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Turtle phylogeny: insights from a novel nuclear intron
Matthew K Fujita1, Tag N Engstrom, David E Starkey
1Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|May 4, 2004
Summary
This study introduces a new nuclear intron (R35) for turtle phylogenetics, resolving relationships within Trionychoidea and Chelidae. The R35 intron offers strong statistical support for previously unresolved turtle evolutionary histories.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Herpetology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Introns are popular molecular markers for phylogenetics.
- Existing primers do not amplify a nuclear intron across all turtles.
- Relationships within Trionychoidea and Chelidae remain unresolved using current data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the phylogenetic utility of a novel RNA fingerprint protein 35 (R35) intron.
- To resolve relationships within the superfamilies Trionychoidea and Chelidae.
- To develop new molecular markers for turtle systematics.
Main Methods:
- Amplification and sequencing of the R35 intron across diverse turtle species.
- Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood.
- Assessment of the R35 intron as a single-copy locus with resolving power.
Main Results:
- The R35 intron is a single-copy locus with excellent resolving power for turtle lineages.
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed the polyphyly of Trionychoidea.
- Reciprocal monophyly was demonstrated for Australian/New Guinea and South American chelid turtles.
Conclusions:
- The R35 intron provides strong statistical support for resolving relationships within Trionychoidea and Chelidae.
- This intron is a promising tool for addressing persistent problems in turtle phylogeny.
- Further application of the R35 intron may clarify additional evolutionary histories in turtles.