元江鲤种群遗传多样性

选择12对微卫星标记检测了于2011年采集自元江(红河上游中国江段)5个样点192尾鲤的群体遗传多样性.共检测到201个等位基因,每个位点等位基因2-27个.各群体各位点平均等位基因(NA)12.25-14.67个,平均有效等位基因(NE)8.28-9.73个,平均观察杂合度(Ho)o.7765-0.8037,平均期望杂合度(HE)0.7761-0.8080,平均多态信息含量(PIC)0.7534-0.7843.元江鲤种群192个个体各位点NA、NE、Ho、HE、PIC分别为16.50、11.26、0.7927、0.8049、0.7966,种群遗传多样性水平高.元江鲤群体之间遗传分化小,可作为一个种群管理单元进行管理.增殖放流要防止遗传多样性丧失.     

Microsatellite diversity and population genetic structure of Squalidus argentatus (Cyprinidae) on the Island of Hainan and mainland China

Squalidus argentatus is a small-sized cyprinid fish and widely distributed in mainland China. A total of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers were employed to study 216 individuals collected from nine populations. The average number of alleles among nine populations was 8.0 with a range from 6.5 to 9.7. The mean observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosity ranged from 0.56 to 0.68 and from 0.74 to 0.86, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that most genetic variation was maintained within individual component, rather than shaped according to geographical regions. Small but highly significant values of pairwise F_ST values were detected among nine populations. The genetic homoplasy and overfishing are supposed to be major factors responsible for the current genetic structure. This study can be not only helpful for sustainable management of genetic resources, but also valuable to demonstrate genetically how freshwater species is vulnerable to human activity.     

Genetic variation in natural populations of Capparis from Turkey, as revealed by RAPD analysis

In this study, the genetic diversity of 15 Turkish natural Capparis populations was screened using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis (RAPD) technique. Ten RAPD primers produced 98 loci, 73 of which were polymorphic. The binary RAPD data were computed using the POPGENE (version 1.31), a genetic data analysis software program. According to genetic diversity analysis at locus level, the total genetic diversity (H _T) and genetic diversity within population (H _s) were detected as 0.16 and 0.12, respectively. The genetic differentiation (G _ST) and gene flow (N _m) between populations were observed as 0.22 and 1.79, respectively. The mean number of allele per locus (n _a), the mean number of effective allele (n _ea), and the mean value of genetic diversity (H _e) were determined as 2, 1.20, and 0.16, respectively. According to Pearson’s correlation analysis, the mean number of allele had a strong negative correlation with wind and a strong positive correlation with rain. According to multiple regression analysis, eco-geographical factors had a significant effect on the mean number of allele, the mean number of effective allele, and the mean value of genetic diversity. The principal component analysis revealed 87.42 % of total genetic variation. The principal coordinate analysis displayed the separation of population according to genetic distances based on dissimilarities matrix values on a scattered plot graph. Five different varieties, Capparis spinosa L. var. spinosa, var aegyptia and var. canescens, and Capparis ovata Desf. var. palaestina, and var. herbacea were identified in this study. Intermediate forms of plants were observed among the specimens.     

Genetic structure in peripheral Western European populations of the endangered species Cochlearia pyrenaica (Brassicaceae)

Cochlearia pyrenaica is one of the most endangered plant species in Europe, listed in many European and regional conservation policy documents (e.g. Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland). To study its genetic structure, define its conservation units and propose a management strategy for this species, amplified fragment length polymorphism markers were used to analyse the genetic diversity within and between five representative populations of the species distribution in Western Europe (Cantabrian Range, North of Spain; Pyrenees, France; Wallonia, Belgium). Low levels of genetic diversity were revealed by the population percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB?=?36.56%), average within-population diversity (H _S?=?0.0990) and genetic diversity within populations (H _pop?=?0.1541), although high levels were reported at species level (PPB?=?81.16%; total genetic diversity for the species, H _T?=?0.0990; and genetic diversity within whole species, H _sp?=?0.2515). The coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations (G _ST) was 0.3869. The analysis of Shannon diversity index in population and for the total data set partitioned (38.72%) and AMOVA (53%) detected a high level of interpopulation diversity, in broad agreement with the result of genetic differentiation analysis. NeighborNet network and principal coordinate analyses clustered the populations in three major groups congruent with geographical regions. Bayesian clustering also confirmed these three distinct genetic clusters. The level of gene flow (Nm) was estimated as 0.3961 individuals per generation among populations, with the genetic identity (I) and genetic distance (D) among populations ranging from 0.8679 to 0.9651 and from 0.0355 to 0.1417, respectively. Therefore, the low levels of genetic variation and high divergence of regional gene pools indicate that there is a need to protect each disjunct region of Western Europe.     

