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Mesozoic origin for West Indian insectivores

Author

Listed:
  • Alfred L. Roca

    (Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick)

  • Gila Kahila Bar-Gal

    (National Cancer Institute)

  • Eduardo Eizirik

    (National Cancer Institute
    Centro de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, PUCRS)

  • Kristofer M. Helgen

    (University of , Adelaide)

  • Roberto Maria

    (Parque Zoologico Nacional, ZOODOM)

  • Mark S. Springer

    (University of California)

  • Stephen J. O'Brien

    (National Cancer Institute)

  • William J. Murphy

    (Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick)

Abstract

The highly endangered solenodons, endemic to Cuba (Solenodon cubanus) and Hispaniola (S. paradoxus), comprise the only two surviving species of West Indian insectivores1,2. Combined gene sequences (13.9 kilobases) from S. paradoxus established that solenodons diverged from other eulipotyphlan insectivores 76 million years ago in the Cretaceous period, which is consistent with vicariance, though also compatible with dispersal. A sequence of 1.6 kilobases of mitochondrial DNA from S. cubanus indicated a deep divergence of 25 million years versus the congeneric S. paradoxus, which is consistent with vicariant origins as tectonic forces separated Cuba and Hispaniola3,4. Efforts to prevent extinction of the two surviving solenodon species would conserve an entire lineage as old or older than many mammalian orders.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfred L. Roca & Gila Kahila Bar-Gal & Eduardo Eizirik & Kristofer M. Helgen & Roberto Maria & Mark S. Springer & Stephen J. O'Brien & William J. Murphy, 2004. "Mesozoic origin for West Indian insectivores," Nature, Nature, vol. 429(6992), pages 649-651, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:429:y:2004:i:6992:d:10.1038_nature02597
    DOI: 10.1038/nature02597
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