Abstract
To evaluate the intraspecific evolutionary history and local differentiation of the Japanese water shrewChimarrogale platycephala (Temminck, 1842), we an a lyzed the mitochondrial cytochromeb (Cytb) sequence divergence for samples from 55 localities in the Japanese is lands of Honshu and Kyushu. According to phylogenetic trees based on theCytb data, there were fourCytb haplotype lineages, which showed rough affinities with geographic areas, namely, Eastern/Central Honshu, the Kinki District of Western Honshu, the Chugoku District of Western Honshu, and Kyushu. However, in the alpine areas of the boundary between the Kinki and Chugoku Districts, complicated distribution patterns of theCytb haplotypes were revealed. Considering the present data and geological history in the Quaternary, we hypothesized the following evolutionary scenario. First, differ entiation and division into four primary ancestral geographic colonies of the shrews occurred in hypothetical refugia in the mid — late Pleistocene. Subsequently, rapid expansion occurred and caused the complicated distribution patterns of theCytb haplotypes in the boundary areas owing to the complex topography during the late stage of the Quaternary.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
