Molecular Phylogeny of Palearctic–AfricanAcrocephalusandHippolaisWarblers (Aves: Sylviidae) ☆

摘要: Abstract Phylogenetic relationships of the reed warbler group (generaAcrocephalus, Hippolais, Chloropeta;Aves: Passeriformes) and their potential relatives were studied using nucleotide sequences (1 kb) mitochondrial cytochromebgene. This species-rich but morphologically poorly differentiated insectivorous passerines is distributed in Eurasia, Africa, Australasia. Intergeneric resolved, monophyly (includingChloropeta) versus other Sylviidae was strongly supported. A basal polytomy within consists seven branches may indicate a rapid early radiation. In genusAcrocephalusthree major clades identified, which corresponded to phenotypic groups characterized by body size plumage patterns. However, current delimitation some subgenera (Acrocephalus, Lusciniola, Bebrornis) at variance with our phylogeny estimate, appropriate revisions are proposed. The genusHippolais,which or not be monophyletic, consisted two well-supported four species each. SomeAcrocephalustaxa whose status had been doubted (griseldis, tangorum, orientalis, australis) proved highly distinct genetically. Genetic distances between members pairs allopatricHippolaistaxa (caligata/rama; opaca/elaeica) as large larger than closely related species. Overall, cytochromebsequences resolved phylogenetically young quite well, whereas more ancient nodes remained resolved.