Lutz Bachmann

• Westbury, Michael V.; Freymueller, Nicholas A.; Cabrera, Andrea A.; Bachmann, Lutz; Ferguson, Steven H. & Heide-Jørgensen, Mads Peter [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2026). Tracing the Drivers of Range-Wide Bowhead Whale Genomic Structure and Diversity. Molecular Ecology. ISSN 0962-1083. 35(10). doi: 10.1111/mec.70378. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In a rapidly warming Arctic, genetic variation might serve to buffer organisms against the effects of environmental change, such as sea ice loss and ocean warming. Yet, this concept remains largely unexplored because comprehensive genome-wide studies across the full ranges of Arctic marine taxa are rare. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) have a strong association with sea ice and polar water masses, a long history of human exploitation, and a circumpolar distribution, making them a valuable model for evaluating how past environmental and anthropogenic factors have shaped contemporary population variation. We analysed both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes from bowhead whales sampled across the species' range, encompassing all four recognised stocks. Firstly, our results indicate the existence of three genetic groupings instead of four: (1) Okhotsk Sea; (2) East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea; and (3) a population containing two recognised stocks—the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort and East Canada-West Greenland. We utilised high-resolution ecological niche modelling and bowhead whale movement data to reconstruct inter-stock habitat connectivity over the last 11,700 years, finding that this explains our identified genetic groupings. Bowhead whale populations exhibit little-to-no evidence of recent inbreeding and retain high genetic diversity relative to other mammalian species despite centuries of intensive commercial whaling. The most vulnerable population is that in the Okhotsk Sea, which has the lowest genetic diversity, most inbreeding, and the highest realised genetic load. Collectively, our findings elucidate the recent history and dynamics of bowhead whales, offering valuable baseline data and context on present-day genetic structure and diversity to support effective conservation and management strategies.

• Westbury, Michael V.; Brown, Stuart C.; Cabrera, Andrea A.; Morales, Hernán E.; Parreira, Bárbara & Ma, Jilong [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2026). Four centuries of commercial whaling eroded 11,000 years of population stability in bowhead whales. Cell. ISSN 0092-8674. 189(7), p. 2040–2053.e19. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.02.022. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bowhead whales were heavily exploited during commercial whaling between the 16th and 20th centuries. Current and near-future climate warming poses a new threat. Assessing bowhead vulnerability to climatic change remains challenging due to insufficient knowledge regarding responses to past climates and pre-whaling population dynamics. We integrate paleogenomics and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) from 206 bowhead fossils from the Atlantic Arctic with paleoclimate and ecological modeling based on 823 radiocarbon-dated fossils, including 140 from this study. We find long-term resilience of bowheads to Holocene environmental perturbations, with no detectable changes in genetic diversity or population structure. Simulated commercial-whaling-driven genetic and fitness changes indicate that population subdivision and loss of genetic diversity are unlikely to be fully realized, despite nearly a century since whaling ceased. Furthermore, even in simulated complete population recovery scenarios, overall fitness did not return to pre-whaling levels, potentially compromising the future resilience of bowhead whales.

• Feuerborn, T. R.; Appelt, M.; Bougiouri, K.; Bachmann, Lutz; Nielsen, I. Broman & Buckley, R. M. [Show all 28 contributors for this article] (2025). Origins and diversity of Greenland’s Qimmit revealed with genomes of ancient and modern sled dogs. Science. ISSN 0036-8075. 389(6756), p. 163–168. doi: 10.1126/science.adu1990. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Qimmeq (Greenland sled dog) has worked continuously with the Inuit in Greenland for more than 800 years. However, they now face drastic population declines caused by climate change, urbanization, and competition from snowmobiles. This study sequenced 92 modern and ancient genomes to investigate how centuries of isolation shaped the regional Qimmeq populations and the impact of European contact. We found distinct regional populations and evidence for two migrations of dogs into Greenland with the Inuit from Canada. Furthermore, we found that there is minimal European ancestry in present day Qimmit and limited recent inbreeding despite low heterozygosity. These insights are critical for conservation efforts aimed at preserving the Qimmit amid environmental changes and cultural transitions.

• Cruz-Laufer, Armando J.; Vanhove, Maarten P. M.; Bachmann, Lutz; Barson, Maxwell; Bassirou, Hassan & Nyom, Arnold R. Bitja [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2025). Adaptive evolution of stress response genes in parasites aligns with host niche diversity. BMC Biology. 23. doi: 10.1186/s12915-024-02091-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Stress responses are key the survival of parasites and, consequently, also the evolutionary success of these organisms. Despite this importance, our understanding of the evolution of molecular pathways dealing with environmental stressors in parasitic animals remains limited. Here, we tested the link between adaptive evolution of parasite stress response genes and their ecological diversity and species richness. We comparatively investigated antioxidant, heat shock, osmoregulatory, and behaviour-related genes (foraging) in two model parasitic flatworm lineages with contrasting ecological diversity, Cichlidogyrus and Kapentagyrus (Platyhelminthes: Monopisthocotyla), through whole-genome sequencing of 11 species followed by in silico exon bait capture as well as phylogenetic and codon analyses. Results We assembled the sequences of 48 stress-related genes and report the first foraging (For) gene orthologs in flatworms. We found duplications of heat shock (Hsp) and oxidative stress genes in Cichlidogyrus compared to Kapentagyrus. We also observed positive selection patterns in genes related to mitochondrial protein import (Hsp) and behaviour (For) in species of Cichlidogyrus infecting East African cichlids—a host lineage under adaptive radiation. These patterns are consistent with a potential adaptation linked to a co-radiation of these parasites and their hosts. Additionally, the absence of cytochrome P450 and kappa and sigma-class glutathione S-transferases in monogenean flatworms is reported, genes considered essential for metazoan life. Conclusions This study potentially identifies the first molecular function linked to a flatworm radiation. Furthermore, the observed gene duplications and positive selection indicate the potentially important role of stress responses for the ecological adaptation of parasite species.

• Herlyn, Holger; Hembrom, Anju Angelina; Tosar, Juan Pablo; Mauer, Katharina M.; Schmidt, Hanno & Dezfuli, Bahram Sayyaf [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2025). Substantial Hierarchical Reductions of Genetic and Morphological Traits in the Evolution of Rotiferan Parasites. Genome Biology and Evolution (GBE). 17(7). Full text in Research Archive
• Suárez-Menéndez, Marcos; Bérubé, Martine; Bachmann, Lutz; Best, Peter; Davison, Nick & Heide-Jørgensen, Mads Peter [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2024). Baleen whale microsatellite panel for individual identification and parentage assignment in Mysticeti. Global Ecology and Conservation. 51. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e02947. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Highly polymorphic single tandem repeat loci (STR, also known as microsatellite loci) remain a familiar, cost efficient class of genetic markers in genetic studies in ecology, behavior and conservation. Here we characterize a new, universal set of ten STR loci in seven species of baleen whales, optimized for PCR amplification in two multiplex reactions along with a Y chromosome marker for sex determination. The optimized, universal set of STR loci provides a convenient starting point for new genetic studies in baleen whales aimed at identifying individuals and populations. Data from the new STR loci were combined with genotypes from previously published STR loci to assess the power to assign parentage using paternity exclusion in four species: fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue whale (B. musculus) and bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). Our results suggest that parentage studies should always be accompanied by a power analysis in order to ascertain that each individual specific study is based upon data with sufficient power to assign parentage with statistical rigor.

