Molecular phylogeny of the Cricetinae subfamily based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b and 12S rRNA genes and the nuclear vWF gene

摘要: Abstract Despite some popularity of hamsters as pets and laboratory animals there is no reliable phylogeny the subfamily Cricetinae available so far. Contradicting views exist not only about actual number species but also concerning validity several genera. We used partial DNA sequences two mitochondrial (cytochrome b, 12S rRNA) one nuclear gene (von Willebrand Factor exon 28) to provide a first tree based on 15 taxa comprising six According our data, Palaearctic fall into three distinct phylogenetic groups: Phodopus, Mesocricetus, Cricetus-related which evolved during late Miocene 7–12 MY ago. Surprisingly, genus was previously thought have appeared Pleistocene, forms oldest clade. The largest extant hamster genera found in group hamsters. Cricetulus itself proved be truly monophyletic with migratorius appearing more closely related Tscherskia, Cricetus, Allocricetulus. propose place within new monotypic genus. Molecular clock calculations are always line dating fossil records. divergence time estimates well taxonomic relationships demand reevaluation morphological characters identify fossils