Inferring phylogenetic structure, taxa hybridization, and divergence
times within Aschizomys (Cricetidae: Alticola) using quaddRAD sequencing
and a cytb dataset
Abstract
The subgenus Aschizomys belongs to the genus Alticola (Central Asian
mountain vole) and consists of two species: Alticola macrotis and
Alticola lemminus. Phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus
Aschizomys remain obscure due to limited sampling, an insufficient
number of molecular markers used in phylogenetic studies, and paraphyly
observed on mitochondrial trees. In this work, to infer reliable
phylogenetic relationships and evaluate putative scenarios of ancient
hybridization within the subgenus, we applied double-digest restriction
site–associated DNA paired-end (quaddRAD) sequencing to 20 DNA samples
(20 individuals), including five species of the genus Alticola, and
dated the divergence of cytochrome b (cytb) lineages within Aschizomys
using a “second calibration” approach. We showed monophyly of the two
species on the basis of thousands of nuclear loci and demonstrated
traces of introgression also in the nuclear genome. Observed paraphyly
in cytb could be explained by an introgression event rather than
incomplete lineage sorting. This explanation was confirmed by an
analysis of the cytb divergence time. Overall, our results support the
hypothesis of extensive migration of the Aschizomys species during the
Late Pleistocene, with this migration leading to population divergence
and introgression. We expect our article to become a starting point for
a series of rigorous studies on the population history of the genus
Alticola as a whole.