• Austin, Rita M; Eriksen, Pia Merete & Bachmann, Lutz (2023). Complete mitochondrial genome of the Galápagos sea lion, Zalophus wollebaeki (Carnivora, Otariidae): paratype specimen confirms separate species status. ZooKeys. ISSN 1313-2989. 2023(1166), p. 307–313. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1166.103247. Full text in Research Archive
• Suárez-Menéndez, M.; Berube, Martine; Bachmann, Lutz; Best, Peter B.; Heide-Jørgensen, Mads Peter & Lesage, V. [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2023). Universal baleen whale microsatellite panel for individual identification and power to detect parentage. BioRxiv. ISSN 0362-4331. doi: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536337. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Beermann, Jan; Brey, Thomas; Boer, Hugo de; Dannheim, Jennifer & Edvardsen, Bente [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2023). The role of systematics for understanding ecosystem functions: Proceedings of the Zoologica Scripta Symposium, Oslo, Norway, 25 August 2022. Zoologica Scripta. ISSN 0300-3256. 52(3), p. 187–214. doi: 10.1111/zsc.12593. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract On 25 August 2022, the Zoologica Scripta ‐ An International Journal of Systematic Zoology and the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters arranged a symposium entitled ‘The role of systematics for understanding ecosystem functions’ in the Academy's premises in Oslo, Norway. The symposium aimed at offering a forum for exploring and discussing trends and future developments in the field of systematics. Eleven international experts contributed expertise on various issues related to global challenges, such as biodiversity assessments, databases, cutting‐edge analysis tools, and the consequences of the taxonomic impediment. Here, we compiled a multi‐author proceedings paper of the symposium contributions that are arranged in chapters and presents the content and the key conclusions of the majority of the presentations.

• Lan, Tianying; Leppälä, Kalle; Tomlin, Crystal; Talbot, Sandra L; Sage, George K. & Farley, Sean [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2022). Insights into bear evolution from a Pleistocene polar bear genome. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). ISSN 0027-8424. 119. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2200016119. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has become a symbol of the threat to biodiversity from climate change. Understanding polar bear evolutionary history may provide insights into apex carnivore responses and prospects during periods of extreme environmental perturbations. In recent years, genomic studies have examined bear speciation and population history, including evidence for ancient admixture between polar bears and brown bears (Ursus arctos). Here, we extend our earlier studies of a 130,000- to 115,000-y-old polar bear from the Svalbard Archipelago using a 10× coverage genome sequence and 10 new genomes of polar and brown bears from contemporary zones of overlap in northern Alaska. We demonstrate a dramatic decline in effective population size for this ancient polar bear’s lineage, followed by a modest increase just before its demise. A slightly higher genetic diversity in the ancient polar bear suggests a severe genetic erosion over a prolonged bottleneck in modern polar bears. Statistical fitting of data to alternative admixture graph scenarios favors at least one ancient introgression event from brown bears into the ancestor of polar bears, possibly dating back over 150,000 y. Gene flow was likely bidirectional, but allelic transfer from brown into polar bear is the strongest detected signal, which contrasts with other published work. These findings may have implications for our understanding of climate change impacts: Polar bears, a specialist Arctic lineage, may not only have undergone severe genetic bottlenecks but also been the recipient of generalist, boreal genetic variants from brown bears during critical phases of Northern Hemisphere glacial oscillations.

• Cabrera, Andrea A.; Schall, Elena; Bérubé, Martine; Anderwald, Pia; Bachmann, Lutz & Berrow, Simon [Show all 37 contributors for this article] (2022). Strong and lasting impacts of past global warming on baleen whales and their prey. Global Change Biology. ISSN 1354-1013. 28(8), p. 2657–2677. doi: 10.1111/gcb.16085. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Global warming is affecting the population dynamics and trophic interactions across a wide range of ecosystems and habitats. Translating these real-time effects into their long-term consequences remains a challenge. The rapid and extreme warming period that occurred after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (7–12 thousand years ago) provides an opportunity to gain insights into the long-term responses of natural populations to periods with global warming. The effects of this post-LGM warming period have been assessed in many terrestrial taxa, whereas insights into the impacts of rapid global warming on marine taxa remain limited, especially for megafauna. In order to understand how large-scale climate fluctuations during the post-LGM affected baleen whales and their prey, we conducted an extensive, large-scale analysis of the long-term effects of the post-LGM warming on abundance and inter-ocean connectivity in eight baleen whale and seven prey (fish and invertebrates) species across the Southern and the North Atlantic Ocean; two ocean basins that differ in key oceanographic features. The analysis was based upon 7032 mitochondrial DNA sequences as well as genome-wide DNA sequence variation in 100 individuals. The estimated temporal changes in genetic diversity during the last 30,000 years indicated that most baleen whale populations underwent post-LGM expansions in both ocean basins. The increase in baleen whale abundance during the Holocene was associated with simultaneous changes in their prey and climate. Highly correlated, synchronized and exponential increases in abundance in both baleen whales and their prey in the Southern Ocean were indicative of a dramatic increase in ocean productivity. In contrast, the demographic fluctuations observed in baleen whales and their prey in the North Atlantic Ocean were subtle, varying across taxa and time. Perhaps most important was the observation that the ocean-wide expansions and decreases in abundance that were initiated by the post-LGM global warming, continued for millennia after global temperatures stabilized, reflecting persistent, long-lasting impacts of global warming on marine fauna.

• Cerca, José; Westbury, Michael V; Heide-Jørgensen, Mads-Peter; Kovacs, Kit M.; Lorenzen, Eline D. & Lydersen, Christian [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). High genomic diversity in the endangered East Greenland Svalbard Barents Sea stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Scientific Reports. 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-09868-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea (EGSB) bowhead whale stock (Balaena mysticetus) was hunted to near extinction and remains Endangered on the International Union of Conservation of Nature Red List. The intense, temporally extensive hunting pressure may have left the population vulnerable to other perturbations, such as environmental change. However, the lack of genomic baseline data renders it difficult to evaluate the impacts of various potential stressors on this stock. Twelve EGSB bowhead whales sampled in 2017/2018 were re-sequenced and mapped to a previously published draft genome. All individuals were unrelated and void of significant signs of inbreeding, with similar observed and expected homo- and heterozygosity levels. Despite the small population size, mean autosome-wide heterozygosity was 0.00102, which is higher than that of most mammals for which comparable estimates are calculated using the same parameters, and three times higher than a conspecific individual from the Eastern-Canada-West-Greenland bowhead whale stock. Demographic history analyses indicated a continual decrease of Ne from ca. 1.5 million to ca. 250,000 years ago, followed by a slight increase until ca. 100,000 years ago, followed by a rapid decrease in Ne between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. These estimates are lower than previously suggested based on mitochondrial DNA, but suggested demographic patterns over time are similar.

• Maduna, Simo; Aars, Jon; Fløystad, Ida; Klutsch, Cornelya; Fiskebeck, Eve Marie Louise Zeyl & Wiig, Øystein [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2021). Sea ice reduction drives genetic differentiation among Barents Sea polar bears. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences. ISSN 0962-8452. 288(1958), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1741. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Loss of Arctic sea ice owing to climate change is predicted to reduce both genetic diversity and gene flow in ice-dependent species, with potentially negative consequences for their long-term viability. Here, we tested for the population-genetic impacts of reduced sea ice cover on the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) sampled across two decades (1995–2016) from the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway, an area that is affected by rapid sea ice loss in the Arctic Barents Sea. We analysed genetic variation at 22 microsatellite loci for 626 polar bears from four sampling areas within the archipelago. Our results revealed a 3–10% loss of genetic diversity across the study period, accompanied by a near 200% increase in genetic differentiation across regions. These effects may best be explained by a decrease in gene flow caused by habitat fragmentation owing to the loss of sea ice coverage, resulting in increased inbreeding of local polar bears within the focal sampling areas in the Svalbard Archipelago. This study illustrates the importance of genetic monitoring for developing adaptive management strategies for polar bears and other ice-dependent species.

• Bachmann, Lutz; Cabrera, Andrea A.; Heide-Jørgensen, Mads Peter; Shpak, Olga V.; Lydersen, Christian & Wiig, Øystein [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2020). Mitogenomics and the genetic differentiation of contemporary Balaena mysticetus (Cetacea) from Svalbard. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. ISSN 0024-4082. 191(4), p. 1192–1203. doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa082. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Full mitochondrial genomes were assembled for 12 recently sampled animals from the Svalbard bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) stock via high-throughput sequencing data, facilitating analysis of the demographic history of the population for the first time. The Svalbard population has retained noticeable amounts of mitochondrial genome diversity despite extreme historical harvest levels. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities were similar to those estimated earlier for other bowhead whale populations. The reconstructed demographic history was in accordance with a boom–bust scenario, combining a slight Pleistocene population growth 25 000–35 000 years ago and a Holocene decline. Employing a mutation rate of 3.418 × 10^–8 substitutions per site per year, the time to the most recent common ancestor for the mitochondrial genomes of the contemporary Svalbard bowhead whales was estimated to be 68 782 (54 353–83 216) years before the present. Based on 370 bp fragments of the D-loop region, significant genetic differentiation was detected between all extant bowhead whale populations across the circumpolar Arctic. Thus, the Svalbard bowhead whales can be regarded as a population with its own genetic legacy.

• Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander; Gopalakrishnan, Shyam; Ramos-Madrigal, Jazmín; Manuel, Marc de; Pitulko, Vladimir V. & Kuderna, Lukas [Show all 35 contributors for this article] (2020). Arctic-adapted dogs emerged at the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Science. ISSN 0036-8075. 368(6498), p. 1495–1499. doi: 10.1126/science.aaz8599. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Although sled dogs are one of the most specialized groups of dogs, their origin and evolution has received much less attention than many other dog groups. We applied a genomic approach to investigate their spatiotemporal emergence by sequencing the genomes of 10 modern Greenland sled dogs, an ~9500-year-old Siberian dog associated with archaeological evidence for sled technology, and an ~33,000-year-old Siberian wolf. We found noteworthy genetic similarity between the ancient dog and modern sled dogs. We detected gene flow from Pleistocene Siberian wolves, but not modern American wolves, to present-day sled dogs. The results indicate that the major ancestry of modern sled dogs traces back to Siberia, where sled dog–specific haplotypes of genes that potentially relate to Arctic adaptation were established by 9500 years ago.

• Ramos-Madrigal, Jazmín; Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander; Carøe, Christian; Mak, Sarah Siu Tze; Niemann, Jonas & Castruita, José A. Samaniego [Show all 27 contributors for this article] (2020). Genomes of Pleistocene Siberian Wolves Uncover Multiple Extinct Wolf Lineages. Current Biology. ISSN 0960-9822. 31(1), p. 198–206. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.002. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Extant Canis lupus genetic diversity can be grouped into three phylogenetically distinct clades: Eurasian and American wolves and domestic dogs.1 Genetic studies have suggested these groups trace their origins to a wolf population that expanded during the last glacial maximum (LGM)1, 2, 3 and replaced local wolf populations.4 Moreover, ancient genomes from the Yana basin and the Taimyr peninsula provided evidence of at least one extinct wolf lineage that dwelled in Siberia during the Pleistocene.35 Previous studies have suggested that Pleistocene Siberian canids can be classified into two groups based on cranial morphology. Wolves in the first group are most similar to present-day populations, although those in the second group possess intermediate features between dogs and wolves.67 However, whether this morphological classification represents distinct genetic groups remains unknown. To investigate this question and the relationships between Pleistocene canids, present-day wolves, and dogs, we resequenced the genomes of four Pleistocene canids from Northeast Siberia dated between >50 and 14 ka old, including samples from the two morphological categories. We found these specimens cluster with the two previously sequenced Pleistocene wolves, which are genetically more similar to Eurasian wolves. Our results show that, though the four specimens represent extinct wolf lineages, they do not form a monophyletic group. Instead, each Pleistocene Siberian canid branched off the lineage that gave rise to present-day wolves and dogs. Finally, our results suggest the two previously described morphological groups could represent independent lineages similarly related to present-day wolves and dogs.

• Fromm, Bastian; Tosar, Juan Pablo; Munoz, Felipe Aguilera; Friedländer, Marc R.; Bachmann, Lutz & Hejnol, Andreas (2019). Evolutionary Implications of the microRNA- and piRNA Complement of Lepidodermella squamata (Gastrotricha). Non-coding RNA. 5(19). doi: 10.3390/ncrna5010019. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Gastrotrichs—’hairy bellies’—are microscopic free-living animals inhabiting marine and freshwater habitats. Based on morphological and early molecular analyses, gastrotrichs were placed close to nematodes, but recent phylogenomic analyses have suggested their close relationship to flatworms (Platyhelminthes) within Spiralia. Small non-coding RNA data on e.g., microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA) may help to resolve this long-standing question. MiRNAs are short post-transcriptional gene regulators that together with piRNAs play key roles in development. In a ‘multi-omics’ approach we here used small-RNA sequencing, available transcriptome and genomic data to unravel the miRNA- and piRNA complements along with the RNAi (RNA interference) protein machinery of Lepidodermella squamata (Gastrotricha, Chaetonotida). We identified 52 miRNA genes representing 35 highly conserved miRNA families specific to Eumetazoa, Bilateria, Protostomia, and Spiralia, respectively, with overall high similarities to platyhelminth miRNA complements. In addition, we found four large piRNA clusters that also resemble flatworm piRNAs but not those earlier described for nematodes. Congruently, transcriptomic annotation revealed that the Lepidodermella protein machinery is highly similar to flatworms, too. Taken together, miRNA, piRNA, and protein data support a close relationship of gastrotrichs and flatworms.

• Ameen, Carly; Feuerborn, Tatiana R.; Brown, Sarah K.; Linderholm, Anna; Hulme-Beaman, Ardern & Lebrasseur, Ophélie [Show all 59 contributors for this article] (2019). Specialized sledge dogs accompanied Inuit dispersal across the North American Arctic. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences. ISSN 0962-8452. 286:20291929(1929), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1929. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Domestic dogs have been central to life in the North American Arctic for millennia. The ancestors of the Inuit were the first to introduce the widespread usage of dog sledge transportation technology to the Americas, but whether the Inuit adopted local Palaeo-Inuit dogs or introduced a new dog population to the region remains unknown. To test these hypotheses, we generated mitochondrial DNA and geometric morphometric data of skull and dental elements from a total of 922 North American Arctic dogs and wolves spanning over 4500 years. Our analyses revealed that dogs from Inuit sites dating from 2000 BP possess morphological and genetic signatures that distinguish them from earlier Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and identified a novel mitochondrial clade in eastern Siberia and Alaska. The genetic legacy of these Inuit dogs survives today in modern Arctic sledge dogs despite phenotypic differences between archaeological and modern Arctic dogs. Together, our data reveal that Inuit dogs derive from a secondary pre-contact migration of dogs distinct from Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and probably aided the Inuit expansion across the North American Arctic beginning around 1000 BP.

• Grond, Joost; Piecha, Magdalena; Hahn, Christoph; Wiig, Øystein & Bachmann, Lutz (2019). Mitochondrial genomes of ancient bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) from Svalbard. Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources. 4(2), p. 4152–4154. doi: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1693284. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The endangered Spitsbergen stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) has once been large with up to estimated 100,000 individuals. Genetic diversity of the extant Spitsbergen stock is unknown. We present 10 complete mitochondrial genomes of heterochronous ancient bowhead whale samples from Svalbard (14C age estimate range: 215–8885years) obtained via NGS of total genomic DNA extracts. The ten mitogenomes differed by nucleotide substitutions and/or indels, and there was a total of 160 variable positions. The average nucleotide diversity was p 1⁄4 0.0029. There was no statistically significant correlation between genetic divergence and time.

• Wiig, Øystein; Bachmann, Lutz & Hufthammer, Anne Karin (2019). Late Pleistocene and Holocene occurrence of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) along the coasts of Norway. Polar Biology. ISSN 0722-4060. 42(6), p. 645–656. doi: 10.1007/s00300-019-02460-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander; Gopalakrishnan, Shyam; Vieira, Filipe G.; Samaniego, Jose A; Raundrup, Katrine & Jørgensen, Mads Peter Heide [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2018). Population genomics of grey wolves and wolf-like canids in North America. PLoS Genetics. ISSN 1553-7390. 14:e1007745(11). doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007745. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  North America is currently home to a number of grey wolf (Canis lupus) and wolf-like canid populations, including the coyote (Canis latrans) and the taxonomically controversial red, Eastern timber and Great Lakes wolves. We explored their population structure and regional gene flow using a dataset of 40 full genome sequences that represent the extant diversity of North American wolves and wolf-like canid populations. This included 15 new genomes (13 North American grey wolves, 1 red wolf and 1 Eastern timber/Great Lakes wolf), ranging from 0.4 to 15x coverage. In addition to providing full genome support for the previously proposed coyote-wolf admixture origin for the taxonomically controversial red, Eastern timber and Great Lakes wolves, the discriminatory power offered by our dataset suggests all North American grey wolves, including the Mexican form, are monophyletic, and thus share a common ancestor to the exclusion of all other wolves. Furthermore, we identify three distinct populations in the high arctic, one being a previously unidentified “Polar wolf” population endemic to Ellesmere Island and Greenland. Genetic diversity analyses reveal particularly high inbreeding and low heterozygosity in these Polar wolves, consistent with long-term isolation from the other North American wolves.

• Gopalakrishnan, Shyam; Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander; Ramos-Madrigal, Jazmín; Niemann, Jonas; Castruita, Jose A. Samaniego & Vieira, Filipe G. [Show all 27 contributors for this article] (2018). Interspecific gene flow shaped the evolution of the genus Canis. Current Biology. ISSN 0960-9822. 28(21), p. 3441–3449. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.08.041. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The evolutionary history of the wolf-like canids of the genus Canis has been heavily debated, especially regarding the number of distinct species and their relationships at the population and species level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. We assembled a dataset of 48 resequenced genomes spanning all members of the genus Canis except the black-backed and side-striped jackals, encompassing the global diversity of seven extant canid lineages. This includes eight new genomes, including the first resequenced Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), one dhole (Cuon alpinus), two East African hunting dogs (Lycaon pictus), two Eurasian golden jackals (Canis aureus), and two Middle Eastern gray wolves (Canis lupus). The relationships between the Ethiopian wolf, African golden wolf, and golden jackal were resolved. We highlight the role of interspecific hybridization in the evolution of this charismatic group. Specifically, we find gene flow between the ancestors of the dhole and African hunting dog and admixture between the gray wolf, coyote (Canis latrans), golden jackal, and African golden wolf. Additionally, we report gene flow from gray and Ethiopian wolves to the African golden wolf, suggesting that the African golden wolf originated through hybridization between these species. Finally, we hypothesize that coyotes and gray wolves carry genetic material derived from a “ghost” basal canid lineage.

• Egger, Bernhard; Bachmann, Lutz & Fromm, Bastian (2017). Atp8 is in the ground pattern of flatworm mitochondrial genomes. BMC Genomics. 18(414). doi: 10.1186/s12864-017-3807-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background To date, mitochondrial genomes of more than one hundred flatworms (Platyhelminthes) have been sequenced. They show a high degree of similarity and a strong taxonomic bias towards parasitic lineages. The mitochondrial gene atp8 has not been confidently annotated in any flatworm sequenced to date. However, sampling of free-living flatworm lineages is incomplete. We addressed this by sequencing the mitochondrial genomes of the two small-bodied (about 1 mm in length) free-living flatworms Stenostomum sthenum and Macrostomum lignano as the first representatives of the earliest branching flatworm taxa Catenulida and Macrostomorpha respectively. Results We have used high-throughput DNA and RNA sequence data and PCR to establish the mitochondrial genome sequences and gene orders of S. sthenum and M. lignano. The mitochondrial genome of S. sthenum is 16,944 bp long and includes a 1,884 bp long inverted repeat region containing the complete sequences of nad3, rrnS, and nine tRNA genes. The model flatworm M. lignano has the smallest known mitochondrial genome among free-living flatworms, with a length of 14,193 bp. The mitochondrial genome of M. lignano lacks duplicated genes, however, tandem repeats were detected in a non-coding region. Mitochondrial gene order is poorly conserved in flatworms, only a single pair of adjacent ribosomal or protein-coding genes – nad4l-nad4 – was found in S. sthenum and M. lignano that also occurs in other published flatworm mitochondrial genomes. Unexpectedly, we unambiguously identified the full metazoan mitochondrial protein-coding gene complement including atp8 in S. sthenum and M. lignano. A subsequent search detected atp8 in all mitochondrial genomes of polyclad flatworms published to date, although the gene wasn’t previously annotated in these species. Conclusions Manual, but not automated genome annotation revealed the presence of atp8 in basally branching free-living flatworms, signifying both the importance of manual data curation and of diverse taxon sampling. We conclude that the loss of atp8 within flatworms is restricted to the parasitic taxon Neodermata.

• Struck, Torsten H; Feder, Jeffrey L.; Bendiksby, Mika; Birkeland, Siri; Oliveira, Josè Cerca De & Gusarov, Vladimir [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2017). Finding Evolutionary Processes Hidden in Cryptic Species. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. ISSN 0169-5347. 33(3), p. 153–163. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2017.11.007. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cryptic species could represent a substantial fraction of biodiversity. However, inconsistent definitions and taxonomic treatment of cryptic species prevent informed estimates of their contribution to biodiversity and impede our understanding of their evolutionary and ecological significance. We propose a conceptual framework that recognizes cryptic species based on their low levels of phenotypic (morphological) disparity relative to their degree of genetic differentiation and divergence times as compared to non-cryptic species. We discuss how application of a more rigorous definition of cryptic species in taxonomic practice will lead to more accurate estimates of their prevalence in nature, better understanding of their distribution patterns on the tree of life, and increased abilities to resolve the processes underlying their evolution.

• Tschá, Marcel K.; Bachmann, Lutz; Abilhoa, Vinicius & Boeger, Walter A (2017). Past connection and isolation of catchments: The sea-level changes affect the distribution and genetic variability of coastal freshwater fishes. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. ISSN 0272-7714. 190, p. 31–39. doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2017.02.030. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Atlantic coast of South America is characterized by a great diversity and endemism of fishes. Past eustatic changes that promoted cycles of isolation, expansion, and connection of coastal catchments are considered putative drivers of genetic differentiation and phylogenetic diversity. It is hypothesized that recent eustatic movements have left signs of impact on the demographic history and local distribution patterns of freshwater fishes. This study addressed the phylogeography and demographic history of two siluriform (Scleromystax barbatus, Rineloricaria sp.) and one characiform (Mimagoniates microlepis) fish species from the coastal plain of the state of Paraná, Paranaguá Bay, Brazil. Nucleotide sequence data of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene support the hypothesis that the populations of the three species are genetically differentiated at all sampled catchments. Haplotype networks of these populations indicate different histories and include scenarios of secondary contact, population expansion, and isolation. Neutrality tests and the reconstructed patterns of demographic history in mismatch distributions were also consistent with population expansion in the western basins and, in general, secondary contact in the northern basins. Our results are consistent with the reconstructed paleodrainage in the region and with the hypothesis that recurrent reconnections and isolation of streams associated with eustatic changes have strongly influenced the current pattern of diversity, and reflect the distribution of freshwater fishes in this coastal hydrographic system.

• Bachmann, Lutz; Fromm, Bastian; Azambuja, Luciana Patella de & Boeger, Walter (2016). The mitochondrial genome of the egg-laying flatworm Aglaiogyrodactylus forficulatus (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea). Parasites & Vectors. 9:285. doi: 10.1186/s13071-016-1586-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The rather species-poor oviparous gyrodactylids are restricted to South America. It was suggested that they have a basal position within the otherwise viviparous Gyrodactylidae. Accordingly, it was proposed that the species-rich viviparous gyrodactylids diversified and dispersed from there. Methods: The mitochondrial genome of Aglaiogyrodactylus forficulatus was bioinformatically assembled from next-generation illumina MiSeq sequencing reads, annotated, and compared to previously published mitochondrial genomes of other monogenoidean flatworm species. Results: The mitochondrial genome of A. forficulatus consists of 14,371 bp with an average A + T content of 75.12 %. All expected 12 protein coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA genes were identified. Furthermore, there were two repetitive non-coding regions essentially consisting of 88 bp and 233 bp repeats, respectively. Maximum Likelihood analyses placed the mitochondrial genome of A. forficulatus in a well-supported clade together with the viviparous Gyrodactylidae species. The gene order differs in comparison to that of other monogenoidean species, with rearrangements mainly affecting tRNA genes. In comparison to Paragyrodactylus variegatus, four gene order rearrangements, i.e. three transpositions and one complex tandem-duplication-random-loss event, were detected. Conclusion: Mitochondrial genome sequence analyses support a basal position of the oviparous A. forficulatus within Gyrodactylidae, and a sister group relationship of the oviparous and viviparous forms.

• Tschá, Marcel K.; Baggio, Rafael A.; Marteleto, Fábio M.; Abilhoa, Vinicius; Bachmann, Lutz & Boeger, Walter (2016). Sea-level variation affected the demographic history of marine and freshwater fishes of the coastal plain of Paraná, Brazil. Journal of Fish Biology. ISSN 0022-1112. 90, p. 968–979. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13211. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study surveyed the mitochondrial haplotype diversity of nine freshwater fish species and two estuarine–marine species from the coastal basins and drainages of the highland plateaus of Paraná, Brazil. Portions of the cytochrome b gene or the control region were sequenced. The demographic history of each species was inferred using the Bayesian skyline method, mismatch distribution analysis and statistical neutrality tests. Demographic reconstruction analyses revealed a single pattern of variation in the effective population size (Ne) among species. No dramatic changes in Ne were detected in upland species. By contrast, evidence of population expansion over the past 200 000 years was detected in all coastal plain and estuarine species. These findings correspond to periods of low sea-level (regressions) followed by a rapid increase in the sea-level by >100 m. The resulting reconnections and subsequent fragmentation and isolation between the estuarine and freshwater bodies were putatively relevant to the historical demography of the fish species in these areas.

