A complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the wild two-humped camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus): an evolutionary history of camelidae
2007

Mitochondrial Genome of the Wild Two-Humped Camel

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cui Peng, Ji Rimutu, Ding Feng, Qi Dan, Gao Hongwei, Meng He, Yu Jun, Hu Songnian, Zhang Heping

Primary Institution: Inner Mongolia Agricultural University

Hypothesis

To investigate the evolutionary relationship between the Camelini and Lamini tribes of the Camelidae family.

Conclusion

The mitochondrial genome analysis suggests that the two tribes diverged from their common ancestor about 25 million years ago, much earlier than what was predicted based on fossil records.

Supporting Evidence

  • The mitochondrial genome sequence is 16,680 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes.
  • The study found a lineage-specific insertion in the nd1 gene of the New World camelid Lama pacos.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggested the divergence of the two tribes occurred in the early Miocene.

Takeaway

Scientists studied the DNA of the wild two-humped camel to learn about its family history, finding that it split from other camels a long time ago.

Methodology

The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced using PCR-based methods and analyzed for evolutionary relationships.

Limitations

The study may be limited by the availability of DNA samples and the focus on mitochondrial DNA only.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-8-241

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