A noninvasive approach to understanding adaptation, crop raiding behavior, and the fecal microbiota of the African elephant

Abstract

As species evolve, they become adapted to their local environments. Detecting the genetic signature of selection and connecting that to the phenotype of the organism, however, is challenging. Here we report using an integrative approach that combines DNA sequencing with structural biology analyses to assess the effect of selection on residues in the mitochondrial DNA of the two species of African elephants. We detected evidence of positive selection acting on residues in complexes I and V, and used homology protein structure modeling to assess the effect of the biochemical properties of the selected residues on the enzyme structure. Given the role these enzymes play in oxidative phosphorylation, we conclude the selected residues may affect the overall energy production and metabolism of these species. These amino acid changes may have contributed to the adaptation of forest and savanna elephants to their unique habitats.