Mitochondrial sequences reveal a clear separation between Angolan and South African giraffe along a cryptic rift valley.
BMC Evol Biol
; 14: 219, 2014 Oct 23.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25927851
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The current taxonomy of the African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is primarily based on pelage pattern and geographic distribution, and nine subspecies are currently recognized. Although genetic studies have been conducted, their resolution is low, mainly due to limited sampling. Detailed knowledge about the genetic variation and phylogeography of the South African giraffe (G. c. giraffa) and the Angolan giraffe (G. c. angolensis) is lacking. We investigate genetic variation among giraffe matrilines by increased sampling, with a focus on giraffe key areas in southern Africa.RESULTS:
The 1,562 nucleotides long mitochondrial DNA dataset (cytochrome b and partial control region) comprises 138 parsimony informative sites among 161 giraffe individuals from eight populations. We additionally included two okapis as an outgroup. The analyses of the maternally inherited sequences reveal a deep divergence between northern and southern giraffe populations in Africa, and a general pattern of distinct matrilineal clades corresponding to their geographic distribution. Divergence time estimates among giraffe populations place the deepest splits at several hundred thousand years ago.CONCLUSIONS:
Our increased sampling in southern Africa suggests that the distribution ranges of the Angolan and South African giraffe need to be redefined. Knowledge about the phylogeography and genetic variation of these two maternal lineages is crucial for the development of appropriate management strategies.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Rumiantes
/
ADN Mitocondrial
Límite:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Evol Biol
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
Año:
2014
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania