Utku Perktas

Hacettepe University, Biology, Faculty Member

American Museum of Natural History, Vertebrate Zoology, Research Associate

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I am an ornithologist and evolutionary biologist with practical and theoretical experience ranging from museum based studies and fieldworks to molecular-based laboratory and analytical techniques. Much of my recent research involves using DNA sequences to reconstruct phylogeographic hypotheses of vertebrate species, particularly bird species. I am becoming increasingly interested in evaluating how past responses to climate changes may affect history of vertebrate species, and how this knowledge can be used for conservation. http://www.utkuperktas.net, Lab page: http://www.biogeographyresearchlab.net
Address: Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology (Zoology Section), 06800, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey

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NC State University

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Kansas State University

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Papers by Utku Perktas

Adding ecology into phylogeography: ecological niche models and phylogeography in tandem reveals the demographic history of the subalpine warbler complex

Bird Study

A wide geographical survey of mitochondrial DNA variation in the great spotted woodpecker complex Dendrocopos major (Aves: Picididae)

by Esther Quintero and Utku Perktas

One of the fundamental goals of phylogeographical studies should be to achieve a comprehensive ge... more One of the fundamental goals of phylogeographical studies should be to achieve a comprehensive geographical sampling of any investigated group. In this study, we conducted the most comprehensive geographical investigation to date for the great spotted woodpecker complex (Dendrocopos major), including populations from North Africa and Eurasia [including specimens from China, Japan and southern Caucasia (Anatolia, Azerbaijan and Iran)], in order to evaluate its genetic structure and population history. At the same time, we tested species limits within the D. major complex, which currently includes 14 recognized subspecies based on morphology and coloration. We based our study on haplotypes for the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2). Most haplotypes were obtained from museum toe pads, although we also used some previously published data. We also tested gene flow through MDIV, and estimated divergence dates among lineages using BEAST. The analysis of 352 base pairs of the ND2 gene from 155 individuals sampled from 33 populations showed significant phylogeographical structure across the breeding range. Our results found four distinct and reciprocally monophyletic clades: China, Japan, Iran–Azerbaijan and Eurasia–North Africa, with no phylogeographical structure within them. Coalescent-based gene flow analysis showed restricted gene flow between China and Japan and between Japan and Eurasia. On the basis of the gene flow and phylogenetic analysis results, we propose the recognition of at least four different species within the complex. We also propose that, within the Eurasia–North Africa clade, a rapid population expansion through ‘leading edge expansion’ from refugia in Iberia, Kursk and North Africa, as well as irruptive and loop migration, can explain the lack of phylogeographical structure. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012,

Historical demography of the Eurasian green woodpecker: integrating phylogeography and ecological niche modelling to test glacial refugia hypothesis (in press)

by Utku Perktas and Hakan Gur

In this study, we re-evaluated historical demography of the Eurasian green woodpecker (Picus viri... more In this study, we re-evaluated historical demography of the Eurasian green woodpecker (Picus viridis) on the basis of previously published multi-locus mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data and ecological niche modelling. We particularly aimed to test glacial refugia hypothesis during climatic oscillations of the late Quaternary for the Eurasian green woodpecker. Our results indicate that the Eurasian green woodpecker was sensitive to the effects of climate change. Prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (22 000 years ago), the population contraction started and the Eurasian green woodpecker restricted its range to the southern Europe (including France), Anatolia, and the Caucasus/Caspian region, and, afterwards, substantially expanded their range from this restricted area to their present range around 14 500 years before present. Therefore, during the Last Glacial Maximum, we recognize a single large refugium for this species, located in southern Europe, including Caucasus, Anatolia, Balkans, Italy and southern France.

