A PHYLOGENETIC ASSESSMENT OF POCKET GOPHERS (GEOMYS): EVIDENCE FROM NUCLEAR AND MITOCHONDRIAL GENES

Phylogenetic relationships within Geomys historically have been difficult to assess using morphometric and chromosomal data. DNA sequences from the nuclear-encoded interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein gene (Rbp3) and mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) gene were used to examine the relationships within Geomys. In addition, sequence data from Rbp3 and mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene regions were combined with DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene (Cytb) reported in a previous study. Results from phylogenetic analyses support previously established relationships in the recognition of 4 species groups (breviceps, bursarius, personatus, and pinetis) and a minimum of 12 species. Additionally, results agree with previous studies in considering the elevation of G. pinetis mobilensis and G. breviceps sagittalis to species-level status and in reevaluating the taxonomic status of 2 additional subspecies (G. personatus davisi and G. p. maritimus).