Unraveling the rapid radiation of crested newts (Triturus cristatus superspecies) using complete mitogenomic sequences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The rapid radiation of crested newts (Triturus cristatus superspecies) comprises four morphotypes: 1) the T. karelinii group, 2) T. carnifex - T. macedonicus, 3) T. cristatus and 4) T. dobrogicus. These vary in body build and the number of rib-bearing pre-sacral vertebrae (NRBV). The phylogenetic relationships of the morphotypes have not yet been settled, despite several previous attempts, employing a variety of molecular markers. We here resolve the crested newt phylogeny by using complete mitochondrial genome sequences.

Results

Bayesian inference based on the mitogenomic data yields a fully bifurcating, significantly supported tree, though Maximum Likelihood inference yields low support values. The internal branches connecting the morphotypes are short relative

SUBMITTER: Wielstra B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3224112 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature