Molecular Phylogeny of Cryptonanus (Didelphidae: Thylamyini): Evidence for a recent and complex diversification in South American open biomes{*}

Author(s)

Fegies, Ana Claudia ^[1] ; Carmignotto, Ana Paula ^[2] ; Perez, Manolo Fernandez ^[3] ; Guilardi, Mariana Dias ^[4] ; Lessinger, Ana Claudia ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Engn Ambiental, Campus Sorocaba, Ave Tres Marco 511, BR-18087180 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Biol, Campus Sorocaba, BR-18052780 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Genet & Evolucao, Rodovia Washington Luis Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Inst Butantan, Lab Ecol & Evolucao, Ave Vital Brazil 1500, BR-05503000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution; v. 162, SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Systematic revisions of South American marsupials have contributed to our knowledge about genus and species diversity in the last decades, including studies of the most recently described genus Cryptonanus (Didelphidae), currently comprising four recognized species. Herein we provide the first phylogeny for these mouse opossums based on comprehensive sampling, including representatives from all nominal taxa, encompassing most of the geographic distribution of the genus while also extending its known range. The taxonomic status of Cryptonanus species was explored by analyses of multiple mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers to assess phylogenetic relationships and to provide divergence time estimates, species delimitations and biogeographical hypotheses. Cryptonanus monophyly remained highly supported despite the inclusion of abundant new data from more than a hundred specimens, comprising 10 independent evolutionary lineages. Species-complexes within valid nominal taxa reveal higher species richness in the genus. Based on divergence estimates from a dated phylogeny, we suggest that Cryptonanus diversified along the Quaternary, with speciation events occurring well into the Pleistocene. The best supported biogeographical hypothesis endorses speciation by vicariance and subset speciation across open formations in shaping the evolutionary history of this didelphid genus, strongly associated with dry tropical landscapes of South America. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 00/06642-4 - Small terrestrial mammals of the Cerrado bioma: local and regional faunistic patterns
• Grantee: Ana Paula Carmignotto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/20022-3 - Systematics of the small non-volant mammals from the open formations of South America: the case of the genus Cryptonanus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)
• Grantee: Ana Paula Carmignotto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants