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PubMed2000

Interordinal relationships and timescale of eutherian evolution as inferred from mitochondrial genome data.

Extensive phylogenetic analyses of the updated sequence data of mammalian mitochondrial genomes were carried out using the maximum likelihood method in order to resolve deep branchings in eutherian evolution. The divergence times in the mammalian tree were estimated by a relaxed molecular clock of the mitochondrial proteins calibrated with multiple references. A Chiroptera/Eulipotyphla (i.e. bat/mole) clade and a close relationship of this clade to Fereuungulata (Carnivora+Perissodactyla+Cetartiodactyla) were reconfirmed with high statistical significance. However, a support for a monophyly of Fereuungulata relative to the Chiroptera/Eulipotyphla clade was fragile, and we suggest that the three branchings among Carnivora, Perissodactyla, Cetartiodactyla and Chiroptera/Eulipotyphla occurred successively in a short time period, estimated to be approximately 77Myr BP. The Chiroptera/Eulipotyphla divergence was estimated to roughly coincide with the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (65Myr BP). The monophyly of Rodentia, the Lagomorpha/Rodentia clade (traditionally called Glires), and the Afrotheria/Xenarthra clade were preferred over alternative relationships, but the supports of these clades were not strong enough to exclude other possibilities. Although several super-order taxa of eutherians were strongly supported by the analyses of the mitochondrial genome data, the branching order in the deepest part of the eutherian tree remained ambiguous from the data presently available.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Kangaroo rats exhibit spongiform degeneration of the central auditory system similar to that found in gerbils.

Kangaroo rats develop spongiform degeneration of the central auditory system similar to that seen in the gerbil. Light microscopic and transmission electron microscopic study of the cochlear nucleus and auditory nerve root (ANR) of Dipodomys deserti and D. merriami show that spongiform lesions develop in dendrites and oligodendrocytes of the cochlear nucleus and in oligodendrocytes of the ANR that are morphologically indistinguishable from those extensively described in the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus. As in Mongolian gerbils, the spongiform degeneration in Dipodomys were much more numerous in animals continually exposed to modest levels of low-frequency noise (< 75 dB SPL). The kangaroo rats with extensive spongiform degeneration also show slightly, but significantly, elevated auditory brainstem evoked response (ABR) thresholds to low-frequency stimuli, a result also found in Mongolian gerbils. These results suggest that the elevated ABR thresholds may be the result of spongiform degeneration. Because low-frequency noise-induced spongiform degeneration has now been shown in the cochlear nucleus of animals from separate families of Rodentia (Heteromyidae and Muridae), the possibility should be investigated that similar noise-induced degenerative changes occur in the central auditory system of other mammals with good low-frequency hearing.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1999

Karyological and dental identification of Microtus limnophilus in a large focus of alveolar echinococcosis (Gansu, China).

A study of voles (Arvicolidae, Rodentia) from Gansu (China) designed to identify a potential host of Echinococcus multilocularis, responsible for human alveolar echinococcosis, leads to a general analysis of Microtus limnophilus population karyotypes, M1 of M. oeconomus populations from all of Eurasia and of M. limnophilus of Mongolia. The Microtus of Gansu belonging to the nominal subspecies M. limnophilus limnophilus (2n = 38; NF = 58) differs markedly in size and shape of M1 from the M. limnophilus of Mongolia, which must therefore be considered as a new subspecies M. limnophilus of malygini nov. ssp. (2n = 38; NF = 60) and the M. oeconomus of Mongolia should be ranked as M. oeconomus kharanurensis nov. ssp. (2n = 30; NF = 60).

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The "human"-like morphology of the swine papilla ilealis.

The morphology of the ileocecocolic transition, between the small and large intestine was studied in 33 male, adult pigs of unknown breed. The results were analyzed by the Wilcoxon Test (alpha < or = 0.05). The ileum opened into the large intestine, in all of the cases, at the level of the cecocolic junction in the form of a conical papilla (ileal papilla) turned towards the large intestine, with an oblique caudal and lateral direction, pointing to the cecal lumen. The cranial contour is higher than the caudal one, with average values of 3.0 cm, and 1.5 cm in the fresh specimens and 2.8 cm and 1.4 cm after fixation of the specimens. The average diameter of the papilla apex was 1.5 cm, both in the fresh specimens and in the fixed ones. In 100% of the cases the ileal papilla appeared with a star-shaped orifice in its apex in both the fresh and in the fixed specimens. Our studies showed that the transition between the small and large intestine of the swine is ileocecocolic, thus similar to humans and different from the ileocecal (Perissodactyla, Rodentia, Lagomorpha) and, according to most descriptions, ileocolic (dog) transitions found in other animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Evaluating placental inter-ordinal phylogenies with novel sequences including RAG1, gamma-fibrinogen, ND6, and mt-tRNA, plus MCMC-driven nucleotide, amino acid, and codon models.

It is essential to test a priori scientific hypotheses with independent data, not least to partly negate factors such as gene-specific base composition biases misleading our models. Seven new gene segments and sequences plus Bayesian likelihood phylogenetic methods were used to compare and test five recent placental phylogenies. These five phylogenies are similar to each other, yet quite different from Fthose of previously proposed trees, and span Waddell et al. [Syst. Biol. 48 (1999) 1] to Murphy et al. [Science 294 (2001b) 2348]. Trees for RAG1, gamma-fibrinogen, ND6, mt-tRNA, mt-RNA, c-MYC, epsilon -globin, and GHR are significantly congruent with the four main groups of mammals common to the five phylogenies, i.e., Afrotheria, Laurasiatheria, Euarchontoglires, Xenarthra plus Boreoeutheria (Laurasiatheria plus Euarchontoglires). Where these five a priori phylogenies differ, remain areas generally hard to resolve with the new sequences. The root remains ambiguous and does not reject a basal Afrotheria (the Exafroplacentalia hypothesis), Afrotheria plus Xenarthra together with basal (Atlantogenata), or Epitheria (Xenarthra basal) convincingly. Good evidence is found that Eulipotyphla is monophyletic and is located at the base of Laurasiatheria. The shrew mole, Uropsilus, is found to cluster consistently with other moles, while Solenodon may be the sister taxa to all other eulipotyphlans. Support is found for a probable sister pairing of just hedgehogs/gymnures and shrews. Relationships within Afrotheria, except the Paenungulata clade, remain hard to resolve, although there is congruent support for Afroinsectiphillia (aardvark, elephant shrews, golden moles, and tenrecs). A first-time use is made of MCMC enacted general time-reversible (GTR) amino acid and codon-based models for general tree selection. Even with ND6, a GTR amino acid model provided resolution of fine features, such as the sister group relationship of walrus to Otatriidae, and with BRCA a more reasonable rooting. An extensive analysis of GHR sequences reveals strong congruence with prior phylogenies, including strong support for Eulipotyphla, and good resolution within Rodentia. A codon model gives a worse likelihood than a nucleotide model and sometimes switches support, e.g., with RAG1+gamma-fibrinogen from a hyrax-sirenian association to support for Tethytheria. An analysis of the concatenated data is in accordance with well-resolved features of the gene trees. Taken all together, this work suggests that we are on the right path finding strong confirmation of prior phylogenies. However, with the use of robust criteria for assessing trees (i.e., not Bayesian posteriors), it is apparent parts of the tree remain hard to resolve. Since our current models are far from fitting the sequence data, we should continue with our exploratory analyses to arrive at a refined set of hypotheses for future testing using more model independent characters (e.g., rare indels, gene rearrangement, and SINE data).

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A new phylogenetic marker, apolipoprotein B, provides compelling evidence for eutherian relationships.

Higher-level relationships within, and the root of Placentalia, remain contentious issues. Resolution of the placental tree is important to the choice of mammalian genome projects and model organisms, as well as for understanding the biogeography of the eutherian radiation. We present phylogenetic analyses of 63 species representing all extant eutherian mammal orders for a new molecular phylogenetic marker, a 1.3kb portion of exon 26 of the apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene. In addition, we analyzed a multigene concatenation that included APOB sequences and a previously published data set (Murphy et al., 2001b) of three mitochondrial and 19 nuclear genes, resulting in an alignment of over 17kb for 42 placentals and two marsupials. Due to computational difficulties, previous maximum likelihood analyses of large, multigene concatenations for placental mammals have used quartet puzzling, less complex models of sequence evolution, or phylogenetic constraints to approximate a full maximum likelihood bootstrap. Here, we utilize a Unix load sharing facility to perform maximum likelihood bootstrap analyses for both the APOB and concatenated data sets with a GTR+Gamma+I model of sequence evolution, tree-bisection and reconnection branch-swapping, and no phylogenetic constraints. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of both data sets provide support for the superordinal clades Boreoeutheria, Euarchontoglires, Laurasiatheria, Xenarthra, Afrotheria, and Ostentoria (pangolins+carnivores), as well as for the monophyly of the orders Eulipotyphla, Primates, and Rodentia, all of which have recently been questioned. Both data sets recovered an association of Hippopotamidae and Cetacea within Cetartiodactyla, as well as hedgehog and shrew within Eulipotyphla. APOB showed strong support for an association of tarsier and Anthropoidea within Primates. Parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses with both data sets placed Afrotheria at the base of the placental radiation. Statistical tests that employed APOB to examine a priori hypotheses for the root of the placental tree rejected rooting on myomorphs and hedgehog, but did not discriminate between rooting at the base of Afrotheria, at the base of Xenarthra, or between Atlantogenata (Xenarthra+Afrotheria) and Boreoeutheria. An orthologous deletion of 363bp in the aligned APOB sequences proved phylogenetically informative for the grouping of the order Carnivora with the order Pholidota into the superordinal clade Ostentoria. A smaller deletion of 237-246bp was diagnostic of the superordinal clade Afrotheria.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Energetics of hibernating yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris).

Yellow-bellied marmots (Rodentia: Sciuridae) typically hibernate for eight months. This study explored energetic costs of hibernation in young and adults at 10 and 6 degrees C. Age significantly affected the percent time torpid, total and mass-specific VO(2), use of energy during torpor, and daily mass loss at 6 degrees C. Thus young had a higher mass-specific VO(2) during a torpor bout, which was attributed to higher metabolism during deep torpor. Total VO(2) during a bout was higher in young and there were significant temperature/age interactions; young had a higher VO(2) during torpor and deep torpor at 6 degrees C than at 10 degrees C. VO(2) increased at T(E)s below 6 degrees C. Young had a higher daily mass loss than adults at 6 degrees C. Euthermy increased energetic costs 19.3 times over those of torpor and 23.5 times over those of deep torpor. Energy costs are minimized by spending 88.6% of the hibernation period in torpor, by the rapid decline of VO(2) from euthermy to torpor and by allowing T(B) to decline at low T(E). Torpidity results in average energy savings during winter of 83.3% of the costs of maintaining euthermy. Energy savings are greater than those reported for Marmota marmota and M. monax.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Distinct patterns of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Leontopithecus rosalia in distinct Atlantic coastal rainforest fragments in Rio de Janeiro--Brazil.

Previous studies on infection of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve population of wild free-ranging Leontopithecus rosalia have shown the presence of genotype T. cruzi II, associated in Brazil with human disease. Herein, this study has been extended, the infection being evaluated in L. rosalia of 3 different tamarin populations, inhabiting distinct forest areas located in the same Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Edentata, Marsupialia, Rodentia and Chiroptera were examined exclusively in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve. Excluding Chiroptera, T. cruzi infection was found in all orders. Biochemical and molecular characterization demonstrated that golden lion tamarins maintained stable infections by T. cruzi II. The isolates from the other mammals corresponded to T. cruzi I, suggesting independent transmission cycles occurring among the sylvatic mammals inside Poço das Antas Biological Reserve. Significant differences in the infection patterns presented by the 3 populations of wild and captive-born golden lion tamarins were noticed. In Poço das Antas a considerably higher number of positive haemocultures from tamarins with positive serological titres was observed in comparison to those obtained from other areas. The implications for conservation and public health of an active sylvatic cycle in the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest of Rio de Janeiro are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Description and morphometric variability of Paranoplocephala serrata n. sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx spp., Arvicolinae) from Arctic Siberia and North America.

