the taxonomic composition of bee-collected pollen from 2 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) nests located in southeastern Minnesota. This is the first published reporting of pollen collected from active B. affinis nests. We...
Authors
Michael Simanonok, Elaine Evans, Clint Otto, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Tamara A. Smith
A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Background Previous work found that numerous genes positively selected within the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage are physically clustered in regions of conserved synteny. Here I further validate and expand on those finding utilizing an updated L. cinereus genome assembly and additional bat species as well as other tetrapod outgroups.Methods A chromosome-level assembly was...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population 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...
Authors
Shawna J Zimmerman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael A Schroeder, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, Sara J. Oyler-McCance
Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment
With the decline of bee populations worldwide, studies determining current wild bee distributions and diversity are increasingly important. Wild bee identification is often completed by experienced taxonomists or by genetic analysis. The current study was designed to compare two methods of identification including: (1) morphological identification by experienced taxonomists using images...
Authors
Cassandra Smith, Robert S. Cornman, Jennifer A. Fike, Johanna M. Kraus, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Carrie E. Givens, Michelle Hladik, Mark W. Vandever, Dana W. Kolpin, Kelly Smalling
Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S. Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S.
The Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) is restricted to riverine corridors and adjacent uplands in the arid southwestern United States. As with numerous amphibians worldwide, populations are declining and face various known or suspected threats, from disease to habitat modification resulting from climate change. The Arizona Toad has been petitioned to be listed under the U.S...
Authors
Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Mason J. Ryan, Brian K. Sullivan, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, J. T. Giermakowski, Shawna J Zimmerman, R. L. Harrow, S.J. Hedwell, Blake R. Hossack, I. M. Latella, R. E. Lovish, S. Siefken, Brent H. Sigafus, Erin L. Muths
Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs
The free-living thermophilic amoeba Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes the highly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The environmental conditions that are favorable to the growth and proliferation of N. fowleri are not well-defined, especially in northern regions of the United States. In this study, we used culture-based methods and multiple molecular approaches to...
Authors
Elliott Barnhart, Stacy Kinsey, Peter R. Wright, Sara L. Caldwell Eldridge, Vince Hill, Amy Kahler, Mia Mattioli, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Zachary Eddy, Sandra Halonen, Rebecca C. Mueller, Brent Peyton, Geoffrey Puzon
Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus
Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus of uncertain phylogenetic position that infects honey bees (Apis mellifera). Little is known about AmFV evolution or molecular aspects of infection. Accurate annotation of open-reading frames (ORFs) is challenged by weak homology to other known viruses. This study was undertaken to evaluate ORFs (including...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability
Information on diet breadth and preference can assist in understanding links between food resources and population growth and inform habitat restoration for rare herbivores. We assessed the diet of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse using metabarcoding of fecal samples and compared it to plant community composition in long-term study plots in two populations on Marine Corps Base Camp...
Authors
Amy G. Vandergast, Cheryl S. Brehme, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Robert S. Cornman, Devin T. Adsit-Morris, Robert N. Fisher
Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling
Background Benthic invertebrate (BI) surveys have been widely used to characterize freshwater environmental quality but can be challenging to implement at desired spatial scales and frequency. Environmental DNA (eDNA) allows an alternative BI survey approach, one that can potentially be implemented more rapidly and cheaply than traditional methods.Methods We evaluated eDNA analogs of BI...
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Sara J. Mueller, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman
Science and Products
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genetic analysis is increasingly used to understand ecosystem processes and inform conservation, management, and policy. I assist USGS researchers and their collaborators in the design, analysis, and interpretation of high-throughput genetic studies. Common applications include: detecting genes responsive to particular environmental stressors in a sentinel species or species of conservation...
Filter Total Items: 32
Genomic sequence polymorphisms among Corvus kubaryi of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands, inferred from samples collected between 2014 and 2024 Genomic sequence polymorphisms among Corvus kubaryi of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands, inferred from samples collected between 2014 and 2024
This study generated genetic polymorphism data at a genome scale by whole-genome shotgun DNA sequencing of Mariana Crow (Corvus Kubaryi). DNA was extracted from blood tissue originally collected nonlethally from field monitoring efforts, captive rearing, and carcasses, under permit of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Sequencing libraries were generated for the Illumina sequencing...
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by multiple bee species in units of the National Park Service, National Capital Region, 2021-2022 Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by multiple bee species in units of the National Park Service, National Capital Region, 2021-2022
This study generated genetic 'metabarcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen foraging behavior of pollinating bee species on managed field habitat within units of the National Park Service. Specimens were collected within parks of the National Capital Region from 2021-2023 and subsequently identified to species or genus. DNA was then extracted from specimens...
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis, 2021-2023 Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis, 2021-2023
This study generated genetic 'metabarcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen foraging behavior of the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Pollen samples were collected primarily from forest meadow habitats in the Appalachian piedmont of the eastern United States, specifically within the states of Virginia and West Virginia. Three additional...
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of transient receptor potential (Trp) genes in tetrapods
The dataset consists of two file types. The first type consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences of the transient receptor potential (Trp) superfamily of genes in FASTA format. The sequence data were obtained from the Gene database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene), aligned at the codon level, and trimmed to a defined region...
Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska Macoma Clam Prey Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, 2018 and 2019, Alaska
This dataset describes sequence data derived from 18S ribosomal and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) DNA. Stomach contents from 190 Macoma calcarea clams were examined for this study. Clams were collected from the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea, Alaska in 2018 and 2019 using benthic van Veen grabs.
Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis Amplicon sequencing of pollen foraged by Bombus affinis for compositional analysis
This study generated genetic 'barcode' data using high-throughput sequencing to characterize pollen collected by the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Pollen samples were associated with a single Bombus affinis colony within a structure in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA, as previously described by Boone et al. (2022). This data release consists of two tab-delimited files: 1)...
Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024) Greater sage-grouse genetic data and R code for evaluating conservation translocations in the northwestern United States, 1992–2021 (ver. 1.1, December 2024)
Conservation translocations are a common wildlife management tool that can be difficult to implement and evaluate for effectiveness. Genetic information can provide unique insight regarding local impact of translocations (e.g., presence and retention of introduced genetic variation) and identifying suitable source and recipient populations (e.g., adaptive similarity). We developed two...
Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California Cactus Wren Invertebrate Diet Derived from Sequencing of Nestling Fecal Samples in San Diego County, California
This dataset contains the invertebrates (identified to Order and Family) present in Cactus Wren nestling fecal samples and found using DNA sequencing (metabarcoding) methods. Nestling fecal samples were collected from one or more handled nestlings per territory collected between April and July of 2015 through 2019 in San Diego, California. The steps to process these data are detailed in...
DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats DNA sequences used to analyze evolutionary rates of genes in bats
The dataset consists of sets of orthologous gene sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and from Cornman and Cryan (2022). Sequences derive from twelve bat species that are representative of bat diversity and for which high-quality gene models have been annotated. Each gene set was codon aligned and subsequently trimmed as...
Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds Whole genome sequencing of three North American large-bodied birds
The data release details the samples, methods, and raw data used to generate high-quality genome assemblies for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura), and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator). The raw data have been deposited in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the authoritative...
Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States Reduced representation sequencing and genotyping of Arizona Toads (Anaxyrus microscaphus) from the southwestern United States
The dataset consists of genotypes (diploid base calls at variant sites) at 3,601 anonymous sites of the Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) nuclear genome. The genotyped samples are representative of the range of the species and its major population units, and the genotyped loci have a high degree of completeness. This data release consists of several files: 1. sample.metadata.txt...
Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor Occurrences of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) sequences in public accessions of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor
Honey bees (Apis mellifera), a critical agricultural pollinator in many areas, have a high rate of infection with a large DNA virus, Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV), yet little is known about its ecology or impact on honey bee colonies, other than its ubiquity and apparent low virulence. This study scanned over 5,000 public data sets to detect AmFV sequences in honey bees as well...
Filter Total Items: 54
Molecular evolution of TRPC4 regulatory sequences supports a role in mammalian thermoregulatory adaptation Molecular evolution of TRPC4 regulatory sequences supports a role in mammalian thermoregulatory adaptation
Background Proteins encoded by the canonical transient receptor potential (Trpc) gene family form transmembrane channels involved in diverse signal-transduction pathways. Trpc4 has been shown necessary for the induction of nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) in mice, a key component of which is thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT). In bats, Trpc4 exhibited diversifying selection within...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
Novel adomaviruses associated with blotchy bass syndrome in black basses (Micropterus spp.) Novel adomaviruses associated with blotchy bass syndrome in black basses (Micropterus spp.)
Black bass (Micropterus spp.) are the most important warmwater game fishes in the United States. They have high socioeconomic and recreational value and support an important aquaculture industry. Since 2008, fisheries managers have been reporting the observation of hyperpigmented melanistic lesions (HPMLs) on smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) in different ecoregions of the United States...
