Student 10-Minute Presentation
Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity
Student
Student Competition
Mahamad Sayab Miya
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Keith Philips
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Caves harbor many unique species, which exhibit restricted dispersal abilities and morphological adaptations. Despite their ecological significance, studies on the phylogenetics and phylogeography of cave beetles in the United States remain limited. My research addresses this gap by focusing on the Kentucky endemic cave beetle, Neaphaenops tellkampfii, a polytypic species hypothesized to comprise four subspecies. Previous studies have noted high genetic diversity within and among local populations of N. tellkampfii, suggesting complex evolutionary dynamics. Building upon existing knowledge, my study aims to elucidate the evolutionary history and diversification patterns of Neaphaenops, while reassessing the validity of proposed subspecies. For this study, up to four individuals are being obtained from each sampled cave, their DNA is being isolated, and four genes (CO1, 28S, 16S, and Arginine Kinase) will be amplified for phylogenetic work. Evolutionary trees will be built using Bayesian, Maximum likelihood, and Parsimony for topologies and to compare methods. My phylogeographic analyses will shed light on the origin of the genus, its phylogenetic and biogeographic history, relative roles of underground dispersal and vicariance, and the existence of cryptic species or subspecies. The results of my study will add scientific information on evolutionary and biogeographic mechanisms that facilitate the subterranean speciation of many cave organisms in this karst region. The presence of gene flow among populations of Neaphaenops will also indicate previously unrecognized intercave links, which would be helpful to both geologists and subterranean biologists in the identification of unique cave systems important for conservation efforts.