Phylogeny of the Dasyurid Marsupial Genus Antechinus Based on Cytochrome-b, 12S-rRNA, and Protamine-P1 Genes

Phylogenetic analysis of complete cytochrome-b</it>, 12S-rRNA, and protamine-Pl gene sequences from 17 of the 18 extant species of Phascogalinae (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) suggests relationships that are strikingly congruent with previous morphological and molecular studies. Australian and New Guinean members of Antechinus</it> comprise separate monophyletic groups, and the latter includes both species of the New Guinean genus Murexia</it>. Among Australian species, two clades are recovered with high resolution: A. swainsonii</it> and A. minimus; A. leo, A. bellus</it>, and A. flavipes</it>. Affinities of A. stuartii, A. godmani</it>, and the agile antechinus are not resolved.