Phylogenetic Relationships Within the Genus Equus and the Evolution of [alpha] and [theta] Globin Genes

Sequences of the α1, α2 and [theta] globin genes from six equid species have been determined to investigate relationships within the genus Equus. Analyses using standard phylogenetic methods, or an approach designed to account for the effects of gene conversion between the α genes, gave broadly simi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of molecular evolution 1998-12, Vol.47 (6), p.772
Main Authors: Oakenfull, E Ann, Clegg, John B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
Evolutionary biology
Horses
Mitochondrial DNA
Phylogenetics
Phylogeny
Speciation
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Summary:Sequences of the α1, α2 and [theta] globin genes from six equid species have been determined to investigate relationships within the genus Equus. Analyses using standard phylogenetic methods, or an approach designed to account for the effects of gene conversion between the α genes, gave broadly similar results and show that the horses diverged from the zebra/ass ancestor 2.4 million years ago and that the zebra and ass species arose in a rapid radiation 0.9 million years ago. These results from the α genes are corroborated by [theta] gene data and are in contrast to mitochondrial DNA studies of the phylogeny of this genus, which suggest a more gradual set of speciation events.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0022-2844
1432-1432
DOI:10.1007/PL00006436