The genus Baiomys contains 2 extant species, the northern B. taylori and the southern B. musculus. Mitochondrial DNA sequences from the cytochrome-b gene were used to assess genetic variation within and between the 2 species. Samples of B. taylori and B. musculus each formed 2 separate clades and differed by an average sequence divergence of 11.62%. Average sequence divergence between the 2 clades of B. taylori was minimal (2.82%), whereas the value between the 2 clades of B. musculus was greater (6.46%). The level of genetic divergence between the clades of B. musculus is comparable to values seen between other sister species of sigmodontine rodents. The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Sierre Madre del Sur, and Rio Balsas may separate populations of B. musculus into northwestern and southern clades.
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1 February 2004
Molecular Evolution in Baiomys (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae): Evidence for a Genetic Subdivision in B. musculus
Brian R. Amman,
Robert D. Bradley
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Baiomys
biogeography
cytochrome-b gene
molecular systematics