Cryptic speciation and chromosomal repatterning in the South African climbing mice Dendromus (Rodentia, Nesomyidae)

摘要: We evaluate the intra- and interspecific diversity in four South African rodent species of genus Dendromus. The molecular phylogenetic analysis on twenty-three individuals have been conducted a combined dataset nuclear mitochondrial markers. Moreover, extent processes underlying chromosomal variation, investigated three by mean G-, C-bands, NORs Zoo-FISH analysis. shows presence six monophyletic lineages corresponding to D. mesomelas, mystacalis within cfr. melanotis with high divergence values (ranges: 10.6% – 18.3%) that raises question possible cryptic species. first description karyotype for mesomelas C- G- banding one lineage are reported highlighting an extended reorganization genus. Furthermore, G-banding evidenced autosome-sex chromosome translocation characterizing all our timing estimates this mutation date back 7.4 mya (Late Miocene). Finally, clock suggests cladogenesis took place since end Miocene Plio-Pleistocene, probably due ecological factors, isolation refugia followed differential adaptation mesic or dry habitat.