The origin, current diversity and future conservation of the modern lion (Panthera leo).

ABSTRACT: Understanding the phylogeographic processes affecting endangered species is crucial both to interpreting their evolutionary history and to the establishment of conservation strategies. Lions provide a key opportunity to explore such processes; however, a lack of genetic diversity and shortage of suitable samples has until now hindered such investigation. We used mitochondrial control region DNA (mtDNA) sequences to investigate the phylogeographic history of modern lions, using samples from across their entire range. We find the sub-Saharan African lions are basal among modern lions, supporting a single African origin model of modern lion evolution, equivalent to the 'recent African origin' model of modern human evolution. We also find the greatest variety of mtDNA haplotypes in the centre

SUBMITTER: Barnett R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1635511 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature