Testing hypotheses of mitochondrial gene‐tree paraphyly: unravelling mitochondrial capture of the Streak‐breasted Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) by the Taiwan Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus musicus)

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.12981
• Publication Date: 2014-10-30T07:21:48Z
• Authors: Feng Dong; Fa‐Sheng Zou; Fu‐Min Lei; Wei Liang; Shou‐Hsien Li; Xiao‐Jun Yang
• Keywords: Paraphyly

Species-level paraphyly inferred from mitochondrial gene trees is a prevalent phenomenon in taxonomy and systematics, but there are several potential causes that not easily explained by currently used methods. This study aimed to test the underlying behind observed of Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) via statistical analyses four (mtDNA) nine nuclear (nuDNA) genes. Mitochondrial show P. ruficollis with respect Taiwan musicus), genealogies support sister-group relationship. Predictive coalescent simulations imply hypothetical explanations, most likely being capture musicus for cyto-nuclear incongruence. Further approximate Bayesian computation suggests unidirectional introgression model substantial level flow during their initial divergence Late Pleistocene. specific observation frames incongruent outcomes general, on whole, our results underscore strength multiple independent loci species delimitation importance testing hypotheses explain disparate gene-tree paraphyly.