Analysis of a sequence for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene rejected the hypothesis on the Balkan peninsula as a refugium for the Eastern phylogeographic linneage of the common vole Microtus arvalis. The species evolved in the southern Balkans and endemic lineage, which is not in a sister position against the Eastern linneage. The study offers a new insight into the evolution of the model species, and on the legacy of glacial refugia for current biodiversity.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1832403
The spatial genetic structure of Martino’s vole, a rare palaeoendemic species of the western Balkans, was investigated using DNA isolated from archived museum samples. The nuclear markers confirmed existences of three highly divergent allopatric phylogenetic lineages (Northwestern, Central and Southeastern) were recognized among 47 haplotypes, suggesting three independent glacial differentiation centres within the western Balkans. The three main lineages should be regarded as evolutionary significant units with important implications for conservation.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1791955