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A survey of equid mitochondrial DNA: Implications for the evolution, genetic diversity and conservation of Equus

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Abstract

The evolution, taxonomy and conservation of the genus Equuswere investigated by examining the mitochondrial DNA sequences of thecontrol region and 12S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis of thesesequences provides further evidence that the deepest node in thephylogeny of the extant species is a divergence between twolineages; one leading to the ancestor of modern horses (E.ferus, domestic and przewalskii) and the other to thezebra and ass ancestor, with the later speciation events of the zebrasand asses occurring either as one or more rapid radiations, or withextensive secondary contact after speciation. Examination of the geneticdiversity within species suggested that two of the E. hemionussubspecies (E. h. onager and E. h. kulan) onlyrecently diverged, and perhaps, are insufficiently different to beclassified as separate subspecies. The genetic divergence betweendomestic and wild forms of E. ferus (horse) and E.africanus (African ass) was no greater than expected within anequid species. In E. burchelli (plains zebra) there was anindication of mtDNA divergence between populations increasing withdistance. The implications of these results for equid conservation arediscussed and recommendations are made for conservation action.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, San Diego, California, 92112, USA;

    E. Ann Oakenfull & Oliver A. Ryder

  2. Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK

    E. Ann Oakenfull

  3. Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK

    Han N. Lim

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  1. E. Ann Oakenfull
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Correspondence to E. Ann Oakenfull.

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Oakenfull, E.A., Lim, H.N. & Ryder, O.A. A survey of equid mitochondrial DNA: Implications for the evolution, genetic diversity and conservation of Equus. Conservation Genetics 1, 341–355 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011559200897

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