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A recent origin of marmots

W K Thomas1, S L Martin

  • 1Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|December 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
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Mitochondrial DNA analysis reveals marmots and ground squirrels diverged recently, with genetic differences much smaller than fossil records suggest. This finding challenges previous evolutionary timelines for these rodent species.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Mammalian Phylogenetics

Background:

  • Understanding the evolutionary relationships and divergence times of closely related species is crucial for phylogenetic studies.
  • Rodent evolution, particularly within the Sciuridae family (squirrels and marmots), presents complex phylogenetic questions.
  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a valuable tool for assessing genetic divergence and evolutionary history due to its relatively rapid mutation rate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phylogenetic relationship between marmots (Marmota) and ground squirrels (Spermophilus) using mitochondrial DNA.
  • To compare the genetic divergence of marmots and ground squirrels with estimates derived from fossil evidence.
  • To determine the timing of divergence between marmots and ground squirrels based on molecular data.

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Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene.
  • Comparative sequence analysis of cyt b genes from four ground squirrel species, one marmot species, and one tree squirrel species.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to infer evolutionary relationships and estimate divergence times.

Main Results:

  • A significantly lower level of genetic divergence was observed between the marmot and ground squirrels compared to expectations based on fossil data.
  • The genetic divergence between marmots and ground squirrels was found to be comparable to the divergence observed within ground squirrel species.
  • Sequence data indicates a recent divergence of marmots (Marmota) from true ground squirrels (Spermophilus).

Conclusions:

  • The molecular data suggests a more recent evolutionary divergence between marmots and ground squirrels than previously inferred from paleontology.
  • Mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences support the close phylogenetic relationship and recent common ancestry of marmots and ground squirrels.
  • This study highlights the utility of molecular data in refining evolutionary timelines and resolving phylogenetic uncertainties in mammalian evolution.