We describe Paranoplocephala serrata n. sp. (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) from collared lemmings Dicrostonyx torquatus and D. groenlandicus (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) in Arctic Siberia and North America. The new species was recorded from the Yamal Peninsula (type-locality), Yana Delta, Kolyma Delta, Wrangel Island, Alaska and Victoria Island/Kent Peninsula (Northwest Territories). P. serrata n. sp. is characterised by a long, ribbon-like strobila, distinctly serrated segments, a small scolex, unilateral or infrequently alternating genital pores and testes confined to the antiporal part of the segment. It differs from the related species (Andrya bairdi, Parandrya feodorovi and Paranoplocephala manseri) by several morphological features, including the distribution of testes (several testes antiporal to ventral longitudinal osmoregulatory canal), structure of the cirrus-sac and vagina, and large eggs (0.053-0.068 mm in the type-material). The material of P. serrata n. sp. from North America differs from the Siberian material by the shorter cirrus-sac, smaller dimensions of the female reproductive organs, larger seminal receptacle and larger eggs. However, the statistical differences in the dimensions of reproductive organs mainly reflect the larger size of mature segments in Siberian specimens compared with North American specimens. The main diagnostic features, i.e. the size and form of scolex and suckers, number and distribution of testes, position of female glands, vagina/cirrus-sac ratio and morphology of reproductive organs, do not differ markedly between the Palaearctic and Nearctic specimens. According to the structure of the early-stage uterus, A. bairdi Schad, 1954 belongs to the genus Paranoplocephala. Parandrya Gulyaev & Chechulin, 1996 is probably a synonym of Paranoplocephala. A redescription is provided for Paranoplocephala bairdi n. comb.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Evolutionary significance of chromosome changes in northeastern Asiatic red-backed voles inferred with the aid of intron 1 sequences of the G6pd gene.

To evaluate the evolutionary significance of karyotypic characters in red-backed voles (Rodentia, Arvicolinae, genera Clethrionomys and Eothenomys) from northeastern Asia, we constructed phylogenetic trees based on intron 1 sequences (ca. 580 bp) of the X-linked gene G6pd. Phylogenetic trees, constructed using neighbor-joining and maximum-likelihood methods, revealed two major clades in red-backed voles corresponding to the glareolus- and the rufocanus-cytotypes defined by a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 1 and 9 based on G-band patterns. If confirmed, two types of X chromosome, acrocentric X and subtelocentric X, which have often been claimed to be traits of evolutionary and taxonomic significance, should be considered as examples of homoplasy because they occur sporadically in members of both rufocanus- and glareolus-cytotypes in red-backed voles.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Various organizations of the complex repeats in vole sex chromosome heterochromatin.

Different patterns of the DNA sequences organization were revealed in the vole (Rodentia) sex chromosome heterochromatin using dual-label fluorescence in-situ hybridization on extended DNA fibers with different repetitive DNA sequences as probes. In Microtus rossiaemeridionalis, the basic type represents the homogeneous relatively short tracks consisting of tandemly reiterated monomers of the MS3 family alternating with similar tracks of MS4 monomers and with non-fluorescent spacers. These tracks varied in the length of both repeats, with an average size of 12-22 kb or 3-5 copies. Apart from this, some continuous tracks of both families spanning 100-200 kb were interrupted by short spacers or single signals from the sequences with homology to LINEs. These results, together with that obtained by the analysis of phage clones of the genomic library, unequivocally demonstrate a variable large-scale DNA structural organization in heterochromatin of the M. rossiaemeridionalis sex chromosome. The dominant type of large-scale DNA organization in M. transcaspicus heterochromatin represents the unicolor relatively long tracks consisting of monotonous but not alternating monomers of MS3 or MS4 with sizes ranging from 15 to 40 kb and separated by extended spacers with an average length of 20 kb. Thus, the formation of the vole sex chromosome heterochromatic regions occurred relatively recently during speciation.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Evolution of genome organizations of squirrels (Sciuridae) revealed by cross-species chromosome painting.

