ISSN:
1573-7055
Keywords:
12S rRNA
;
marsupials
;
molecular evolution
;
monotremes
;
phylogeny
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The interrelationships of the three mammalian groups, Monotremata, Marsupialia, and Eutheria, have been studied using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. The results suggest that the monotremes diverged from the living therians only shortly before eutherians and marsupials separated from each other, although there is some evidence for a slowdown in rate of base change in the monotreme lineage. Whtin the Monotremata, the two extant species of tachyglossids show a very close genetic relationship and the data suggest a very recent divergence. We have also confirmed that the Patagonian Monito del Monte,Dromiciops australis, is more closely related to the australidephian marsupials than it is to other South American species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01464347
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