Mitochondrial phylogeographies of five widespread Eurasian bird species

Abstract

Five species of Eurasian birds displayed a range of mitochondrial DNA phylogeographic structures, including a single widespread lineage (common sandpiper), two geographically unsorted and closely related lineages (long-tailed tit), three partially overlapping closely related lineages (reed bunting), and two divergent geographically isolated lineages that rival species distinction (red-breasted flycatcher and skylark). Only the red-breasted flycatcher and the skylark displayed congruent phylogeographic structures. These five species represent different stages of diversification and speciation. There was little evidence that natural selection had influenced mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequences. In several instances, population growth was hypothesized, based on haplotype distributions within populations.

A review of the recent advances in the systematics of the avian superfamily Sylvioidea

“…Dai et al (2011Dai et al ( , 2013 confirmed the existence of deeps splits within A. concinnus, and evaluated their causes. In a study of mitochondrial DNA of A. caudatus sampled across Russia, Zink et al (2008) found no strong geographical structure.…”

“…Ryan et al, 1998]; Mirafra cantillans-M. javanica). Moreover, Zink et al (2008) found a deep divergence in mitochondrial DNA between eastern and western populations of Alauda arvensis. It seems likely that the total number of recognized lark species is underestimated, and we predict that future studies based on molecular and/or vocal data will show that many of the currently recognized subspecies warrant recognition as separate species.…”

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“…Using mitochondrial DNA, east-west splits have been documented for a variety of vertebrates including bats (Flanders et al 2009), and several avian species (e.g. Eurasian magpie (Pica pica; Kryukov et al 2004), rook (Corvus frugilegus; Haring et al 2007), and red-breasted flycatcher (Ficedula parva; Zink et al 2008)). …”

“…root vole (Microtus oeconomus; Brunhoff et al 2003) and reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus; Zink et al 2008)), or peninsula populations are isolated (e.g. great bustard (Otis tarda; Pitra et al 2000)).…”

“…In contrast, little population structure has been detected in some widespread species, such as otters (Lutra lutra; Ferrando et al 2004) and several avifauna species (e.g. great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major; Zink et al 2002), common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos; Zink et al 2008), and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica; Zhang et al 2012)). Some of the observed phylogeographic patterns have been explained by postglacial colonization from single or multiple refugia, but may also be influenced by barriers to dispersal, such as mountain ranges (e.g.…”