Additional data for nuclear DNA give new insights into the phylogenetic position of Sorex granarius within the Sorex araneus group

Many species contain genetic lineages that are phylogenetically intermixed with those of other species. In the Sorex araneus group, previous results based on mtDNA and Y chromosome sequence data showed an incongruent position of Sorex granarius within this group. In this study, we explored the relationship between species within the S. araneus group, aiming to resolve the particular position of S. granarius. In this context, we sequenced a total of 2447 base pairs (bp) of X-linked and nuclear genes from 47 individuals of the S. araneus group. The same taxa were also analyzed within a Bayesian framework with nine autosomal microsatellites. These analyses revealed that all markers apart from mtDNA showed similar patterns, suggesting that the problematic position of S. granarius is best explained by an incongruent behavior by mtDNA. Given their close phylogenetic relationship and their close geographic distribution, the most likely explanation for this pattern is past mtDNA introgression from S. araneus race Carlit to S. granarius.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights►Sorex granarius grouped with S. araneus races for mitochondrial DNA. ►S. granarius grouped with S. coronatus for Y chromosome-linked genes. ► Additional data based on 3 X-linked genes, 2 nuclear genes and 9 autosomal microsatellites showed a pattern similar to Y chromosome. ► Incongruent behavior by mtDNA is explained by introgression from S.araneus to S. granarius.