Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of elongation factor 1 alpha identifies major groups of lice (Insecta : Phthiraptera)

Cruickshank, R.H., Johnson, K.P., Smith, V.S., Adams, R.J., Clayton, D.H. and Page, R.D.M. (2001) Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of elongation factor 1 alpha identifies major groups of lice (Insecta : Phthiraptera). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 19(2), pp. 202-215. (doi: 10.1006/mpev.2001.0928)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/mpev.2001.0928

Abstract

As a first attempt to use molecular data to resolve the relationships between the four suborders of lice and within the suborder Ischnocera, we sequenced a 347-bp fragment of the elongation factor l alpha gene of 127 lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) as well as outgroup taxa from the order Psocoptera. A number of well-supported monophyletic groups were found but the relationships among many of these groups could not be resolved. While it is probable that multiple substitutions at high divergences and ancient radiation over a short period of time have contributed to the problem, we attribute most of this lack of resolution to the high ratio of taxa to characters. Nevertheless, the sequence data unequivocally support a number of important relationships that are at variance with the conclusions of morphological taxonomy. These include the sister group relationship of Chelopistes and Oxylipeurus, two lice occupying different ecological niches on the same host, which have previously been assigned to different families. These results provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that lice have speciated in situ on the host in response to niche specialization and that this has given rise to convergent morphologies in the-lice: of different host groups which share similar ecological niches. We discuss our attempts to overcome the limitations of this large data set, including the use of leaf stability analysis, a new method for analyzing the stability of taxa in a phylogenetic tree, and examine a number of hypotheses of relationships based on both traditional taxonomy and host associations.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Page, Professor Roderic
Authors: Cruickshank, R.H., Johnson, K.P., Smith, V.S., Adams, R.J., Clayton, D.H., and Page, R.D.M.
Subjects:Q Science > QL Zoology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
Journal Name:Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
ISSN:1055-7903

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