Recurrent Amplifications and Deletions of Satellite DNA Accompanied Chromosomal Diversification in South American Tuco-tucos (Genus Ctenomys, Rodentia: Octodontidae): A Phylogenetic Approach

We investigated the relationship between satellite copy number and chromosomal evolution in tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys), a karyotypically diverse clade of rodents. To explore phylogenetic relationships among 23 species and 5 undescribed forms, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b genes of 27 specimens and incorporated 27 previously published sequences. We then used quantitative dot-blot techniques to assess changes in the copy...