Spatial Genetic Structure of Campanula sabatia, a Threatened Narrow Endemic Species of the Mediterranean Basin

Campanula sabatia is endemic to NW Italy (Liguria) and it was included in the European Red list of endangered species due to the heavy human pressure on its habitat. AFLP markers were used to detect the genetic diversity within and among ten populations (totalling 83 individuals) representing the range of the species. In spite of the limited distribution of this endemic taxon, high levels in percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB), gene diversity (H _S and H _T) and Shannon??s information index (I) were detected both at population (PPB?=?60?%, H _S?=?0.1853, I?=?0.2836) and at species level (PPB?=?100?%, H _T?=?0.2415, I?=?0.3871). The coefficient of genetic differentiation among population (G??_ST) was 0.1935, while the level of gene flow (N?? _m) was estimated to be 2.0832. AMOVA analysis identified a genetic variation within populations of 83?% of the total. Bayesian clustering methods assigned individuals to two geographical groups partly found within the same population, probably due to a high rate of genetic exchange among its populations. Conservation measures are suggested on the basis of the genetic diversity detected to ensure an effective protection for this endemic species.     

Genetic diversity of nine faba bean (Vicia faba L.) populations revealed by isozyme markers

Seven isozyme systems (Sod, 6-Pgd, Me, Est, Skdh, Fdh and Gdh) representing nine loci were used to study the genetic diversity of nine faba bean populations. Seven loci revealed polymorphic bands and showed the same quaternary structure as that found in several species. They revealed a high number of phenotypes. Indeed, from 3 to 9 phenotypes per locus were investigated in this study. The percentage of polymorphic loci (P = 59.3 %) was higher than that mentioned in the autogamous species (P = 20.3 %) and less than the optimum (P=96 %) indicated for allogamous plants. Total genetic diversity (H _T) and within population genetic diversity (H _S) were estimated with the isozyme markers. The contribution of among population genetic diversity (D _ST) to total genetic diversity was 22%. Enzyme markers pointed out an average inbreeding level for whole population (F _IT) and within population (F _IS). Within population genetic diversity represents 78% of total diversity. Intra-population genetic diversity (H _S = 0.206) was ranged with the respect of allogamous species and was clearly higher than that of among population genetic diversity (D _ST = 0.057) indicating an out-crossing predominance in the studied populations. The expected heterozygosity was higher than that observed heterozygosity at the allogamous species was confirmed in this study. Although, the mean estimated gene flow was less than 1(Nm=0.814), the dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic distance of the 9 populations using UPGMA method showed some genetic drift between populations.     

Genetic structure of the Korean black scraper Thamnaconus modestus inferred from microsatellite marker analysis

