Phylogenetic
relationships
in the genus
Martes (Mustelidae: Carnivora)
Phylogenetic tree
(maximum parsimony) of
mutational differences among mitochondrial cytochrome b
genotypes.
Subgenus Martes is well-defined (occurrence in 91% of bootstrap
replications): the two North American subspecies groups [Martes
americana
(TNP, SEL, and Mam) versus M. caurina (WYO,
QCI, and VCI)] are distinct
monophyletic lineages with respect to M. martes, M.
zibellina,
and M. melampus [European marten, sable, and Japanese marten,
respectively].
Each of the three subgenera of Martes are strictly
monophyletic:
subgenus Charronia (yellow-throated marten = M. flavigula)
is the sister group to subgenus Martes, and subgenus Pekania
(fisher = M. pennanti) is the outgroup to the other two
subgenera.
In this analysis, the wolverine (Gulo) appears as the sister
group
to Martes, and the badger (Taxidea) is the sister to Gulo
and Martes.
