Novel 12S mtDNA findings in sloths (Pilosa, Folivora) and anteaters (Pilosa, Vermilingua) suggest a true case of long branch attraction

Genetics and Molecular Biology

Maria Claudene Barros¹  Iracilda Sampaio²  Horacio Schneider² 

[1] ,Universidade Estadual do MaranhãoCaxias MA ,Brazil

关键词: anteaters;    molecular evolution;    mylodont;    sloths;    Xenarthra;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1415-47572008000400029

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

We sequenced 12S RNA mtDNA for the majority of the extant species of sloths and anteaters and compared our results with previous data obtained by our group using 16S RNA mtDNA in the same specimens and to GenBank sequences of the extinct giant sloth Mylodon. Our results suggest that pigmy-anteaters may be a case of the long-branch attraction phenomenon and also show the large genetic difference between the Amazonian and Atlantic forest three-toed sloths, contrasting with the small differences observed between the two non-Atlantic forest forms of sloths. These results have important implications for the taxonomy of sloths and anteaters and strongly suggest the placement of pigmy anteaters in their own family (Cyclopidae) and raising the taxonomic status of Bradypus torquatus to a genus.

【 授权许可】

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