Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation

摘要: Background: Adaptive radiation, the evolution of ecological and phenotypic diversity from a common ancestor, is central concept in evolutionary biology characterizes histories many groups organisms. One such group Mustelidae, most species-rich family within mammalian order Carnivora, encompassing 59 species classified into 22 genera. Extant mustelids display extensive ecomorphological diversity, with different lineages having evolved an array adaptive zones, fossorial badgers to semi-aquatic otters. Mustelids are also widely distributed, multiple genera found on continents. As other that have undergone resolving phylogenetic history presents number challenges because convergence may potentially confound morphologically based inferences, radiations often include one or more periods rapid cladogenesis require large amount data resolve. Results: We constructed nearly complete generic-level phylogeny Mustelidae using matrix comprising gene segments (~12,000 base pairs) analyzed maximum parsimony, likelihood Bayesian inference methods. show consistently resolved high nodal support four major clades three monotypic lineages. Using dating techniques, we provide evidence underwent two bursts diversification coincide paleoenvironmental biotic changes occurred during Neogene correspond similar vertebrate groups. Biogeographical analyses indicate extant originated Eurasia colonized Africa, North America South occasions.