Deciphering evolutionary history of three Indian carnivore species: Phylogenetic analysis using cytochrome b gene sequence of mitochondrial DNA

Phylogenetic analysis fundamental in investigations related to origin, ancestory and evolutionary history of wild carnivores. It provides not only vital information regarding origin and evolution of genes, genomes and species but also aids in ecological and behavioural studies besides predicting quantum and direction of future evolutionary trends in living organisms. In the present study cytochrome b gene sequence of mitochondrial DNA obtained from non invasive samples of Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and domestic cat (Felis catus). These study sequences were phylogenetically analysed with reference sequences of cytochrome b gene of nine species of order carnivora obtained from NCBI genbank database belonging to both caniformia and feliformia monophyletic assemblages. The genetic relationships, genetic distance and ancestory, diversification and speciation events of these carnivore species were studied after interpretation of the phylogram.