Mitochondrial Genome Analysis and Phylogeny and Divergence Time Evaluation of theStrix aluco

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this study, a complete mitochondrial genome of theStrix alucowas reported for the first time, with a total length of 18,632 bp. There were 37 genes, including 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 2 non-coding control regions (D-loop). The second-generation sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome of theS. alucowas conducted using the Illumina platform, and then Tytoninae was used as the out-group, PhyloSuite software was applied to build the ML-tree and BI-tree of the Strigiformes, and finally, the divergence time tree was constructed using Beast2.6.7 software, the age ofMiosurnia diurnafossil-bearing sediments (6.0-9.5 Ma) was set as the internal correction point. The common ancestor of theStrixwas confirmed to have diverged during the Pleistocene(2.59~0.01Ma). The dramatic uplift of the Qinling Mountains in the Middle Pleistocene and the climate oscillation of the Pleistocene together causedStrixdivergence between the northern and southern parts of mainland China. The isolation of glacial-interglacial rotation and glacier refuge was the main reason for the divergence of the common ancestor of theStrix uralensisand theS. alucoduring this period. This study provides a reference for the evolution history of theStrix.Summary statementThis study was the first time to assemble the complete mitochondrial genome ofStrix aluco, and report the divergence time ofStrix. A full discussion was made, and it was inferred that the uplift of the Qinling Mountains and the glacial refuge led to the differentiation of this genus.