Reticulate evolution: frequent introgressive hybridization among chinese hares (genus lepus) revealed by analyses of multiple mitochondrial and nuclear DNA loci
2011
Frequent Hybridization Among Chinese Hares
Sample size: 124
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Liu Jiang, Yu Li, Arnold Michael L, Wu Chun-Hua, Wu Shi-Fang, Lu Xin, Zhang Ya-Ping
Primary Institution: Yunnan University
Hypothesis
Introgressive hybridization events occur among Chinese Lepus species and contribute to taxonomic confusion.
Conclusion
The study reveals complex patterns of hybridization among Chinese hares, contributing to their taxonomic confusion.
Supporting Evidence
- Data from four mtDNA genes and one nuclear gene provides evidence of frequent introgression events.
- Chinese hares belong to eight species based on genetic analysis.
- Hybridization events likely contribute to taxonomic confusion.
Takeaway
This study shows that Chinese hares mix their genes a lot, which makes it hard to tell them apart.
Methodology
Analyzed four mitochondrial DNA genes and one nuclear gene from 124 Chinese hare individuals collected at 54 localities.
Limitations
Some samples had poor quality DNA, affecting the analysis.
Participant Demographics
Chinese hares collected from various localities in China.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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