Data from: Systematics of snow voles (Chionomys, Arvicolinae) revisited

To elucidate the evolutionary history of snow voles, genus Chionomys, we studied the phylogeography of Chionomys nivalis across its range and investigated its relationships with two congeneric species, C. gud and C. roberti, using independent molecular markers. Analyses were based on mitochondrial (~940 bp cyt b) and Y-chromosomal (~2020 bp from three introns) genetic variation. Our data provide conclusive evidence for a Caucasian and Middle Eastern origin for the three species and a subsequent westward expansion of C. nivalis. In addition, we discuss the taxonomic status of the genus Chionomys in relation to the genus Microtus.

为阐明雪田鼠属（Chionomys）的演化历史，本研究针对全分布范围内的雪田鼠（Chionomys nivalis）开展种群谱系地理学研究，并利用独立分子标记解析了其与另外两个同属物种——古氏雪田鼠（C. gud）和罗伯特雪田鼠（C. roberti）——的系统演化关系。分析基于两类遗传变异数据：约940 bp的细胞色素b基因（cyt b）线粒体序列，以及来自三个内含子区域、总长约2020 bp的Y染色体序列。本研究数据为这三个雪田鼠物种起源于高加索与中东地区提供了确凿证据，并证实雪田鼠（C. nivalis）随后发生了向西的种群扩张。此外，本研究还探讨了雪田鼠属（Chionomys）与田鼠属（Microtus）的分类学地位关联。