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Mesozoic origin for West Indian insectivores.
Alfred L Roca1, Gila Kahila Bar-Gal, Eduardo Eizirik
1Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA. roca@ncifcrf.gov
Nature
|June 11, 2004
Summary
The endangered solenodon, a West Indian insectivore, diverged from other mammals 76 million years ago. Conserving these unique species protects an ancient evolutionary lineage.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Solenodons are the only surviving West Indian insectivores, with two species: Solenodon cubanus (Cuba) and Solenodon paradoxus (Hispaniola).
- These highly endangered mammals represent a unique and ancient evolutionary lineage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the evolutionary divergence times and origins of the two solenodon species.
- To provide genetic data supporting conservation efforts for these ancient mammals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of combined gene sequences (13.9 kilobases) from Solenodon paradoxus.
- Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (1.6 kilobases) from Solenodon cubanus.
Main Results:
- Solenodons diverged from other eulipotyphlan insectivores approximately 76 million years ago (Cretaceous period).
- A deep divergence of 25 million years was found between Solenodon cubanus and Solenodon paradoxus, consistent with tectonic separation of Cuba and Hispaniola.
Conclusions:
- The evolutionary history of solenodons aligns with vicariant origins due to geological events.
- Conservation of solenodons is crucial for preserving a mammalian lineage as old as many mammalian orders.
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