The aim of our research is to analyze the phylogeny of the vertebrates using molecular approaches. Hitherto the studies have essentially been based on analyses of mitochondrial DNA. We have sequenced more than 100 complete vertebrate mitochondrial genomes of which more than 70 have been published. Each mitochondrial genome is about 17 000 nucleotides long, thus more than about 1 200 000 nucleotides have been published. This makes Lund University the world’s most productive site in vertebrate mitogenomics (phylogenetic analyses based on complete mitochondrial genomes). A primary aim of the analyses is to increase the representation within particular groups of vertebrates. Among the higher mammals (Eutheria) all extant orders are currently represented by complete mitochondrial genomes but the sampling within most orders is still somewhat limited. Two eutherian orders that we have studied in particular are Primates and Cetacea (whales, dolphins, porpoises).
About the image above: An outline of vertebrate phylogeny as evidenced by mitochondrial DNA sequencies. Numerals to the right give the number of mitochondrial genomes sequenced. Note that according to the mitogenomic tree gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates) split into two basal groups, tetrapods and gnathostome fishes including Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes). The basal position on the piscine branch is occupied by Cladistia which, like Dipnoi, possesses lungs. Click here for an enlarged view.
