Publication details
Srovnání fylogeneze bělozubek (Eulipotyphla: Crocidurinae) subsaharské Afriky založené na mitochondriálních a jaderných markerech
| Title in English | A Comparison of the Phylogeny of White-Toothed Shrews (Eulipotyphla: Crocidurinae) in Sub-Saharan Africa Based on Mitochondrial and Nuclear Markers |
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| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Understanding phylogenetic relationships among species is one of the key prerequisites for a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity on our planet. Although recent decades have seen a significant increase in available genetic data, the evolutionary history of some animal groups remains unresolved. One such case involves the white-toothed shrews (Soricidae: Crocidurinae) in sub-Saharan Africa. In its current classification, this subfamily includes six genera (Crocidura, Paracrocidura, Ruwenzorisorex, Scutisorex, Suncus, and Sylvisorex) and 136 species. Most white-toothed shrew species are extremely difficult to distinguish morphologically, which has resulted in considerable taxonomic confusion, including numerous cryptic taxa and still-valid synonyms—making genetic methods particularly appropriate. The most commonly used genetic marker for species identification in small mammals is the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytB) gene. Using 4,671 available sequences, we constructed a phylogenetic tree and selected representatives from the major lineages for sequencing of UCE (Ultraconserved Elements) markers across the genome. The goal was to capture as much inter- and intraspecific mitochondrial diversity as possible for white-toothed shrews in sub-Saharan Africa. Using UCE data, we were able to reconstruct an almost fully resolved phylogenomic tree. Species from the genera Suncus and Sylvisorex are intermixed, indicating the need for more detailed taxonomic revision. Similarly, Paracrocidura is clearly nested within the genus Crocidura. Nuclear phylogenies within Crocidura show a nearly identical but fully resolved topology at the species complex level when compared to cytB. A notable difference between the trees lies in the placement of the C. maurisca complex. Topological differences within individual complexes highlight the groups that require taxonomic revision using morphological and geographic data. Resolving the complex taxonomy of Afrotropical white-toothed shrews will enable a more accurate quantification of biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa and help identify priority areas for its conservation. |