# Collaborative Research: A genomic-architecture-aware approach for resolving a taxonomically complete phylogeny of parrots

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · American Museum Natural History (NY) · $492,116

## Abstract

The tree of life is a powerful tool for understanding evolution that can also be used for research on medicine, wildlife management, and agriculture. However, recent studies indicate that genes transferred between species can make it difficult for scientists to build an accurate evolutionary tree or understand the relationships between species. This project will use parrots, one of the most endangered and illegally trafficked groups of animals, to better understand how often species transfer genes and how that impacts scientists’ ability to accurately build an evolutionary tree. The researchers will collect genetic data, including sequencing genomes, for all parrots. These data will be used to build an evolutionary tree of parrots and answer questions about gene transfer between parrot species. This data will also be used to aid conservation efforts by developing forensic DNA barcodes that will help law enforcement correctly identify illegal products made from endangered parrot species. The project will build collaborations between forensic scientists and natural history museums, provide training and mentoring for students through early-career researchers, and share findings with the public and scientific communities.

To estimate accurate phylogenetic trees in the genomic era, the effect of genomic architecture (the structure, organization, and content of a genome) on phylogenetic signal must be understood. Large-scale phylogenetic methods often do not account for gene flo

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2445804
- **Awardee organization:** American Museum Natural History (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MNJDKB4FXLM6
- **PI:** Brian T Smith
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $492,116
- **Funds obligated:** $492,116
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2445804

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2445804, Collaborative Research: A genomic-architecture-aware approach for resolving a taxonomically complete phylogeny of parrots. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2445804. Licensed CC0.

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