Phylogenetic relationships within the corvine assemblage (Aves, Corvidae) based on partial sequencing of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene

To establish phylogenetic relationships within the corvine birds at the interspecific and intergeneric levels, the sequence of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene was analyzed. The NJ, UPGMA, and MP trees showed similar clustering. Relationships between the jungle crow, on the one hand, and the rook and Australian raven, on the other hand, were closer than those between the jungle crow and the hooded and carrion crows. The mitochondrial genome of the Australian raven displayed the closest similarity to the ancestral genome of the genus Corvus. Populations inhabiting the eastern part of the carrion crow C. corone orientations area were statistically significantly subdivided into three lineages. These data also confirmed the hypothesis on the location of the carrion crow's ancestral lineage in the southeastern part of the area. In general, the transition and transversion substitution levels, their relationships, and distribution over codon positions were similar to that already reported for birds. Synonymous transitions in the third codon position were the prevailing substitution type. Using standard calibration scales, the time of divergence between species and genera within the corvine family was estimated to be 3.1-4 and 3.8-8.8 Ma, respectively. The divergence time between the examined corvine birds and birds of paradise was from 8 to 10 Ma.