Open AccessPhylogeny and evolution of antlered deer determined from mitochondrial DNA sequences.
Author(s) -
Michael M. Miyamoto,
Fred Kraus,
Oliver A. Ryder
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.87.16.6127
Subject(s) - mitochondrial dna , biology , subfamily , phylogenetic tree , phylogenetics , sister group , clade , evolutionary biology , genetics , dna , gene , ribosomal rna , extant taxon , zoology
Mitochondrial DNA sequences of both ribosomal RNA genes and three adjacent transfer RNA genes were obtained for the three extant subfamilies of antlered deer (Cervinae, Muntiacinae, and Odocoileinae) as well as for their antlerless sister group Hydropotinae (family Cervidae). Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences (each nearly 2.7 kilobase pairs in length) supports a cervine/muntiacine clade to the exclusion of odocoileines. These results are statistically significant, stable, and congruent with some independent data. Our mitochondrial DNA sequences, when coupled with other information, indicate that the earliest fossil antlered deer are not closely related to living muntiacines or any other contemporary subfamily. From this information, we hypothesize an Old World, Late Miocene origin of Odocoileinae.