A Phylogenetic Perspective on the Evolution of Reproductive Behavior in Pagophilic Seals of the Northwest Atlantic as Indicated by Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

• DOI: 10.2307/1382311
• Publication Date: 2006-07-28T02:15:45Z
• Authors: E. A. Perry; S. M. Carr; S. E. Bartlett; W. S. Davidson
• Keywords: Subfamily; Sister group

The ice-breeding (pagophilic) habits and relatively short lactation periods of several species “true” seals (Phocidae) the Northwest Atlantic, including harp seal (Pagophilus), bearded (Erignathus), hooded (Cystophora), usually are assumed to have evolved in parallel. Current taxonomy regards Pagophilus ringed (Pusa) along with harbor (Phoca vitulina) as subgenera Phoca, unites Phoca (sensu lato) together gray (Halichoerus) Erignathus subfamily Phocinae, places Cystophora elephant (Mirounga) a separate subfamily, Cystophorinae. Cladistic analysis variation DNA sequence mitochondrial cytochrome b gene identifies three clades among northern seals: Phoca-Pusa-Halichoerus, Cystophora-Pagophilus, Erignathus. is sister group other examined. Each clade may be regarded tribe Phocinae (the Phocini, Cystophorini, Erignathini, respectively). phylogeny suggests that habit associated brief ancestral characters for instances fast-ice or terrestrial breeding convergences on condition phocid subfamilies.