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Mitogenomes Reveal Feliform Evolution and Adaptation
- Mitochondrial genomes of feliform carnivores provide insights into their evolutionary history, adaptive evolution, and conservation implications.
- Deep phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary adaptations of feliforms are elucidated through the analysis of 75 extant species' mitochondrial genomes.
- Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction reveals a sister-group relationship between Felidae and Prionodontidae, challenging traditional morphological classifications.
- The crown group of Feliformia is estimated to have originated around 46 million years ago, coinciding with ancient climatic shifts.
- Adaptive evolution within feliform mitochondrial genes shows purifying selection predominance, with exceptions indicating ecological specializations.
- Positive selection in ND4 gene of Nandinia binotata and COX2 gene of Pantherinae suggests adaptations to arid environments and predatory lifestyle.
- Unique genetic features like the GTG start codon in Neofelis diardi's COX1 gene reflect adaptations to insular habitats.
- Identification of Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) such as Prionodon pardicolor emphasizes importance of conservation efforts.
- Integration of molecular systematics and conservation genomics provides tools for safeguarding feliform diversity amid environmental challenges.
- Study sets new standards for evolutionary genetics in carnivores, showing how mitochondrial genomics inform phylogeny, adaptation, and conservation.
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