ISSN:
1573-7055
Keywords:
Nesomyinae
;
Muroidea
;
12S rDNA
;
Madagascar
;
DNA hybridization
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The relationships of Nesomyinae, a group of murid rodents endemic to the island of Madagascar, were investigated with two comparative molecular approaches. Compared to those of other muroid rodents representing Murinae, Cricetinae, Cricetomyinae. Arvicolinae, and Sigmodontinae, complete sequences of the 12S rRNA mitochondrial gene suggest that the Malagasy nesomyinesMacrotarsomys andNesomys are monophyletic and that their sister-group among the taxa analyzed isCricetomys. A limited series of DNA/DNA hybridization experiments extends these observations to a third nesomyine genus,Eliurus, and a second cricetomyine taxon,Saccostomus. By relating the amounts of overall genomic divergence with geological time as calibrated by theMus/Rattus dichotomy estimated at 12–14 My, the oldest within-Nesomyinae dichotomy is estimated to be 10.8 to 12.6 My. Thus, these three genera of Malagasy nesomyine rodents appear to be a rather ancient offshoot from African ancestors whose Recent relatives are Cricetomyinae. This preliminary observation should be confirmed by sampling additional genera of nesomyines and additional representatives for other subfamilies of African muroids.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01458182
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