In:
Australian Journal of Zoology, CSIRO Publishing, Vol. 45, No. 2 ( 1997), p. 113-
Abstract:
Allozyme variation at 39 presumptive loci was screened across 180 specimens
representing 18 species of Australo-Papuan fairy-wrens (Maluridae). The results identified two major clusters within Malurus.
One comprised M. cyaneus, M. splendens, M. coronatus,
M. melanocephalus, M. leucopterus and M. alboscapulatus. The other
comprisedM. lamberti, M. amabilis, M. pulcherrimus and M. elegans.
M. grayi and M. cyanocephalus were variously associated with these two assemblages. Most analyses aligned
Clytomias with Malurus relative to Stipiturus. The findings from the present study indicate
that allozyme data are well suited to phylogenetic inference whether analysed as distances or as discrete characters, provided that only relatively robust
branches are accepted. When only such branches were considered there was complete congruence between the analyses. Nevertheless, congruence
per se between analyses was not necessarily a reflection of robust branching patterns, as illustrated by the position of
Clytomias. Of analyses with discrete characters, those that treated loci as characters and the commonest allele as the state appeared
to be a particularly effective approach, provided that the distribution of discarded alleles in the initial topology is considered a
posteriori. The allozyme data confirmed several previously accepted lineages, and identified surprising new links between
several taxa as well. These links were supported biogeographically and, in some aspects, morphologically. Those phylogenetic nodes that were poorly
resolved can now be tested by more sensitive DNA-based approaches. By using allozymes to establish robust clades and then to identify areas in need of further resolution, DNA-based studies can be focused better on phylogenetic
problem areas, thereby promoting more efficient use of time and resources.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0004-959X
Language:
English
Publisher:
CSIRO Publishing
Publication Date:
1997
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