Inter-familial relationships of the Gamefowl (Aves: Galliformes) based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences

Abstract

Galliformes is an order of heavy-bodied ground-foraging birds, with important economic value and scientific value. The taxonomic statuses of Galliformes birds have been studied intensively; however, the phylogenetic relationships of some families within the Galliformes are still controversial. To demonstrate the phylogenetic relationships of the family in Galliformes, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of 16 species belonging to seven families in Galliformes. The genetic distance among the seven families varied from 0.1466 (Megapodiidae and Tetraonidae) to 0.2594 (Megapodiidae and Odontophoridae). Maximum likelihood method was used to construct molecular phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic tree grouped all the families into two deeply divergent clades. A monophyletic Odontophoridae was the sister-group to all other families in Galliformes. Our data well supported the megapodes and cracids were sibling taxa. Calibrated rates of molecular evolution, the divergent time of the seven families were 16–28 Myr.