Mitogenetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos L.) in northeastern Europe and a new time frame for the formation of European brown bear lineages

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2006.03130.x
• Publication Date: 2006-11-27T20:33:00Z
• Authors: URMAS SAARMA; SIMON Y. W. HO; OLIVER G. PYBUS; MARJU KALJUSTE; IGOR L. TUMANOV; ILPO. KOJOLA; ALEX A. VOROBIEV; NIKOLAI I. MARKOV; ALEXANDER P. SAVE...; HARRI VALDMANN; ELENA A. LYAPUNOVA; ALEXEI V. ABRAMOV; PEEP. MÄNNIL; MARJU KORSTEN; EGLE. VULLA; SERGEI V. PAZETNOV; VALENTIN S. PAZETNOV; STANISLAV V. PUTC...; ALEXANDER M. RÕKOV
• Keywords: Haplogroup; Ancient DNA; mtDNA control region; Lineage (genetic)

Abstract We estimated the phylogenetic relationships of brown bear maternal haplotypes from countries northeastern Europe (Estonia, Finland and European Russia), using sequences mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region 231 bears. Twenty‐five mtDNA were identified. The population in can be divided into three haplogroups: one with bears all countries, Russia, third composed almost exclusively Russia. Four Russia matched exactly Slovakia, suggesting significance current territory Slovakia ancient demographic processes Based on results this study those recent literature, we hypothesize that West Carpathian Mountains have served either as northernmost refuge areas or an important movement corridor for Eastern lineage towards northern during after last ice age. Bayesian analyses performed to investigate temporal framework lineages Europe. molecular clock was calibrated Beringian derived radiocarbon‐dated samples, mutation rate 29.8% (13.3%−47.6%) per million years. whole Western formed about 175 000, 70 000 25 years before present, respectively. Our approach estimating time frame evolution demonstrates importance appropriate rate, has implications other studies Pleistocene populations.