Genetic Study on Apodemus avicennicus and Apodemus witherbyi by RAPD-PCR

Abstract

Recently, some specimens of genus Apodemus were found from Shirkooh Mountains of central plateau of Iran. In order to certify morphologic and morphometric studies, a study has been carried out on the genome of these specimens using random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) marker. Nine random primers were used. The analysis of data determines the separation of Avicenna's wood mice as a new species. Probably, at the time of ice age, this group of real mouse migrated to central part of Iran. Finally, with the changing weather conditions and appearances of wide deserts around central part of Iran, this group was surrounded there and speciation had occurred.

Keywords

• a. avecinnicus
• shirkooh
• rapd
• speciation