An Assessment of the Systematics of Arvicanthine Rodents Using Mitochondrial DNA Sequences: Evolutionary and Biogeographical Implications

摘要: Mitochondrial DNA sequences of cytochrome b (1140-bp), 12S (375-bp) and 16S (475-bp) ribosomal RNA gene fragments were used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships a group African rodents referred as arvicanthines (Family Muridae, Subfamily Murinae). A total 49 specimens including all seven genera 15 24 arvicanthine species currently recognized well outgroups from subfamily Acomyinae, Arvicolinae, Gerbillinae, Murinae Otomyinae examined. Our molecular data support monophyly their partition into three distinct lineages: one composed Arvicanthis, Mylomys Pelomys, Desmomys Rhabdomys, represented by Lemniscomys. The Indian Golunda is external this clade part larger clade, together with other such Aethomys, Dasymys, Grammomys, Hybomys, for which we propose use tribal name Arvicanthini. basal within set are poorly resolved, suggesting possibility rapid radiation. Calibration based on fossil record suggests that radiative event would have taken place at about 8.0 Mya (Million years ago). identification sister-taxon Arvicanthini implies former true murines should therefore be given only rank Murinae.