03023nas a2200325   4500008004100000245013300041210006900174300001200243490000700255520195700262653001802219100001602237700001902253700001702272700001702289700001302306700002002319700001402339700001902353700002202372700002702394700002602421700002402447700002002471700001902491700002102510700001602531700001702547856013302564       2004                        eng d00aMolecular phylogeny of the speciose vole genus <i>Microtus </i>(Arvicolinae, Rodentia) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences0 aMolecular phylogeny of the speciose vole genus iMicrotus iArvico  a647-6630 v333 aVoles of the genus Microtus represent one of the most speciose mammalian genera in the Holarctic. We established a molecular phylogeny for Microtus to resolve contentious issues of systematic relationships and evolutionary history in this genus. A total of 81 specimens representing ten Microtus species endemic to Europe as well as eight Eurasian, six Asian and one Holarctic species were sequenced for the entire cytochrome b gene (1140 bp). A further 25 sequences were retrieved from GenBank, providing data on an additional 23, mainly Nearctic, Microtus species. Phylogenetic analysis of these 48 species generated four well-supported monophyletic lineages. The genus Chionomys, snow voles, formed a distinct and well-supported lineage separate from the genus Microtus. The subgenus Microtus formed the strongest supported lineage with two sublineages displaying a close relationship between the arvalis species group (common voles) and the socialis species group (social voles). Monophyly of the Palearctic pitymyid voles, subgenus Terricola, was supported, and this subgenus was also subdivided into two monophyletic species groups. Together, these groupings clarify long-standing taxonomic uncertainties in Microtus. In addition, the ‘‘Asian’’ and the Nearctic lineages reported previously were identified although the latter group was not supported. However, relationships among the main Microtus branches were not resolved, suggesting a rapid and potentially simultaneous radiation of a widespread ancestor early in the history of the genus. This and subsequent radiations discernible in the cytochrome b phylogeny, show the considerable potential of Microtus for analysis of historical and ecological determinants of speciation in small mammals. It is evident that speciation is an ongoing process in the genus and that the molecular data provides a vital insight into current species limits as well as cladogenic events of the past. 10aKAPE Mammalia1 aJaarola, M.1 aMartinkova, N.1 aGündüz, I.1 aBrunhoff, C.1 aZima, J.1 aNadachowski, A.1 aAmori, G.1 aBulatova, N.S.1 aChondropoulos, B.1 aFraguedakis-Tsolis, S.1 aGonzález-Esteban, J.1 aLópez-Fuster, M.J.1 aKandaurov, A.S.1 aKefelioglu, H.1 aMathias, da, Luz1 aVillate, I.1 aSearle, J.B.  uhttps://icgf.myspecies.info/content/molecular-phylogeny-speciose-vole-genus-microtus-arvicolinae-rodentia-inferred-mitochondrial