The complete mitochondrial genome of Dama dama, and their phylogenetic relationships to other Cervidae

Abstract

This publication presents the complete mitochondrial genome of Dama dama along with in depth phylogenetic relationship and species divergence analysis in respect to other Cervidae. The mitochondrial genome presented here is 16,332 bp which is comprised of 13 genes, 2 rRNAs and 22 tRNAs. The mitochondrial genome for Dama dama is the smallest, compared to other Cervidae. Transfer RNA genes have a specific secondary structure, resembling a clover leaf, however, tRNA^Ser (Serine 1) in Dama dama has been found to only have 3 arms, it is missing the dihydrouridine arm. The phylogenetic analysis conducted in this study compared the mitochondrial sequences from 25 different Cervidae species. Findings suggest that Dama dama, compared to other Cervidae, is most closely related to Dama mesopotamica and Megaloceros giganteus. With regards to Dama dama, the species divergence time from Dama mesopotamica and Megaloceros giganteus is 5.68 mya. Whereas the divergence time between Dama mesopotamica and Megaloceros giganteus is 5.35 mya. Our findings provide strong support for the distinction between Dama dama and Dama mesopotamica as a sub-species and a close evolutionary relationship between Dama mesopotamica and Megaloceros giganteus. Supporting previous reports of a sister-group relationship with a shared common ancestor. This study has provided a new perspective on the ancestral origin of the Dama genus, which can be further investigated using the Dama dama mitochondrial genome presented in this report. Understanding the evolution of Dama dama may help to better understand the lack of genetic diversity within the species and advance future management strategies to resolve this.