Publication details
Untangling phylogenetic relationships in white-toothed shrews (Soricidae: Crocidurinae) using genome-wide data
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | Shrews (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) are one of the most speciose mammals and represent an important part of global biodiversity. Here, we focus on the subfamily Crocidurinae currently comprising 10 genera: Crocidura, Diplomesodon, Feroculus, Palawanosorex, Paracrocidura, Ruwenzorisorex, Scutisorex, Solisorex, Suncus and Sylvisorex. Early molecular phylogenetic studies were based on limited numbers of genetic markers and/or taxa, but even these studies revealed paraphyletic to polyphyletic relationships among some genera. We assembled an unprecedented dataset of 988 cytochrome b sequences covering all ten genera. In addition, we sequenced ultraconserved elements (thousands of genome-wide loci) for 104 individuals representing nine genera and covering most of the cytochrome b diversity. Although the reconstructed phylogenetic relationships are strongly supported, some taxonomic uncertainties persist. These issues, especially those involving non-monophyletic genera, are currently being investigated through an integrative approach combining genomic, morphological, and biogeographic evidence, potentially leading to the recognition of new genera. A well-resolved taxonomy is crucial for ensuring that subsequent research on white-toothed shrew diversity is based on accurately defined genera. The research was funded by the Czech Science Foundation projects no. GA23-06116S. |