The Korean black scraper, Thamnaconus modestus, is one of the most economically important maricultural fish species in Korea. However, the annual catch of this fish has been continuously declining over the past several decades. In this study, the genetic diversity and relationships among four wild populations and two hatchery stocks of Korean black scraper were assessed based on 16 microsatellite (MS) markers. A total of 319 different alleles were detected over all loci with an average of 19.94 alleles per locus. The hatchery stocks [mean number of alleles (N _A) = 12, allelic richness (A _R) = 12, expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.834] showed a slight reduction (P > 0.05) in genetic variability in comparison with wild populations (mean N _A = 13.86, A _R = 12.35, He = 0.844), suggesting a sufficient level of genetic variation in the hatchery populations. Similarly low levels of inbreeding and significant Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium deviations were detected in both wild and hatchery populations. The genetic subdivision among all six populations was low but significant (overall F _ST = 0.008, P < 0.01). Pairwise F _ST, a phylogenetic tree, and multidimensional scaling analysis suggested the existence of three geographically structured populations based on different sea basin origins, although the isolation-by-distance model was rejected. This result was corroborated by an analysis of molecular variance. This genetic differentiation may result from the co-effects of various factors, such as historical dispersal, local environment and ocean currents. These three geographical groups can be considered as independent management units. Our results show that MS markers may be suitable not only for the genetic monitoring of hatchery stocks but also for revealing the population structure of Korean black scraper populations. These results will provide critical information for breeding programs, the management of cultured stocks and the conservation of this species.     

Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers for the population genetic structure in endemic red-tailed barb,Gonoproktopterus curmuca

Gonoproktopterus curmuca is an endangered red tailed barb found in Southern part of Western Ghat, India. As a part of stock-specific, propagation assisted rehabilitation and management program, polymorphic microsatellites markers were used to study the genetic diversity and population structure of this species from the three River systems of Southern Western Ghats, such as Periyar River, the Chalakkudy River, and the Chaliyar River. From selected eight polymorphic microsatellite markers, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8, and the average number of alleles among 3 populations ranged from 5.0 to 5.75. The mean observed (H_ob) and expected (H_ex) heterozygosity ranged from 0.5148 to 0.5360 and from 0.5996 to 0.6067, respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium expectation were found at majority of the loci (except Gcur MFW72 and Gcur MFW19) and in all three populations in which heterozygote deficits were apparent. The analysis of molecular variance indicates that the percent of variance among populations and within populations were 6.73 and 93.27, respectively. The pairwise F_ST values between populations indicate that there were significant deviations in genetic differentiations for the red-tailed barb populations from these three Rivers of the Western Ghats, India. The microsatellites methods reported a low degree of gene diversity and lack of genetic heterogeneity in the population of G. curmuca, which strongly emphasize the need of fishery management, conservation and rehabilitation of G. curmuca.     

Genetic diversity of populations of a rare species of Dictamnus gymnostylis Stev. in Bashkir Cis-Urals

We examined genetic diversity in populations of Dictamnus gymnostylis Stev., a rare species growing in the Bashkir Cis-Urals, based on the analysis of 8 gene-enzyme systems and detected a fairly high level of intraspecific genetic diversity and population differentiation. We determined the average number of alleles per locus (A) as 1.57; the portion of polymorphic loci (P ₉₅) as 0.508; the observed heterozygosity (H _o) as 0.139; and the expected heterozygosity (H _e) as 0.169. Of the total genetic diversity, 88.3% stems from variability within populations, and 11.7% is due to variation among populations. The average value for the Nei’s genetic distance (D) constituted 0.028.     

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunit variation in Turkish emmer wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. dicoccon (Schrank) Thell.] landraces

The genetic diversity of high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunits in 18 cultivated emmer wheat landrace populations, originating from Turkey, was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mean number of alleles (n _a) and effective alleles (n _ea) were observed as 3.67 and 1.53, respectively. The mean values of expected heterozygosity (gene diversity) (H _e) and average heterozygosity (H _e,av) were calculated as 0.31 and 0.12, respectively. Actual genetic differentiation (D) and gene flow (N _m) between the different populations were observed as 0.24 and 0.16, respectively. Statistical analysis of Pearson’s correlation, multiple regressions and principal component analysis indicated that eco-geographical variables have a significant effect on HMW-glutenin diversity. Considering the dramatic decrease in genetic diversity of modern high-yielding cultivars, the conservation of genetic diversity in these wheat landraces, and in other old cultivars, is important for improving modern monocultures and their ability to resist biotic and abiotic conditions caused by climate changes, thus generating a wide adaption to a variety of environmental conditions. Adoptation measures for germplasm conservation of Turkish emmer wheat landraces and utilisation of their germplasm for improvement of modern wheat varieties were discussed in this study.     

Genetic variation and differentiation in Nordic populations of Elymus alaskanus (Scrib. ex Merr.) Löve (Poaceae)

 To gain information on the extent and nature of genetic variation in Elymus alaskanus, levels and distribution of genetic variation were assessed within and among 13 populations originating from Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia using allozymes. The results showed that four (30.7%) of the 13 loci were polymorphic within the species, while the mean percentage of polymorphic loci within the populations was 1.9%. The mean number of alleles per locus for the species was 1.8 and 1.02 across the populations. Genetic diversity at the species level was low (H _es=0.135), and mean population diversity was notably lower (H _ep=0.005). A high degree of genetic differentiation was observed among populations. The salient points emerging from this study are: (1) statistically significant differences were found in allele frequencies among populations for every polymorphic locus (P<0.001), (2) the high mean coefficient of gene differentiation (G _ST) showed that 95% of the total allozyme variation was attributable to differences among populations, and (3) relatively high genetic distances between the populations were obtained (mean D=0.16). The Norwegian populations had the highest genetic diversity as compared with the other populations. Geographical comparisons revealed three different groups of populations clearly differentiated, i.e. Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden), Iceland and Russia. Cluster and principal coordinates analyses revealed the same genetic patterns of relationships among populations. Generally, this study indicates that E. alaskanus contains low allozymic variation in its populations. The implications of these results for the conservation of the species are discussed. Received: 23 October 1998 / Accepted: 19 December 1998     

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Chinese Indigenous Poplar (Populus simonii) Populations Using Microsatellite Markers

Populus simonii Carr. is an important ecological and commercial breeding species in northern China; however, human interference during the last few centuries has led to the reduction and fragmentation of natural populations. To evaluate genetic diversity and differentiation within and among existing populations, we used 20 microsatellite markers to examine the genetic variation and structure of 16 natural populations. Our results indicated that the level of genetic diversity differed among populations, with average number of alleles per locus (AR) and expected heterozygosity (H _e) ranging from 3.7 to 6.11 and 0.589 to 0.731, respectively. A marginal population from Qilian in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau showed the highest values (AR?=?6.11, H _e?=?0.731), and the Zhangjiakou and Yishui populations showed the lowest values (AR?=?4.08, H _e?=?0.589 and AR?=?3.7, H _e?=?0.604). The inbreeding coefficient (F _IS) values for all populations were positive, which indicated an excess of homozygotes. The microsatellites allowed the identification of a significant subpopulation structure (K?=?3), consistent with an isolation by distance model for P. simonii populations. Additionally, molecular variance analysis revealed that 14.2 % of the variation resided among populations, and 85.8 % could be attributed to variation within populations. These data provide valuable information for natural resource conservation and for optimization of breeding programs in the immediate future.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered species Psammosilene tunicoides revealed by DALP analysis

Psammosilene tunicoides W. C. Wu et C.Y. Wu (Caryophyllaceae) is a rare plant endemic to China. We used the direct amplification of length polymorphism (DALP) method to analyse the genetic diversity of 17 natural populations of this species from Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces. The percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 99.1% at the species level and 19.9% at the population level. The total genetic diversity (Ht) was 0.2827; the genetic diversity within populations (H_s) was 0.0594 and the coefficient of gene differentiation (G_st) was 0.7899. The results indicated low levels of genetic diversity within populations and extremely high genetic differentiation among populations. This pattern might be caused by genetic drift resulting from intensive harvesting and habitat fragmentation. It might also be a result of local adaptation. We further performed experiments on its breeding system and found a high rate of selfing in P. tunicoides, which may be partially responsible for its population structure.     