With complete sets of chromosome-specific painting probes derived from flow-sorted chromosomes of human and grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), the whole genome homologies between human and representatives of tree squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis, Callosciurus erythraeus), flying squirrels (Petaurista albiventer) and chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus) have been defined by cross-species chromosome painting. The results show that, unlike the highly rearranged karyotypes of mouse and rat, the karyotypes of squirrels are highly conserved. Two methods have been used to reconstruct the genome phylogeny of squirrels with the laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as the out-group: (1) phylogenetic analysis by parsimony using chromosomal characters identified by comparative cytogenetic approaches; (2) mapping the genome rearrangements onto recently published sequence-based molecular trees. Our chromosome painting results, in combination with molecular data, show that flying squirrels are phylogenetically close to New World tree squirrels. Chromosome painting and G-banding comparisons place chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus ), with a derived karyotype, outside the clade comprising tree and flying squirrels. The superorder Glires (orde Rodentia + order Lagomorpha) is firmly supported by two conserved syntenic associations between human chromosomes 1 and 10p homologues, and between 9 and 11 homologues.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Sound localization in a predatory rodent, the northern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster).

A comparison of the ability of mammals to localize sound revealed that among the animals examined to date, none of the rodents have been able to localize as accurately as the carnivores. Because all of these rodents are prey animals, the question arises as to whether their poor localization acuity is a phyletic trait of Rodentia or whether it is a trait common to prey species that may be under less selective pressure than predators to localize sound accurately. To answer this question, sound localization acuity was determined in a species that is both predatory and a rodent, the northern grasshopper mouse. Localization thresholds for a single 100-ms noise burst were determined for three grasshopper mice using a conditioned avoidance procedure. Their 50% discrimination threshold of 19 degrees is larger than that of any of the previously tested carnivores and well within the range of other rodents. However, calculations of the binaural sound localization cues available to rodents (based on their head size) suggest that the grasshopper mouse may make more efficient use of the available locus cues than other rodents. Thus, although the grasshopper mouse cannot localize as accurately as carnivores, it appears to be more accurate than predicted for a nonpredatory rodent of its size.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Genetic differentiation among populations of Myopus schisticolor (the wood lemming)--isozyme variation.

To investigate genetic differentiation among populations of the wood lemming Myopus schisticolor (Muridae, Rodentia) isozyme variation in 10 populations from three regions, Fennoscandia, Western and Eastern Siberia, was examined. From 20 loci examined, the two most polymorphic ones, Idh-1 and Pgi-1, were used in the complete survey. The results of hierarchical F-statistics analysis showed significant differentiation among all populations; single locus FPT values agreed well (Idh-1, FPT = 0.20; Pgi-1, FPT = 0.20). However, allele frequencies at each locus demonstrated different patterns of subdivision among populations within regions and between regions. Thus, significant values of F-statistics within (FPR = 0.10) and between (FRT = 0.10) regions were found at Idh-1. Pgi-1 showed no significant differentiation among populations within regions (FPR = 0.01). The subdivision among populations at Pgi-1 was based on differentiation between regions (FRT = 0.19). The lack of differentiation among populations within a geographical region at the Pgi-1 locus is surprising for any rodent species, and the discrepancy between single-locus patterns of subdivision seems likely to result from selection at the Pgi-1 locus.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Cross-species characterization of the promoter region of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene reveals multiple levels of regulation.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is highly conserved within vertebrate species. Its pattern of expression in vivo seems to be tightly regulated both developmentally and in a tissue-specific manner, but shows differences with species. To identify transcriptional regulatory elements in the CFTR promoter region, we have used a combined approach based both on the analysis of the chromatin structure in vivo in rat tissues and on evolutionary clues (i.e. phylogenetic footprinting). In CFTR-expressing tissues, 15 DNase I-hypersensitive sites were identified within a 36 kb region encompassing exon 1. Eleven of them are clustered in a 3.5 kb region that exhibits eleven phylogenetic footprints observed when comparing sequences from eight mammalian species representing four orders (Primates, Artiodactylia, Lagomorpha and Rodentia). Comparison of the two sets of data allows the identification of two types of regulatory elements. Some are conserved between species, such as a non-consensus cAMP response element (CRE) and a PMA-responsive element (TRE) located respectively at positions -0.1 and -1.3 kb relative to ATG. Some are species-specific elements such as a 300 bp purine.pyrimidine (Pu.Py) stretch that is present only in rodents. Analysis of protein/DNA interactions in vitro with rat tissue protein extracts on the conserved elements revealed that the TRE site binds a specific heterodimeric complex composed of Fra-2, Jun D and a protein immunologically related to Jun/CRE-binding protein in the duodenum, whereas the CRE-like site binds ATF-1 ubiquitously. Functional analysis in Caco-2 cells showed that the CRE-like site supports a high basal transcriptional activity but is not able by itself to induce a response to cAMP, whereas the TRE site acts as a weak transactivator stimulated by PMA. Lastly, we found that the rodent-specific Pu.Py stretch confers nuclease S1 hypersensitivity under conditions of acidic pH and supercoiling. This indicates a non-B DNA conformation and thus reinforces the biological significance of non-random Pu.Py strand asymmetry in the regulation of transcription. Thus the tight transcriptional regulation of CFTR expression involves the combination of multiple regulatory elements that act in the chromatin environment in vivo. Some of them are conserved throughout evolution, such as the CRE-like element, which is clearly involved in the basal level of transcription; others are species-specific.

