The phylogeny of pikas (Ochotona) inferred from a multilocus coalescent approach

摘要: Abstract The clarification of the systematics pikas (genus Ochotona) has been hindered by largely overlapping morphological characters among species and lack a comprehensive molecular phylogeny. Here we estimate first multilocus phylogeny genus to date, analysing 12 nuclear DNA markers (total 7.5 Kb) in 11 from four classified subgenera (Pika, Ochotona, Lagotona Conothoa) using multispecies coalescent-based framework. species-tree confirmed subgeneric classification retrieving as monophyletic represented here more than one species. Contrary previous phylogenies based on mtDNA alone, was found be sister Pika. Also, support for monophyly alpina group not strong, thus caution should used future analyses this group. A relaxed clock calibrated Ochotonidae–Leporidae divergence resulted recent estimates times relative studies. Strong concordance with inferences fossil records found, suggesting that initial diversification took place end late Miocene. Finally, work sets up methodologies gathers can extend understanding evolutionary history genus.