1. Phylogenetic position of the genus Proedromys (Arvicolinae, Rodentia): Evidence from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA
- Author
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Zhiyu Sun, Haibang Hao, Bisong Yue, Weicai Chen, Yang Liu, and Shaoying Liu
- Subjects
Volemys musseri ,Monophyly ,Sister group ,biology ,Phylogenetic tree ,Genus ,Proedromys ,Molecular phylogenetics ,Proedromys bedfordi ,Zoology ,biology.organism_classification ,Biochemistry ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
The issue of whether Proedromys should be included in the genus Micritus or considered a valid genus has been a controversial issue, since it was established that the genus Proedromys contained only a single species (Proedromys bedfordi). In 2007, a vole species of Proedromys (Proedromys liangshanensis) was identified. In order to elaborate the phylogenetic positions of the genus Proedromys and the vole species, we determined mitochondrial (cyt b) and two unclear (GHR and IRBP) DNA fragments. Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood analyses based on a combined matrix indicated that Proedromys is not monophyletic as it is currently recognized. P. bedfordi was separated from the genus Microtus, forming a well-supported clade and was a sister taxon to Volemys musseri. The position of P. liangshanensis, however, was unstable due to low/moderately supported value. Molecular dating analyses using BEAST suggested an early Pleistocene origin for the genus.
- Published
- 2012
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