A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the “true thrushes” (Aves: Turdinae)
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2005
Publication Title
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Publisher
Elsevier
Volume
34
Issue
3
First page number:
486
Last page number:
500
Abstract
The true thrushes (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae, subfamily Turdinae) are a speciose and widespread avian lineage presumed to be of Old World origin. Phylogenetic relationships within this assemblage were investigated using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data that included the cytochrome b and ND2 genes. Our ingroup sampling included 54 species representing 17 of 20 putative turdine genera. Phylogenetic trees derived via maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood were largely congruent. Most of the Turdine taxa sampled can be placed into one of six well supported clades. Our data indicate a polyphyletic Zoothera which can be divided into at least two (Afro-Asian and Austral-Asian) main clades. The genus Turdus, as presently recognized, is paraphyletic but forms a well supported clade with the addition of three mostly monotypic genera (Platycichla, Nesocichla, and Cichlherminia). We identify an exclusively New World clade that includes a monophyletic Catharus, Hylocichla, Cichlopsis, Entomodestes, Ridgwayia, and Ixoreus. Members of the morphologically and behaviorally distinct genera Sialia, Myadestes, and Neocossyphus unexpectedly form a basal clade. Using multiple outgroup choices, we show that this group is distantly related, but unequivocally the sister group to the remaining Turdines sampled. The Turdinae appear to be a relatively old songbird lineage, originating in the mid to late Miocene. If the Turdinae are indeed Old World in origin, our data indicate a minimum of three separate invasions of the New World.
Keywords
Biogeography; Ornithology; Phylogeny; Trushes; Turdinae
Controlled Subject
Biogeography; Phylogeny--Molecular aspects; Population Biology
Disciplines
Molecular Genetics | Ornithology | Population Biology
File Format
File Size
535 KB
Language
English
Permissions
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Rights
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Repository Citation
Klicka, J.,
Voelker, G.,
Spellman, G. M.
(2005).
A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the “true thrushes” (Aves: Turdinae).
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 34(3),
486-500.
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