Evolutionary and ecological patterns within the South African Bathyergidae: Implications for taxonomy

Publication date: Available online 17 October 2018Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and EvolutionAuthor(s): Jacobus H. Visser, Nigel C. Bennett, Bettine Jansen van VuurenAbstractThe family Bathyergidae (comprising six genera) is a group of subterranean rodents endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Our understanding of the evolution and species richness of the South African bathyergid genera Georychus, Bathyergus and Cryptomys is limited, with the majority of species listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Genetic data suggest that several cryptic species may be present in these genera. To explore genetic and ecological distinctiveness, and evaluate taxonomic richness across the ranges of Georychus, Bathyergus and to a lesser degree, Cryptomys, as well as evaluate possible scenarios which have historically influenced evolutionary patterns, we employed four protein coding markers (one mitochondrial and three nuclear) along with distribution wide sampling schemes and large sample sizes. In addition, possible ecological differences among the different intra-generic clades were explored. Genera appear to have originated in the north-eastern interior of South Africa, following novel habitats created through the Post-African I erosion cycle and dramatic changes in climate and phytogeography. In each genus, multiple geographically discrete genetic lineages (clades) are supported by both the mitochondrial and nuclear data. These lineages bear signature of the fragme...

Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution - October 17, 2018 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research