Authors
Luke Iwanowicz, Clayton D. Raines, Kelsey E. Young, Vicki S. Blazer, Heather L. Walsh, Geoff Smith, Cynthia Holt, John Odenkirk, Tom Jones, Jan-Michael Hessenauer, Morgan Alexandra Biggs, Christopher Buck, Justin Blaine Greer, Robert S. Cornman
Prevalence of pelagic diatoms and harmful algae in tellinid bivalve diets during record low sea ice in the Pacific Arctic determined by DNA metabarcoding Prevalence of pelagic diatoms and harmful algae in tellinid bivalve diets during record low sea ice in the Pacific Arctic determined by DNA metabarcoding
Understanding changes at the base of the marine food web in the rapidly transforming Arctic is essential for predicting and evaluating ecosystem dynamics. The northern Bering Sea experienced record low sea ice in 2018, followed by the second lowest in 2019, highlighting the urgency of the issue for this region. In this study, we investigated the diet of the clam Macoma calcarea in the...
Authors
Chelsea W. Koch, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Lee W. Cooper, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Ann Elizabeth Riddle-Berntsen, Robert S. Cornman
Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota Floral Composition of Pollen Collected from a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) Nest in Southeastern Minnesota
Understanding the forage diets of imperiled bumble bees can improve conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts. In this study, we describe the taxonomic composition of bee-collected pollen from 2 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis, Cresson) nests located in southeastern Minnesota. This is the first published reporting of pollen collected from active B. affinis nests. We...
Authors
Michael Simanonok, Elaine Evans, Clint Otto, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Tamara A. Smith
A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Background Previous work found that numerous genes positively selected within the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage are physically clustered in regions of conserved synteny. Here I further validate and expand on those finding utilizing an updated L. cinereus genome assembly and additional bat species as well as other tetrapod outgroups.Methods A chromosome-level assembly was...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population 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...
Authors
Shawna J Zimmerman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael A Schroeder, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, Sara J. Oyler-McCance
Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment Comparing modern identification methods for wild bees: Metabarcoding and image-based morphological taxonomic assignment
With the decline of bee populations worldwide, studies determining current wild bee distributions and diversity are increasingly important. Wild bee identification is often completed by experienced taxonomists or by genetic analysis. The current study was designed to compare two methods of identification including: (1) morphological identification by experienced taxonomists using images...
Authors
Cassandra Smith, Robert S. Cornman, Jennifer A. Fike, Johanna M. Kraus, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Carrie E. Givens, Michelle Hladik, Mark W. Vandever, Dana W. Kolpin, Kelly Smalling
Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S. Genetic Connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern U.S.
The Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) is restricted to riverine corridors and adjacent uplands in the arid southwestern United States. As with numerous amphibians worldwide, populations are declining and face various known or suspected threats, from disease to habitat modification resulting from climate change. The Arizona Toad has been petitioned to be listed under the U.S...
Authors
Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Mason J. Ryan, Brian K. Sullivan, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman, J. T. Giermakowski, Shawna J Zimmerman, R. L. Harrow, S.J. Hedwell, Blake R. Hossack, I. M. Latella, R. E. Lovish, S. Siefken, Brent H. Sigafus, Erin L. Muths
Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park hot springs
The free-living thermophilic amoeba Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes the highly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The environmental conditions that are favorable to the growth and proliferation of N. fowleri are not well-defined, especially in northern regions of the United States. In this study, we used culture-based methods and multiple molecular approaches to...
Authors
Elliott Barnhart, Stacy Kinsey, Peter R. Wright, Sara L. Caldwell Eldridge, Vince Hill, Amy Kahler, Mia Mattioli, Robert S. Cornman, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Zachary Eddy, Sandra Halonen, Rebecca C. Mueller, Brent Peyton, Geoffrey Puzon
Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus Data mining reveals tissue-specific expression and host lineage-associated forms of Apis mellifera filamentous virus
Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus of uncertain phylogenetic position that infects honey bees (Apis mellifera). Little is known about AmFV evolution or molecular aspects of infection. Accurate annotation of open-reading frames (ORFs) is challenged by weak homology to other known viruses. This study was undertaken to evaluate ORFs (including...
Authors
Robert S. Cornman
Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability
Information on diet breadth and preference can assist in understanding links between food resources and population growth and inform habitat restoration for rare herbivores. We assessed the diet of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse using metabarcoding of fecal samples and compared it to plant community composition in long-term study plots in two populations on Marine Corps Base Camp...
Authors
Amy G. Vandergast, Cheryl S. Brehme, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Robert S. Cornman, Devin T. Adsit-Morris, Robert N. Fisher
Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: Spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling
Background Benthic invertebrate (BI) surveys have been widely used to characterize freshwater environmental quality but can be challenging to implement at desired spatial scales and frequency. Environmental DNA (eDNA) allows an alternative BI survey approach, one that can potentially be implemented more rapidly and cheaply than traditional methods.Methods We evaluated eDNA analogs of BI...
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Sara J. Mueller, Jennifer A. Fike, Robert S. Cornman