Speciation of the genus Dolichopoda in Anatolia with reference to the role of ancient central lake system

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine of the evolutionary relationships of the Turkish Dolichopoda species, and to define and clarify the systematics of the group in Anatolia. For this purpose, we have examined some 27 populations of the genus Dolichopoda from Anatolia and adjacent regions (Caucasia and the Greek islands). A total of 532 bp of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene was sequenced in order to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. Five main clades can be distinguished and well-supported by phylogenetic analyses. In these clades, the results obtained from Samos Island and Anatolia are remarkable. In contrast to some previous studies, our results point to an Aegean origin of the Anatolian Dolichopoda species. According to the mitochondrial 16S rDNA divergence data, the current distribution of the genetic diversity was affected by ancient central lake system, habitat types, Messinian period and Plio-Pleistocene characterized by alternating dry/cold and warm/humid stages.