Multilocus phylogeny suggests a distinct species status for the Nepal population of Assam macaques ( Macaca assamensis): implications for evolution and conservation.

ABSTRACT: Phylogenetic relationships within the sinica-group of macaques based on morphological, behavioral, and molecular characteristics have remained controversial. The Nepal population of Assam macaques ( Macaca assamensis) (NPAM), the westernmost population of the species, is morphologically distinct but has never been used in phylogenetic analyses. Here, the phylogenetic relationship of NPAM with other congeners was tested using multiple mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal loci. The divergence times and evolutionary genetic distances among macaques were also estimated. Results revealed two major mitochondrial DNA clades of macaques under the sinica-group: the first clade included M. thibetana, M. sinica, and eastern subspecies of Assam macaque ( M. assamensis

SUBMITTER: Khanal L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7840459 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature