Phylogenetic Relationships of Cervinae Based on Sequence of Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene

The phylogenetic relationships among and within genera Dama,Axis,Elaphurus,and Cervus in subfamily Cervinae remain controversial,particularly within genus Cervus.We analyzed the sequence of Cyt b gene of the genera,5 species of Cervus,and 6 subspecies of C.elaphus distributing in China.The results suggest that:Genus Axis might not be monophyletic and A.porcinus should be merged into Cervus.A close genetic relationship between Elaphurus and Cervus indicated that two taxa should be incorporated into the same genus,whereas the classification status of Dama dama still remained uncertain.Cervus,including Père David s deer and hog deer,comprised a monophyletic clade.Subspecies of China s C.elaphus,which derived from C.nippon,formed a monophyletic group.Among them,C.e.songaricus and C.e.sibiricus clustered together and diverged early.