A phylogeographic survey of the pygmy mouse Mus minutoides in South Africa: taxonomic and karyotypic inference from cytochrome b sequences of museum specimens.

ABSTRACT: The African pygmy mice (Mus, subgenus Nannomys) are a group of small-sized rodents that occur widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Chromosomal diversity within this group is extensive and numerous studies have shown the karyotype to be a useful taxonomic marker. This is pertinent to Mus minutoides populations in South Africa where two different cytotypes (2n = 34, 2n = 18) and a modification of the sex determination system (due to the presence of a Y chromosome in some females) have been recorded. This chromosomal diversity is mirrored by mitochondrial DNA sequences that unambiguously discriminate among the various pygmy mouse species and, importantly, the different M. minutoides cytotypes. However, the geographic delimitation and taxonomy of pygmy mice populations in South Africa is poor

SUBMITTER: Chevret P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4048158 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature