Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Aethomys (Rodentia: Muridae)

摘要: Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Aethomys were examined based on qualitative cranial data for all currently recognized species. A cladistic analysis suggested presence of three clades: 1) A. bocagei, thomasi, silindensis, kaiseri, and nyikae;2) chrysophilus, ineptus, hindei;3) granti, namaquensis, stannarius. These phylogenetic groupings are largely inconsistent with previously postulated supraspecific genus. Nonetheless, within each clade broadly correspond some evolutionary hypotheses among members genus, only notable exception being a close affinity between two southern African taxa (A. namaquensis granti) geographically disjunct West endemic, phylogram derived from an anagenetic divergence supported widely-held view granti that has traditionally led to their inc...