Phylogenetic relationships of Newfoundland and other North American Caribou:
a representative DNA data set for evolutionary genetic analysis
MtDNA Cytochrome b sequences of 1,212 bp were compared among the four clades of Newfoundland caribou (A, B, C, & D) with other geographic samples of North American caribou (Quebec, Labrador, & Northwest Territories) from previous studies, and a domesticated Eurasian Reindeer.
The Maximum Likelihood analysis supports the hypothesis of an endemic Newfoundland subspecies (Rangifer tarandus terranovae Banks, 1896) comprising clades B, C, and D. Clade A is more closely related to mainland animals in Labrador and Quebec, which suggests its presence on the island is the results of relatively recent migration. The presence of Newfoundland-descended animals in Quebec is also indicated.
Figure 3 from Wilkerson et al. 2018; Text material © 2018 by Steven M. Carr