Data from: Molecular phylogeny of an ancient rodent family (Aplodontiidae)
Data files
May 16, 2013 version files 818.27 KB
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all nuc.TXT.xml
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Appendix 1 cytb 1050bp 080612.xls
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Appendix 2 cytb 450bp 080612.xls
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Appendix 3 CR 080612.xls
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Appendix 4 GHR 080612.xlsx
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cytb prior root stdev mean CA.xml
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Abstract
The family Aplodontiidae contains a single, monotypic extant genus, Aplodontia (mountain beaver), which was 1st described by Rafinesque in 1817. Phylogenetic studies have shown that it is the sister lineage to squirrels. Aplodontia rufa is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and ranges from central California to British Columbia. Currently, 7 described subspecies are recognized based on morphological taxonomic studies. In this study, mitochondrial and nuclear genes were sequenced to infer molecular phylogenies of A. rufa. One of the goals of this study was to test the current taxonomic hypothesis based on morphology with molecular data. Another goal was to incorporate geographic information to elucidate distributions of major clades. Our results support the previously held subspecies designations based on morphological taxonomy, with 1 main exception: we determined that within A. rufa, the subspecies A. rufa rainieri and A. rufa rufa north of the Columbia River represent a single lineage and should revert to the name A. rufa olympica. Although we revised geographic boundaries for some groups (A. r. rufa, A. r. olympica, A. r. pacifica), only the conservation status and management of A. r. olympica (previously 2 subspecies) in Canada may be affected. Our findings support the continued conservation efforts for the isolated and endangered lineages present in coastal California.