Biology Faculty Articles

Title

Phylogeographic Patterns and Evolution of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region in Two Neotropical Cats (Mammalia, Felidae)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1998

Publication Title

Journal of Molecular Evolution

Keywords

Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Mitochondrial DNA control region, Phylogeography, Felid evolution

ISSN

0022-2844

Volume

47

Issue/No.

5

First Page

613

Last Page

624

Abstract

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and margay (L. wiedii) are sister-species of Neotropical cats which evolved from a lineage that migrated into South America during the formation of the Panamanian land bridge 3–5 million years ago. Patterns of population genetic divergence of each species were studied by phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences in individuals sampled across the distribution of these taxa. Abundant genetic diversity and remarkably concordant phylogeographic partitions for both species were observed, identifying parallel geographic regions which likely reflect historical faunal barriers. Inferred aspects of phylogeography, population genetic structure, and demographic history were used to formulate conservation recommendations for these species. In addition, observed patterns of sequence variation provided insight into the molecular evolution of the mtDNA control region in closely related felids.

Comments

©Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1998

Additional Comments

GenBank accession #s: AF085366-AF085411

ORCID ID

0000-0001-7353-8301

ResearcherID

N-1726-2015

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Peer Reviewed

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