Climate-driven range shifts and demographic events over the history of Kruper's Nuthatch Sitta krueperi

by ismail saglam, Utku Perktas, and Esther Quintero

A wide geographical survey of mitochondrial DNA variation in the great spotted woodpecker complex, Dendrocopos major (Aves: Picidae)

Phylogeography and species limits in the green woodpecker complex (Aves: Picidae): multiple Pleistocene refugia and range expansion across Europe and the Near East

by Utku Perktas and J. Groth

The green woodpecker complex consists of the green woodpecker (Picus viridis), distributed from W... more The green woodpecker complex consists of the green woodpecker (Picus viridis), distributed from Western Europe to the Caucasus and Iran, and the related LeVaillant's woodpecker (P. vaillantii), distributed in north-western Africa from central Morocco to Tunisia. Much of the habitat of green woodpeckers in Central and Northern Europe was covered by ice, tundra, steppe or other unsuitable habitat during the Pleistocene; consequently, they must have come to occupy most of their current range during the past 20 000 years. We used complete mitochondrial ND2 sequences from populations throughout the range to investigate the genetic structure and evolutionary history of this complex. Three well-differentiated clades, corresponding to three biogeographical regions, were recovered; 89% of the total genetic variance was distributed among these three regions. The populations in North Africa were sister to those of Europe and, within Europe, Iberia was sister to the rest of Europe and the Near East. This suggests that the post-glacial colonization of most of Europe occurred from a refuge east of Iberia, probably in Italy or the Balkans; there was no substantial divergence among these regions. In addition, a population sample from Iran was genetically distinct from those of Western Europe, indicating a history of genetic isolation and an additional Pleistocene refuge east of the well-known Balkan refugia and south of the Caucasus. Within Europe, northern populations were less genetically variable than southern ones, consistent with recent colonization. There was significant isolation-by-distance across Europe, indicating restricted gene flow; this was particularly apparent between western populations and those of the Caucasus and Iran. We recognize four species in the complex. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 104, 710–723.

Measurement error revisited: its importance for the analysis of size and shape of birds

Acta Ornithologica, Jan 1, 2010

Perktaş U., Gosler A. G. 2010. Measurement error revisited: its importance for the analysis of si... more

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Ecogeographical variation of body size in Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs

Capsule Significant geographic variation in body size occurs throughout Eurasia and North Africa ... more Capsule Significant geographic variation in body size occurs throughout Eurasia and North Africa and this variation is best explained by Boyce's seasonality hypothesis rather than Bergmann's rule. Aims To investigate whether any of the four general ecogeographical hypotheses that have been used to explain geographic variation in the body size of birds (heat conservation, Bergmann's rule; heat dissipation, James' moisture-humidity modification of Bergmann's rule; Rosenzweig's productivity; Boyce's seasonality) apply to Chaffinches. Methods External measurements of museum specimens collected throughout the species' distribution range and specimens caught using mist nets in Turkey were used in principal component analysis to derive body size components. Geographic and climatic data were used to evaluate hypotheses which might explain geographic variation in body size, using an information-theoretic approach. Results Chaffinches from North Africa were larger than those from Eurasia, contrary to Bergmann's rule. This pattern might be explained by a continental effect, because North Africa differs from Eurasia in climatic and ecological features, leading to different selective pressures on these populations. Body size showed opposite relationships with geographical and climatic data in the two continents and this gave support to a continental effect on body size variation. Seasonality of primary productivity seemed to be the best explanation for body size variation in Chaffinches. Conclusion Of the four ecogeographical hypotheses the results were consistent only with Boyce's seasonality hypothesis, i.e. larger body size occurred in regions where food abundance exhibited more seasonal variation. This may be a buffer against periods of resource scarcity.

Passerine bird diversity of Turkey: The evaluation of geographic variation of some Fringillidae members

Published an abstract in 'Journal of Ornithology'

Birds of Nallıhan Bird Paradise, Central Antolia, Turkey

The measurement error revisited: its importance and evaluation of size and shape in birds.

The Evaluation of Some Key Wetlands for Waterfowls in Central Anatolia, Turkey

Birds of Camili (Artvin, Turkey)

20. Yüzyılın Darwin’i: ERNST MAYR (1904-2005)

An Evaluation of the Distribution Pattern of the Common Chaffinch (Fringilla Coelebs) In Turkey

Turk. J. Zool, Jan 1, 2010

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Determination of the Conservation Status of Non-Passerine Birds in Nallıhan Bird Paradise, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Breeding Shrike Populations In Turkey: Status In 1998-2003

Biological Letters, Jan 1, 2004

BIOLOGICAL LETT. 2004, 41(2): 7175 Available online at http://www.biollett.amu.edu.pl ... Breedi... more