High genetic variation among closely related red oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus rubra</Emphasis>) populations in an ecosystem under metal stress: analysis of gene regulation

Metal toxicity is a major abiotic stressor of plants. It has been established that changes in genetic variation occur very rapidly in plants in response to environmental stressors such as increased levels of metals. Quercus rubra (red oak) is a pioneer species in mining regions contaminated with metals in Northern Ontario (Canada). The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the level of genetic variation in Q. rubra populations from mining damaged ecosystems using RAPD marker system and (2) assess the level of gene expression of candidate genes for nickel resistance. Total gene diversity (H_T) and the mean gene diversity among populations (H_S) were 0.22 and 0.19, respectively. The percent of polymorphic loci within populations was high ranging from 61 % (Capreol) to 72 % (Daisy Lake) despite a high level of gene flow (2.4). The population differentiation (G_ST) value was low (0.17). No significant difference was found among the contaminated and reference sites for all the genetic parameters estimated. Hence, all the Q. rubra populations from the metal-contaminated and damaged ecosystems are genetically sustainable. Moreover, this study reveals that all populations were genetically closely related with genetic distance values varying from 0.17 to 0.35. A zinc finger protein of Arabidopsis thaliana (ZAT11) gene involved in nickel resistance was differentially expressed in samples analyzed. There was a 120 times higher of ZAT11 expression in samples from metal contaminated areas of Wahnapitae Dam compared to other metal contaminated and uncontaminated sites, but no association between soil metal levels and expression of ZAT11 was established.     

Genetic diversity of common carp from two largest Chinese lakes and the Yangtze River revealed by microsatellite markers

Six polymorphic microsatellites (eight loci) were used to study the genetic diversity and population structure of common carp from Dongting Lake (DTC), Poyang Lake (PYC), and the Yangtze River (YZC) in China. The gene diversity was high among populations with values close to 1. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11, and the average number of alleles among 3 populations ranged from 6.5 to 7.9. The mean observed (H _O) and expected (H _E) heterozygosity ranged from 0.4888 to 0.5162 and from 0.7679 to 0.7708, respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium expectation were found at majority of the loci and in all three populations in which heterozygote deficits were apparent. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the percent of variance among populations and within populations were 3.03 and 96.97, respectively. The Fst values between populations indicated that there were significant genetic differentiations for the common carp populations from the Yangtze River and two largest Chinese freshwater lakes. The factors that may result in genetic divergence and significant reduction of the observed heterozygosity were discussed.     

Genetic divergence between Melipona quadrifasciata Lepeletier (Hymenoptera,Apidae) populations

Melipona quadrifasciata is a stingless bee widely found throughout the Brazilian territory, with two recognized subspecies, M. quadrifasciata anthidioides, that exhibits interrupted metasomal stripes, and M. quadrifasciata quadrifasciata, with continuous metasomal stripes. This study aimed to estimate the genetic variability of these subspecies. For this purpose, 127 colonies from 15 Brazilian localities were analyzed, using nine species-specific microsatellite primers. At these loci, the number of alleles ranged from three to 15 (mean: 7.2), and the observed heterozygosity (H_o) ranged from 0.03–0.21, while the expected heterozygosity (H_e) ranged from 0.23–0.47. The genetic distances among populations ranged from 0.03–0.45. The F_ST multilocus value (0.23) indicated that the populations sampled were structured, and the clustering analysis showed the formation of two subgroups and two more distant populations. The first group contained the subspecies M. quadrifasciata quadrifasciata, and the other, the subspecies M. quadrifasciata anthidioides and the two M. quadrifasciata populations with continuous metasomal stripes from northern Minas Gerais. These results confirmed that the yellow metasomal stripes alone are not a good means for correctly identifying the different subspecies of M. quadrifasciata.     

Genetic diversity and structure of a rare endemic cactus and an assessment of its genetic relationship with a more common congener

