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Inferring phylogenetic structure, taxa hybridization, and divergence times within Aschizomys (Cricetidae: Alticola) using quaddRAD sequencing and a cytb dataset
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  • Ivan Dvoyashov,
  • Semyon Bodrov,
  • Elena Glagoleva,
  • Nikolay Mamaev,
  • Natalia Abramson
Ivan Dvoyashov
Russian Academy of Sciences
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Semyon Bodrov
Russian Academy of Sciences, Zoological Institute, Laboratory of evolutionary genomics and paleogenomics
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Elena Glagoleva
Lomonosov Moscow State University
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Nikolay Mamaev
Institut biologiceskih problem kriolitozony SO RAN
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Natalia Abramson
Russian Academy of Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

The subgenus Aschizomys belongs to the genus Alticola (Central Asian mountain vole) and consists of two species: Alticola macrotis and Alticola lemminus. Phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus Aschizomys remain obscure due to limited sampling, an insufficient number of molecular markers used in phylogenetic studies, and paraphyly observed on mitochondrial trees. In this work, to infer reliable phylogenetic relationships and evaluate putative scenarios of ancient hybridization within the subgenus, we applied double-digest restriction site–associated DNA paired-end (quaddRAD) sequencing to 20 DNA samples (20 individuals), including five species of the genus Alticola, and dated the divergence of cytochrome b (cytb) lineages within Aschizomys using a “second calibration” approach. We showed monophyly of the two species on the basis of thousands of nuclear loci and demonstrated traces of introgression also in the nuclear genome. Observed paraphyly in cytb could be explained by an introgression event rather than incomplete lineage sorting. This explanation was confirmed by an analysis of the cytb divergence time. Overall, our results support the hypothesis of extensive migration of the Aschizomys species during the Late Pleistocene, with this migration leading to population divergence and introgression. We expect our article to become a starting point for a series of rigorous studies on the population history of the genus Alticola as a whole.
26 Jun 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
27 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Sep 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
18 Oct 20231st Revision Received
19 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
19 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Accept