• Nyhus, Erik Sanderud; Lindqvist, Charlotte; Kovacs, Kit; Lydersen, Christian; Wiig, Øystein & Bachmann, Lutz (2016). Mitogenomes of contemporary Spitsbergen stock bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources. 1(1), p. 898–900. doi: 10.1080/23802359.2016.1258345. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Spitsbergen stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) is considered Critically Endangered by IUCN. Over recent decades, there have been only a few sightings, and very few biological samples are available for molecular analyses. Hence, genetic diversity of the extant Spitsbergen stock is unknown. Here, we present mitochondrial genomes from eight skin biopsy samples that were collected in 2006 and 2010. There were three different haplotypes, two of which have not previously been detected. Six samples shared the same haplotype, indicating that they were obtained from closely related whales, or possibly the same individual. Average nucleotide diversity was π = 0.0037, with a total of 93 variable positions among the haplotypes.

• Lindqvist, Charlotte; Roy, Tilottama; Lydersen, Christian; Kovacs, Kit; Aars, Jon & Wiig, Øystein [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Genetic diversity of historical Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from Bjørnøya and Håøya (Tusenøyane), Svalbard, Norway. BMC Research Notes. 9. doi: 10.1186/s13104-016-1907-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The population size of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) is depleted relative to historical abundance levels. In Svalbard, centuries of over-exploitation brought the walrus herds to the verge of extinction, and such bottlenecks may have caused loss of genetic variation. To address this for Svalbard walruses, mitochondrial haplotypes of historical walruses from two major haul-out sites, Bjørnøya and Håøya, within the Archipelago were explored using bone samples from animals killed during the peak period of harvesting. Results Using ancient DNA methodologies, the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) gene, the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene, and the control region (CR) were targeted for 15 specimens from Bjørnøya (of which five were entirely negative) and 9 specimens from Håøya (of which one was entirely negative). While ND1 and COI sequences were obtained for only a few samples, the CR delivered the most comprehensive data set, and the average genetic distance among historic Svalbard samples was 0.0028 (SD = 0.0023). Conclusions The CR sequences from the historical samples appear to be nested among contemporary Atlantic walruses, and no distinct mitochondrial haplogroups were identified in the historical samples that may have been lost during the periods of extensive hunting. However, given the low sample size and poor phylogenetic resolution it cannot be excluded that such haplogroups existed.

• Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander; Tervo, Outi; Grønnow, Bjarne; Gulløv, Hans Christian; Toft, Peter Andreas & Bachmann, Lutz [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2016). Sex determination of baleen whale artefacts: Implications for ancient DNA use in zooarchaeology. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. ISSN 2352-409X. 10, p. 345–349. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.11.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Methods to determine the sex from tissue samples of mammals include the amplification of Y chromosome specific regions, which should only amplify from males, or amplification of homologous regions of the X and Y chromosome containing XY specific SNPs. A disadvantage of the first approach is that PCR failure can be misinterpreted as the identification of a female. The latter approach is proposed to identify PCR failure through non-amplification of the X homologue, which should be present in both sexes. This method is therefore potentially more suitable for molecular sexing of degraded DNA with a high probability of PCR failure, such as for example, ancient DNA samples. Here, we investigate the validity of this assumption regarding the use of XY homologue PCR assays for molecular sexing of ancient DNA. We tested a primer set targeting the ZFX/ZFY alleles using ancient DNA extracts from 100 to 4500 years old bowhead whale samples, and for comparison on dilution series from modern bowhead whales of known sex. DNA sequencing of PCR products obtained from the ancient material confirmed a higher proportion of successful PCR amplifications of the X homologue over the Y homologue. This potentially biased sex determination was further assessed by testing highly diluted DNA extracts of modern samples, for which a consistently higher success rate of PCR amplification and lower PCR cycle threshold was found for the X homologue from females than either homologue from males. This is most likely due to the higher copy number of the X homologue in females, although other yet unknown attributes of the protocol may also cause the observed bias. The current case study provides a valuable example of a potential pitfall in molecular sex determination of ancient mammal DNA in zooarchaeology. High-throughput sequencing methods, in which sufficiently large numbers of reads can be unambiguously mapped to X and Y regions, should overcome such biases and be the most robust approach for molecular sex determination using degraded DNA.

• Hahn, Christoph; Weiss, Steven; Stojanowski, Stoijmir & Bachmann, Lutz (2015). Co-Speciation of the Ectoparasite Gyrodactylus teuchis (Monogenea, Platyhelminthes) and Its Salmonid Hosts. PLOS ONE. 10(6). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127340. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Co-speciation is a fundamental concept of evolutionary biology and intuitively appealing, yet in practice hard to demonstrate as it is often blurred by other evolutionary processes. We investigate the phylogeographic history of the monogenean ectoparasites Gyrodactylus teuchis and G. truttae on European salmonids of the genus Salmo. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 were sequenced for 189 Gyrodactylus individuals collected from 50 localities, distributed across most major European river systems, from the Iberian- to the Balkan Peninsula. Despite both anthropogenic and naturally caused admixture of the principal host lineages among major river basins, co-phylogenetic analyses revealed significant global congruence for host and parasite phylogenies, providing firm support for co-speciation of G. teuchis and its salmonid hosts brown trout (S. trutta) and Atlantic salmon (S. salar). The major split within G. teuchis, coinciding with the initial divergence of the hosts was dated to ~1.5 My BP, using a Bayesian framework based on an indirect calibration point obtained from the host phylogeny. The presence of G. teuchis in Europe thus predates some of the major Pleistocene glaciations. In contrast, G. truttae exhibited remarkably low intraspecific genetic diversity. Given the direct life cycle and potentially high transmission potential of gyrodactylids, this finding is interpreted as indication for a recent emergence (<60 ky BP) of G. truttae via a host-switch. Our study thus suggests that instances of two fundamentally different mechanisms of speciation (co-speciation vs. host-switching) may have occurred on the same hosts in Europe within a time span of less than 1.5 My in two gyrodactylid ectoparasite species.

• Peacock, Elisabeth; Sonsthagen, Sarah A.; Obbard, Martyn E.; Boltunov, Andrei; Regehr, Eric V. & Ovsyanikov, Nikita [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2015). Implications of the circumpolar genetic structure of polar bears for their conservation in a rapidly warming Arctic. PLOS ONE. 10:0112021(1). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112021. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We provide an expansive analysis of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) circumpolar genetic variation during the last two decades of decline in their sea-ice habitat. We sought to evaluate whether their genetic diversity and structure have changed over this period of habitat decline, how their current genetic patterns compare with past patterns, and how genetic demography changed with ancient fluctuations in climate. Characterizing their circumpolar genetic structure using microsatellite data, we defined four clusters that largely correspond to current ecological and oceanographic factors: Eastern Polar Basin, Western Polar Basin, Canadian Archipelago and Southern Canada. We document evidence for recent (ca. last 1–3 generations) directional gene flow from Southern Canada and the Eastern Polar Basin towards the Canadian Archipelago, an area hypothesized to be a future refugium for polar bears as climate-induced habitat decline continues. Our data provide empirical evidence in support of this hypothesis. The direction of current gene flow differs from earlier patterns of gene flow in the Holocene. From analyses of mitochondrial DNA, the Canadian Archipelago cluster and the Barents Sea subpopulation within the Eastern Polar Basin cluster did not show signals of population expansion, suggesting these areas may have served also as past interglacial refugia. Mismatch analyses of mitochondrial DNA data from polar and the paraphyletic brown bear (U. arctos) uncovered offset signals in timing of population expansion between the two species, that are attributed to differential demographic responses to past climate cycling. Mitogenomic structure of polar bears was shallow and developed recently, in contrast to the multiple clades of brown bears. We found no genetic signatures of recent hybridization between the species in our large, circumpolar sample, suggesting that recently observed hybrids represent localized events. Documenting changes in subpopulation connectivity will allow polar nations to proactively adjust conservation actions to continuing decline in sea-ice habitat.

• Fromm, Bastian; Bachmann, Jutta & Bachmann, Lutz (2015). In search for the genetic basis of ectoparasitism and endoparasitism of flatworms. Biologie in unserer Zeit. ISSN 0045-205X. 45(5), p. 281–283. doi: 10.1002/biuz.201590076. Full text in Research Archive
• Wienerroither, Rupert; Bjelland, Otte; Bachmann, Lutz & Junge, Claudia (2015). Northernmost record of the little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, with taxonomical notes on Centrophorus zeehaani. Journal of Fish Biology. ISSN 0022-1112. 86(2), p. 834–844. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12602. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  A specimen of the little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato was collected in the Norwegian Sea off the coast of northern Norway, marking the northernmost record of the species in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean. Morphological characteristics collected from the specimen indicate a close relationship to the Australian species Centrophorus zeehaani. DNA barcoding analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (coI) gene for species of Centrophorus suggests conspecificity of C. uyato and C. zeehaani.

• Wienerroither, Rupert; Bjelland, Otte; Bachmann, Lutz & Junge, Claudia (2015). Northernmost record of the little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato in the northeastern Atlantic, with taxonomical notes on C. zeehaani. Journal of Fish Biology. ISSN 0022-1112. 86, p. 834–844. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12602. Full text in Research Archive
• Rekdal, Silje Larsen; Hansen, Rikke Guldborg; Borchers, David L.; Bachmann, Lutz; Laidre, Kristin L. & Wiig, Øystein [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2015). Trends in bowhead whales in West Greenland: aerial surveys versus genetic capture-recapture analyses. Marine mammal science. ISSN 0824-0469. 31, p. 133–154. doi: 10.1111/mms.12150. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We contrast two methods for estimating the trends of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in West Greenland: (1) double platform visual aerial survey, corrected for missed sightings and the time the whales are available at the surface; and (2) a genetic capture-recapture approach based on a 14-yr-long biopsy sampling program in Disko Bay. The aerial survey covered 39,000 km2 and resulted in 58 sightings, yielding an abundance estimate of 744 whales (CV = 0.34, 95% CI: 357–1,461). The genetic method relied on determining sex, mitochondrial haplotypes and genotypes of nine microsatellite markers. Based on samples from a total of 427 individuals, with 11 recaptures from previous years in 2013, this resulted in an estimate of 1,538 whales (CV = 0.24, 95% CI: 827–2,249). While the aerial survey is considered a snapshot of the local spring aggregation in Disko Bay, the genetic approach estimates the abundance of the source of this aggregation. As the whales in Disko Bay primarily are adult females that do not visit the bay annually, the genetic method would presumably yield higher estimates. The studies indicate that an increase in abundance observed between 1998 and 2006 has leveled off.

• Wiig, Øystein & Bachmann, Lutz (2014). Fluctuating asymmetry and inbreeding in Scandinavian gray wolves (Canis lupus). Acta Theriologica. ISSN 0001-7051. 59(3), p. 399–405. doi: 10.1007/s13364-014-0174-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Fromm, Bastian; Burow, Susann; Hahn, Christoph & Bachmann, Lutz (2014). MicroRNA loci support conspecificity of Gyrodactylus salaris and G. thymalli (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea). International Journal for Parasitology. ISSN 0020-7519. 44(11), p. 787–793. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.05.010. Full text in Research Archive
• Knigge, Andreas Thomas; Bachmann, Lutz & Koehler, Heinz-R. (2014). An intron-containing, heat-inducible stress-70 gene in the millipede Tachypodoiulus niger (Julidae, Diplopoda). Cell stress & chaperones (Print). ISSN 1355-8145. 19, p. 741–747. doi: 10.1007/s12192-014-0494-7. Full text in Research Archive
• Hahn, Christoph; Fromm, Bastian & Bachmann, Lutz (2014). Comparative genomics of flatworms (Platyhelminthes) reveals shared genomic features of ecto- and endoparastic neodermata. Genome Biology and Evolution (GBE). 6(5), p. 1105–1117. doi: 10.1093/gbe/evu078. Full text in Research Archive
• Wiig, Øystein & Bachmann, Lutz (2013). The Mammal type specimens at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway. Zootaxa. ISSN 1175-5326. 3736, p. 587–597. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.3736.5.9. Full text in Research Archive
• Fromm, Bastian; Worren, Merete Molton; Hahn, Christoph; Hovig, Johannes Eivind & Bachmann, Lutz (2013). Substantial loss of conserved and gain of novel microRNA families in flatworms. Molecular Biology and Evolution (MBE). ISSN 0737-4038. 30(12), p. 2619–2628. doi: 10.1093/molbev/mst155. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA

