Nuclear DNA phylogeny of the squirrels (Mammalia: Rodentia) and the evolution of arboreality from c-myc and RAG1

摘要: Abstract Although the family Sciuridae is large and well known, phylogenetic analyses are scarce. We report on a comprehensive molecular phylogeny for family. Two nuclear genes (c-myc RAG1) comprising approximately 4500 bp of data (most in exons) applied first time to rodent phylogenetics. Parsimony, likelihood, Bayesian separate gene regions combined reveal five major lineages refute conventional elevation flying squirrels (Pteromyinae) subfamily status. Instead, derived from one tree squirrel lineages. C-myc indels corroborate sequence-based topologies. The common ancestor extant appears have been arboreal, confirming fossil evidence. results also an unexpected clade mostly terrestrial with African Holarctic centers diversity. present revised classification squirrels. Our demonstrate utility relatively slowly evolving exonic even recent clades.