To investigate the rapid and coordinated evolution of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and its relatives, this study employs a systematic review of genomic and ecological literature published between 2024 and 2025. The primary data sources include peer-reviewed articles and datasets accessed through three major scientific databases: PubMed, Nature Publishing Group (including Nature Communications and Scientific Reports), and PubMed Central (PMC). These databases were selected for their comprehensive coverage of cutting-edge research in genomics, evolutionary biology, and avian ecology, ensuring access to the most recent findings on falcon evolution.
PubMed Search Strategy:
A targeted search was conducted on PubMed using keywords such as "Peregrine Falcon genomics," "Falco peregrinus evolution," "raptor whole-genome sequencing," "epistasis in birds," "pleiotropy in predator-prey arms race," and "falcon genetic diversity 2024--2025." Filters were applied to limit results to publications from January 2024 to September 2025, focusing on studies involving whole-genome surveys, chromosome-level assemblies, and population genomics of falconids. This yielded key studies, including those identifying positive selection in genes like opsin (vision) and ADCY8 (cognition) and their epistatic interactions. Additional searches cross-referenced related raptor species (e.g., Gyrfalcon, Saker Falcon) to contextualize Peregrine adaptations within the Falconidae family.
Nature Publishing Group:
The Nature portfolio, accessed via nature.com, was queried for high-impact studies on falcon genomics and evolutionary biology. Search terms included "falcon genome assembly 2024," "rapid evolution in raptors," and "arms race genomics." This database provided critical insights from 2025 publications, such as the chromosome-level genome assembly of the Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), which revealed pleiotropic effects in genes like angiopoietin (circulatory and muscular efficiency) and unique haplotype structures facilitating rapid adaptation. Nature journals also contributed comparative genomic analyses of Peregrine and Saker Falcons, highlighting divergence timelines (~2.1 MYA) and rapid selection in predatory traits.
PubMed Central (PMC):
PMC was utilized to access open-access articles and supplementary datasets, particularly those detailing population genomics and bibliometric trends in falcon research. Searches focused on terms like "falcon population genomics 2024--2025," "Peregrine subspecies diversity," and "raptor conservation genomics." A 2025 bibliometric analysis of falcon research (1984--2024) from the Arabian Gulf provided insights into emerging trends and research gaps, emphasizing the rise of genomic studies. Additionally, PMC articles on Neotropical falcons (e.g., Orange-breasted and Bat Falcons) offered comparative data on genetic diversity and inbreeding, supporting hypotheses of rapid allele fixation post-bottlenecks.
Inclusion Criteria:
Studies were included if they: (a) were published between January 2024 and September 2025; (b) focused on falconid genomics, particularly Peregrine or related species (e.g., Gyrfalcon, Saker Falcon); (c) addressed evolutionary mechanisms like epistasis, pleiotropy, or positive selection; or (d) provided ecological or genomic data relevant to predator-prey arms races. Non-genomic studies (e.g., purely behavioral) or those predating 2024 were excluded unless they provided critical historical context (e.g., divergence timelines).
Data Extraction:
From selected studies, data were extracted on: (a) genomic evidence of positive selection (e.g., genes like opsin, angiopoietin, ADCY8); (b) epistatic and pleiotropic interactions; (c) divergence timelines and population bottlenecks; and (d) ecological pressures driving rapid evolution (e.g., prey escape strategies). Supplementary datasets, such as genomic sequences or phylogenetic trees, were reviewed to validate findings.
