A mitochondrial phylogeographic scenario for the most widespread African rodent,Mastomys natalensis

Abstract

In order to evaluate the contribution of geological, environmental, and climatic changes to the spatial distribution of genetic variation of Mastomys natalensis, we analysed cytochrome b sequences from the whole distribution area of the species to infer its phylogeographic structure and historical demography. Six well‐supported phylogroups, differentiated during the Pleistocene, were evidenced. No significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances was found at the continental scale, and the geographic distributions of the observed phylogroups have resulted from extensive periods of isolation caused by the presence of putative geographic and ecological barriers. The diversification events were probably influenced by habitat contraction/expansion cycles that may have complemented topographic barriers to induce genetic drift and lineage sorting. According to our results, we propose a scenario where climate‐driven processes may have played a primary role in the differentiation among phylogroups. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London

Pan-African phylogeny of Mus (subgenus Nannomys) reveals one of the most successful mammal radiations in Africa

“…The presence of genetically divergent clades with parapatric distribution is congruent with the scenario invoking allopatric fragmentation and vicariance. Almost the exact same geographic pattern of genetic differentiation is visible in M. minutoides (compare Figure 1f in this study with Figure 1 in [76]). The phylogeographic pattern suggests at least 11 different savannah refugia approximately 1 Mya, i.e.…”

“…Recent phylogeographic studies of M. natalensis showed that populations were strongly influenced by Pleistocene climate fluctuations [76]. The presence of genetically divergent clades with parapatric distribution is congruent with the scenario invoking allopatric fragmentation and vicariance.…”

Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genes-Based Phylogeography of Arvicanthis niloticus (Murinae) and Sub-Saharan Open Habitats Pleistocene History

“…Once again, many similarities appear between species-specific case studies. The tectonic complex of the Rift Valley was identified as a contact zone between parapatric phylogroups in L. striatus [13] and Mastomys natalensis [17]. Similarly, the relationships between some hydrographic features and genetic structure have been documented in several Sub-Saharan rodent species (e.g., Taterillus spp.…”

“…This may explain why all African species investigated so far led to strong phylogeographic signals, as well as remarkable congruence between sometimes highly divergent taxa. Indeed, data are now available for rodent species inhabiting arid zones ( Jaculus jaculus : [12]), steppes, shrub and tree savannahs ( Lemniscomys striatus : [13]; Praomys daltoni : [14]; Mastomys erythroleucus : [15], [16]; Mastomys natalensis : [17]), rocky habitats ( Acomys chudeaui : [18]), humid areas ( Mastomys huberti : [19]), forest-savannah mosaics [ Mus (Nannomys) minutoides : [20] and forests ( Praomys rostratus and P. tullbergi : [21]; P. misonnei : [22], [23]). …”

Arenavirus Diversity and Phylogeography ofMastomys natalensisRodents, Nigeria

“…In a genetic study of M. natalensis rodents across Africa ( 10 ), which analyzed cytochrome b sequences, researchers found that populations of these rodents in western Africa belong to the same monophylogenetic phylogroup, A-I. However, those authors detected phylogroup A-I of M. natalensis rodents in countries west of Nigeria and phylogroup A-II in countries east of Nigeria, but they did not sample Nigeria, the contact zone for rodents of these phylogroups.…”