Phylogeographic structure in the <i>Alexandromys maximowiczii</i> Schrenk, 1859 (Rodentia, Cricetidae): comparison of data on mtDNA control region variability and chromosome polymorphism

Abstract

Based on the study of the mtDNA control region variability, a high level of genetic diversity and described genetic structure for the species as a whole are revealed for Alexandromys maximowiczii. Three phylogenetic groups “east”, “west” and “south” are identified, and within the “east” group three subclades “Chit”, “Amur” and “Khab” are distinguished. All phylogenetic groups and subclades have a mainly allopatric geographical distribution across the range. Nevertheless, in the vicinity of the village of Savvo-Borzya (Zabaykalsky Krai) one “hybrid” sample is found, individuals in which have different variants of the mt genotype: one individual has a “west” variant and the second has an “east”/“Amur” one. The revealed phylogenetic structure generally correlates with the previously described chromosomal forms, but does not correspond to the subspecific forms. The complex intraspecific subdivision of Alexandromys maximowiczii, discovered at different organization levels (molecular genetics and chromosomal), reflects not only the complex geography of the study area, but also the history of dynamic changes in the natural environment.