April 2009 PMID 19302360

Phylogeography of lions (Panthera leo ssp.) reveals three distinct taxa and a late Pleistocene reduction in genetic diversity.

Ross Barnett, Beth Shapiro, Ian Barnes, Simon Y W Ho, Joachim Burger, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Thomas F G Higham, H Todd Wheeler, Wilfried Rosendahl, Andrei V Sher, Marina Sotnikova, Tatiana Kuznetsova, Gennady F Baryshnikov, Larry D Martin, C Richard Harington

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Mentions

Peak: 3 in Mar 2022

across 4 sources since Sep 2020

Extended reach

1,001,151

potential audience

Total likes

20,264

Video views

960,315

Mentions per month

Sep 2020 – Aug 2023

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter4 posts
News4 articles
YouTube2 videos
Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions reflect genuine interest in the research, with users citing specific highlights, such as the discovery of ancient lion groups and the historical decline of genetic diversity. Words like 'revealed,' 'clusters,' and mentions of 'extinct' and 'survive' indicate a tone of curiosity and recognition of the study’s importance for understanding lion history and conservation efforts.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the findings, especially regarding the diversity and historical range of lions.

InterestModerate interest

The posts show moderate curiosity, highlighting the connection between past and present lion populations.

EngagementModerate engagement

Users participate by referencing the research and its implications, indicating some degree of discussion depth.

ImpactModerate impact

The publication is seen as somewhat influential, with mentions of how it broadens understanding of lion evolution and conservation.

Abstract in brief

The study used ancient DNA to analyze mitochondrial sequences from lions across their historical range, identifying three distinct groups: modern African lions, extinct Pleistocene cave lions across Europe to North America, and extinct American lions in the southern U.S.
Phylogenetic analysis showed that cave lions were a homogeneous group extending across Eurasia and North America, while American lions were genetically isolated around 340,000 years ago, despite no clear physical barriers to gene flow.
Evidence suggests that cave lions experienced a severe population bottleneck after 48,000 years ago, indicating major genetic changes in megafaunal populations during the late Pleistocene that could have contributed to their extinction.

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All mentions

The extinct massive lions of North America and Eurasia

North America used to be home to a cat so large it may have taken down some of the biggest prey of the last Ice Age. The study used ancient DNA to analyze mitochondrial sequences from lions across their historical…

SciShow · Sep 24, 2020 865,083 views

Extinct American Lion: Evolution, Ecology, and Paleobiology Insights

This case study explores the American Lion's evolution, characteristics, and ecology, based on fossil and genetic research. The study highlights genetic isolation and population bottlenecks during the late Pleistocene…

The Overseer · Aug 5, 2023 95,232 views

GeoScience.net

@GeoSciences · X

Phylogeography of lions (Panthera leo ssp.) reveals three distinct taxa and a late Pleistocene reduction in genetic diversity https://t.co/MddciZkOMf

Apr 7, 2022 · 401 followers View post →

Dr Ross Barnett

@DeepFriedDNA · X

RT @eenork: Today, lions survive only in parts of Africa and India, but sequencing DNA from Pleistocene revealed lions, including clusters…

Mar 22, 2022 · 3 shares · 6,550 followers View post →

March Mammal Madness

@MMMletsgo · X

RT @eenork: Today, lions survive only in parts of Africa and India, but sequencing DNA from Pleistocene revealed lions, including clusters…

Mar 21, 2022 · 3 shares · 31,118 followers View post →

Elinor Karlsson (elinork.bsky.social)

@eenork · X

Mar 21, 2022 · 37 likes · 3 shares · 2,749 followers View post →