Where do rabbits and kin fit in?
Article Abstract:
Morphologists and molecular researchers appear to conflict regarding the existence of the mammalian 'superorder' Glires. This order includes the highly diverse groups of 'Rodentia' and 'Lagomorpha.' Morphologists claim that there is a link between the two groups, while molecular scientists cannot find evidence of it. This conflict may be resolved by fossil record indicating that both the rodents (including rats, mice and squirrels) and the lagomorphs (including rabbits and pikas) evolved early from the same place, Asia.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Phylogenetic position of the order Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares and allies)
Article Abstract:
A study is conducted to firmly establish the phylogenetic position of the order Lagomorpha to eliminate the confusion created by the frequent changes in the taxonomic rank of the rabbit, the hare and their other relatives. Analyses of 91 orthologous protein sequences show that lagomorphs are more closely related to primates and scandentia than to rodents. Such findings debunk the mammalian superorder 'Glires' under which rodents and lagomorphs are grouped together.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Origins of rodents and guinea-pigs
Article Abstract:
The order Rodentia is probably not monophyletic based on maximum parsimony analysis of protein sequence data although the guinea-pig-like rodents (Caviomorpha) most likely split off before rat-like rodents (Myomorpha) evolved from the primates. The molecular genetic evidence as yet does not clearly favor this hypothesis of the two alternatives in which the Myomorpha, Caviomorpha and Primates are grouped differently based on amino-acid differences.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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