Activating Transcription Factor 1↗
PubMed1999

Abrocomaphthirus hoplai, a new genus and species of sucking louse from Chile and its relevance to zoogeography.

Both sexes of Abrocomaphthirus hoplai, new genus and new species (Anoplura: Polyplacidae), are described and illustrated. The endemic Chilean chinchilla rat Abrocoma bennetti Waterhouse (Rodentia: Abrocomidae) is the type host. The definition of the family Polyplacidae is amended to accommodate the new genus. Polyplax longa (Werneck), also referred to in the literature as Neohaematopinus longus Werneck, is reassigned to Abrocomaphthirus. The host of A. longus comb.n., is Abrocoma cinerea Thomas, another chinchilla rat, which inhabits parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The erection of Abrocomaphthirus as a distinct genus has important zoogeographical and evolutionary implications. The tenuous anomaly of P. longa being the sole native representative of the genus Polyplax in South America, possibly with African affinities, is now refuted. Instead, partial colonization of the neotropics by native species of both Polyplax and Neohaematopinus appears to have been relatively recent and from North America. The phylogenetic affinities of Abrocomaphthirus are unknown, but it appears to be closely related to other, more ancient, native South American polyplacid louse genera, such as Cuyana, Eulinognathus, Galeophthirus, and Lagidiophthirus. Arguments are presented in support of an ancestral zoogeographical link to Africa for these louse genera.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Phylogeographical patterns of genetic divergence and speciation in African mole-rats (Family: Bathyergidae).

African mole-rats are subterranean Hystricomorph rodents, distributed widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and displaying a range of social and reproductive strategies from solitary dwelling to the 'insect-like' sociality of the naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber. Both molecular systematic studies of Rodentia and the fossil record of bathyergids indicate an ancient origin for the family. This study uses an extensive molecular phylogeny and mitochondrial cytochrome b and 12s rRNA molecular clocks to examine in detail the divergence times, and patterns of speciation of the five extant genera in the context of rift valley formation in Africa. Based on a value of 40-48 million years ago (Myr) for the basal divergence of the family (Heterocephalus), we estimate divergence times of 32-40 Myr for Heliophobius, 20-26 Myr for Georychus/Bathyergus and 12-17 Myr for Cryptomys, the most speciose genus. While early divergences may have been independent of rifting, patterns of distribution of later lineages may have been influenced directly by physical barriers imposed by the formation of the Kenya and Western Rift, and indirectly by accompanying climatic and vegetative changes. Rates of chromosomal evolution and speciation appear to vary markedly within the family. In particular, the genus Cryptomys appears to have undergone an extensive radiation and shows the widest geographical distribution. Of the two distinct clades within this genus, one exhibits considerable karyotypic variation while the other does not, despite comparatively high levels of sequence divergence between some taxa. These different patterns of speciation observed both within the family and within the genus Cryptomys may have been a result of environmental changes associated with rifting.

Africa↗
PubMed1999

Granulated metrial gland cells and interstitial trophoblast in the uterine wall of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, in early pregnancy.

The morphology and distribution of granulated metrial gland cells and of interstitial trophoblast cells in the uterine wall was studied in the first half of pregnancy in the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus. The morphology and distribution of granulated metrial gland cells was generally similar to that found in other members of the Rodentia, although they were absent from the walls of the arterial vessels passing through the decidua basalis. Interstitial trophoblast invaded the decidualising endometrium mesometrial to, and antimesometrial to, the implanted embryos. There was no apparent spatiotemporal relationship between the distribution of granulated metrial gland cells and interstitial trophoblast cells.

Animals↗