Mitochondrial genome of the black-throated loon, Gavia arctica (Gaviiformes: Gaviidae): phylogeny and evolutionary history

Abstract

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Gavia arctica. The circular mt genome is 17,065 bp long, consisting of 37 genes (13 proteins, 22 transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs) and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full mt genome sequences confirmed that the genus Gavia is a monophyletic group, containing the G. stellata, G. arctica, and G. pacifica. These data can provide insights into the phylogenetic relationships for inferring the pattern and degree of mt genome evolution among the loon species.

Keywords

• gavia arctica
• gaviidae
• mitochondrial genome