• Bachmann, Lutz (2025). Group of the Month: Tree ferns – an Australian holiday discovery. doi: https:/blog.annelida.de/2025/01/23/group-of-the-month-tree-ferns-an-australian-holiday-discovery/. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2025). Door 8: Jutulhogget – a geological heritage site discovered during the CEG group retreat. doi: https:/blog.annelida.de/2025/12/08/door-8-jutulhogget-a-geological-heritage-site-discovered-during-the-ceg-group-retreat/. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2025). Door 11: Recent news on tree ferns – the stasis-dynamism paradox in tree ferns resolved? doi: https:/blog.annelida.de/2025/12/11/door-11-recent-news-on-tree-ferns-the-stasis-dynamism-paradox-in-tree-ferns-resolved/. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2025). Door 16: Is a Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences relevant for biology researchers? doi: https:/blog.annelida.de/2025/12/16/door-16-is-a-nobel-prize-in-economic-sciences-relevant-for-biology-researchers/. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2024). The 2024 Master, PhD and PostDoc Days at the Natural History Museum Oslo – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Per, Ericson & Vårdal, Hege (2024). Editorial. Zoologica Scripta. ISSN 0300-3256. 53(6), p. 753–753. doi: 10.1111/zsc.12689. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2023). Molecular Evolution of Gyrodactylid Flatworms. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Ericson, Per G. P. & Vårdal, Hege (2023). Editorial. Zoologica Scripta. ISSN 0300-3256. 52(3), p. 185–186. doi: 10.1111/zsc.12594. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2022). Do we need to lobby more for invertebrate taxonomy and biodiversity? – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2022). Hva er biodiversitet? Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2022). Paneldiskusjon: Naturkrisen - hvordan stanser vi tapet av naturmangfoldet? Full text in Research Archive
• Haugen, Marianne Nilsen; Struck, Torsten H & Bachmann, Lutz (2021). Kryptiske arter utfordrer taksonomer og evolusjonsbiologer. Naturen. ISSN 0028-0887. 2021(1), p. 19–26. doi: 10.18261/issn.1504-3118-2021-01-03. Full text in Research Archive
• Struck, Torsten H; Gracia, Alberto Valero; Bachmann, Lutz; Liow, Lee Hsiang; Suh, Alexander & Halanych, Kenneth M. [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). A new Norwegian and international initiative "InvertOmics - Phylogeny and evolution of lophotrochozoan invertebrates based on genomic data". Full text in Research Archive
• Haugen, Marianne Nilsen; Gracia, Alberto Valero; Cerca, José; Fleming, James Frederick; Austin, Rita M & Gusarov, Vladimir [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). International Happy Seasons – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugen, Marianne Nilsen; Gracia, Alberto Valero; Austin, Rita M; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Combining group fun with genomic research – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugen, Marianne Nilsen; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Beetles, sheep and the Faroes – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Austin, Rita M; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Bringing museum specimens back into the light: Meet the new postdoctoral researcher molecularly exploring museum collections – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugen, Marianne Nilsen; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). The intertidal beetle genus Aegialites – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Gracia, Alberto Valero; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). A new PhD student in town – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Fleming, James Frederick; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Coming from Japan all the way to Norway – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Gusarov, Vladimir; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Summer project at rocky shores – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Gusarov, Vladimir; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Training in African Insect Biodiversity – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Gusarov, Vladimir; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Beetles on the Falkland islands – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Huge and endangered – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Probing the mud – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Natural history collections in the molecular era – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). The first defense – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Never Cry Wolf – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). The wrong food chain – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). From small body size to big data – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). The first door of the calendar – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Meiofauna occuring at public swimming beaches on Nesodden – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Assessing biodiversity in the marine algae belt – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Did the vikings bring beetles along to Iceland? – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Where do all the sharks live – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). Teaching in Covid times – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2020). A tale of stone and ice – Blogs of the CEG research group. Full text in Research Archive
• Cerca, Jose; Johnsen, Arild; Struck, Torsten H & Bachmann, Lutz (2020). Naturhistoriske samlinger i den molekylære æraen: En kostbar hobby eller en bærebjelke for moderne forskning? Naturen. ISSN 0028-0887. p. 110–116. doi: 10.18261/issn.1504-3118-2020-03-07. Full text in Research Archive
• Struck, Torsten H; Feder, Jeffrey L.; Bendiksby, Mika; Birkeland, Siri; Oliveira, Josè Cerca De & Gusarov, Vladimir [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2018). Cryptic Species – More Than Terminological Chaos: A Reply to Heethoff. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. ISSN 0169-5347. 33(5), p. 310–312. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.02.008. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Felger, Ingrid; Haring, Elisabeth; Maier, Dieter; Pinsker, Wilhelm & Preiss, Anette (2017). In memoriam Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Diether Sperlich (1929 - 2017). 55(4), p. 267–268. doi: 10.1111/jzs.12181. Full text in Research Archive
• Hahn, Christoph & Bachmann, Lutz (2017). Genomic insights into the evolution of Gyrodactylus salaris and related species. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Hemleben, Vera; Maier, Dieter & Preiss, Anette (2017). Pionier der Populationsgenetik und engagierter akademischer Lehrer. Newsletter Uni Tübingen aktuell. 3. Full text in Research Archive
• Cabrera, A.A.; Aars, Jon; Bachmann, Lutz; Dietz, R.; Heide-Jørgensen, M.P. & Lydersen, Christian [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Life history traits predict demographic responses to Life history traits predict demographic responses to global warming in Arctic marine mammals. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2016). World Polio Day: Facts and thoughts about End Polio. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2016). End Polio Now: Tanker rundt World Polio Day. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Ericson, Per G.P. & Sundberg, Per (2016). Systematics and biodiversity research in the era of genomics. Zoologica Scripta. ISSN 0300-3256. 45, p. 3–4. doi: 10.1111/zsc.12216. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2015). Parasitische Plattwuermer: Der Russian Doll Killer Gyrodactylus salaris. Full text in Research Archive
• Fromm, Bastian; Bachmann, Jutta & Bachmann, Lutz (2015). Auf der Suche nach der genetischen Basis von Ekto- und Endoparasitismus der Plattwürmer. Biologie in unserer Zeit. ISSN 0045-205X. 45(5), p. 281–283. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2015). Genomics and the Origin of Polar Bears. Full text in Research Archive
• Fromm, Bastian; Bachmann, Jutta & Bachmann, Lutz (2015). Tilpassninger i arvematerialet hos parasittiske flatormer. Naturen. ISSN 0028-0887. 139(2), p. 59–66. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2014). Kinorhyncha – a poorly known and neglected animal phylum. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz (2014). Exploring the treasures of natural history collections; lessons from flatworms and whales. Full text in Research Archive
• Sundberg, Per; Ericson, Per & Bachmann, Lutz (2013). Editorial. Zoologica Scripta in the dynamic field of systematics. Zoologica Scripta. ISSN 0300-3256. 42, p. 551–552. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Grond, Joost; Hahn, Christoph & Wiig, Øystein (2013). Towards Paleo-Population Genomics of Spitsbergen Bowhead Whales. META. ISSN 1890-1956. p. 14–18. Full text in Research Archive
• Amundsen, Jan Einar Berglund; Bachmann, Lutz & Struck, Torsten H (2025). Comparing nematode and flatworm biodiversity and sand quality in natural and artificial urban beaches. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Løviknes, Sunniva; Struck, Torsten H & Bachmann, Lutz (2024). Colonisation patterns of artificial beaches in the inner Oslofjord, comparing traditional and new DNA-based methods for estimating biodiversity. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Wiig, Øystein; Bachmann, Lutz; Hansen, A.J.; Gilbert, M.T.P. & Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander (2017). Never cry wolf. The origin and genomic history of the indigenous Greenland dogs and wolves. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachmann, Lutz; Wiig, Øystein & Nyhus, E.S. (2017). Genomic Analyses of Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) individuals. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA