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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Phylogenetics
  • Mammalian Diversification

Background:

  • Lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, pikas) are key Glires members, but their evolutionary history and diversification remain understudied using molecular data.
  • Previous phylogenetic studies often lacked comprehensive taxon sampling or used less rigorous statistical support for their findings.
  • Testing the monophyly of lagomorph families and genera is crucial for understanding their evolutionary relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To rigorously test the monophyly of lagomorph families (Leporidae, Ochotonidae) and genera using expanded molecular data.
  • To reconstruct a robust phylogenetic tree and estimate divergence times for lagomorph diversification.
  • To compare lagomorph evolutionary patterns with those of rodents (Muroidea).

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis using a supermatrix of five mitochondrial and 14 nuclear genes from 88 taxa, including rodent outgroups.
  • Maximum likelihood tree reconstruction with bootstrap analysis for robust branch support.
  • Time-tree construction using six fossil-based calibration points and divergence time estimation with jackknife calibration tests.

Main Results:

  • The study recovered monophyletic families Leporidae and Ochotonidae, along with most tested genera.
  • Within the Ochotona genus, subgenera Conothoa and Pika were monophyletic, but Ochotona itself was not.
  • Lagomorph diversification originated in the early Palaeogene, with leporids exhibiting a major radiation event characterized by larger body size and enhanced locomotion.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides a robust molecular phylogeny confirming lagomorph family and genus monophyly.
  • The findings highlight a significant adaptive radiation in leporids, enabling ecological success compared to rodents and pikas.
  • The results offer crucial insights into the evolutionary history and diversification dynamics of Lagomorpha within the Glires.