Faculty Publications

Disparate Rates of Molecular Evolution in Cospeciating Hosts and Parasites

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Science

Volume

265

Issue

5175

First Page

1087

Last Page

1090

Abstract

DNA sequences for the gene encoding mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I in a group of rodents (pocket gophers) and their ectoparasites (chewing lice) provide evidence for cospeciation and reveal different rates of molecular evolution in the hosts and their parasites. The overall rate of nucleotide substitution (both silent and replacement changes) is approximately three times higher in lice, and the rate of synonymous substitution (based on analysis of fourfold degenerate sites) is approximately an order of magnitude greater in lice. The difference in synonymous substitution rate between lice and gophers correlates with a difference of similar magnitude in generation times.

Department

Department of Biology

Original Publication Date

1-1-1994

DOI of published version

10.1126/science.8066445

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS