Phylogeography of field voles (Microtus agrestis) in Eurasia inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences

摘要: In a distribution-wide phylogeographic survey of the field vole (Microtus agrestis), 75 specimens from 56 localities across Eurasia were examined for DNA sequence variation along whole 1140 base pair (bp) mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene. The species is subdivided into three main mtDNA groups - western, eastern and southern with largely allopatric distributions. western phylogeographical group found in west central Europe spread most probably glacial refugium Carpathians. covers large range Lithuania to Asia, originated southeast European source (e.g. Urals or Caucasus). occupies an area Portugal Hungary, division two distinct sublineages that presumably derive separate refugia Iberian Peninsula. Molecular clock estimates suggest populations separated during last glaciation, whereas population dates back 0.5-0.9 Myr. High levels indicate relatively sizes subdivisions within glaciation. We report possible new suture zone east Europe.