Phylogenetic relationships among the antpitta genera were studied using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial genome. The clade representing the traditional “antpitta” genera (Grallaria, Grallaricula, Hylopezus, Myrmothera, and Pittasoma) was found to be paraphyletic, owing to the sister relationship of Pittasoma and Conopophaga. In a previously unreported relationship, Pittasoma was strongly supported as the sister genus to Conopophaga (Conopophagidae). The remaining antpitta genera form a fully resolved and well-supported monophyletic lineage with two major subclades. The first clade consists of the genus Grallaria and supports the subgenera identified by Lowery and O'Neill (1969). The second antpitta clade has Hylopezus as the sister genus to Myrmothera, with Grallaricula as their sister genus. The results here allow for a new interpretation of the morphological characters used in previous studies.
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1 April 2005
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF ANTPITTA GENERA (PASSERIFORMES: FORMICARIIDAE)
Nathan H. Rice
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The Auk
Vol. 122 • No. 2
April 2005
Vol. 122 • No. 2
April 2005
antpitta
Conopophaga
phylogeny
Pittasoma