Endemic, obligate outcrossing plant species with narrow geographic distributions and disjunct populations are prone to loss of genetic diversity. Simultaneously, delineating clear species boundaries is important for targeted conservation efforts. The rare and endemic cactus, Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. tobuschii (SBT), has a parapatric relationship with Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. brevihamatus (SBB) but genetic distance between the two taxa is unknown. We: (1) developed taxon-specific polymorphic microsatellites, (2) assessed genetic diversity within and among nine populations of SBT, and within one population of SBB, and (3) estimated the genetic relationship between the two subspecies. Within-population genetic diversity of SBT was moderate to high (mean H_o?=?0.37; mean H_e?=?0.59). Indirect estimate of inbreeding corrected for null alleles (F_is-INEst) was low for SBT, ranging from 0.03 to 0.14 (mean F_is-INEst?=?0.07). Genetic differentiation among populations of SBT was low based on F_st (0.08) and AMOVA (Ф_PT?=?0.10). Lack of genetic and spatial correlation in SBT populations coupled with the presence of private alleles and bottleneck events in several populations suggests that reproductive isolation is occurring but that sufficient time may not have yet passed to manifest strong differentiation. Cluster analyses segregated the 10 populations into three distinct groups, and separated SBB genotypes clearly. Results suggest that while hybridization between the two subspecies may occur, SBT is clearly differentiated genetically from SBB to retain its current taxonomic status.     

Isozyme analysis of genetic variability and population structure of Lactuca L. germplasm

Isozymes were used to investigate the genetic variability, population structure, and relationships of Lactuca germplasm. The isozyme systems revealed 16 putative loci of a total of 31 alleles. Out of these 16 loci, 11 were polymorphic. The average values of expected heterozygosity (H_e), observed heterozygosity (H_o), mean number of alleles per locus (A) and effective number of alleles per locus (A_e) were 0.2227, 0.266, 1.3005 and 1.369, respectively. The average fixation indices were lower than zero for most of the accessions studied, indicating an excess of heterozygotes. Genetic differentiation among accessions (F_ST) exhibited that 51.3% of the isozyme variation was recorded among accessions, and 48.7% of the genetic variation resided within accessions. The average values of total heterozygosity (H_T) and intra-accessional genetic diversity (H_S) were 0.352 and 0.171, respectively. Moreover, the inter-accessional genetic diversity (D_ST) ranged from 0 to 0.424 with an average of 0.18. Cluster analysis revealed that L. sativa cultivars were distributed throughout different Lactuca species. Thereby, isozymes results confirms the hypothesis of the polyphyletic origin of L. sativa. This high level of genetic variation proved that isozymes are efficient for polymorphism analysis of Lactuca germplasm.     

Genetic diversity in Monilinia laxa populations in stone fruit species in Hungary

The objectives of this study were firstly, to determine the genetic diversity of Monilinia laxa isolates from Hungary, using the PCR-based inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique; secondly, to prepare genetic diversity groups based on the dendrograms; and finally, to select some relevant isolates to study their fungicide sensitivity. 55 and 77 random amplified polymorphic ISSR and RAPD markers, of which 23 and 18 were polymorphic and 32 and 59 monomorphic, respectively, were used to assess the genetic diversity and to study the structure of M. laxa populations in Hungary. 27 isolates out of 57 ones were confirmed as M. laxa from several orchards (subpopulations) in three geographical regions, in various inoculum sources and in various hosts, were used. 10 fungicides and 12 isolates selected from genetic diversity groups based on the ISSR dendrograms were used to determine the fungicide sensitivity of the selected isolates. The analysis of population structure revealed that genetic diversity within locations, inoculum sources and host (H _S ) accounted for 99 % of the total genetic diversity (H _T ), while genetic diversity among locations, inoculum sources and host represented only 1 %. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation between subpopulations (G _ST ) and the estimate of the number of migrants per generation (Nm) averaged 0.005–0.009 and 53.9–99.2, respectively, for both ISSR and RAPD data set. The results obtained in dendrograms were in accordance with the gene diversity analysis. Grouping of isolates in the dendrograms was irrespective of whether they came from the same or different geographical locations. There was no relationship between clustering among isolates from inoculum sources and hosts. In the fungicide sensitivity tests, five isolates out of 12 were partly insensitive to boscalid+piraclostrobin, cyprodinil, fenhexamid or prochloraz. Obtained results in genetic diversity of M. laxa populations are discussed together with implications for the management of brown rot.     

Genetic differentiation and relationship of the dipodidsAllactaga andJaculus (Mammalia, Rodentia) in Egypt based on protein variation

Genetic differentiation among 14 populations representing all Egyptian dipodid (jerboa) species and subspecies was examined at 25 structural loci and interspecific relationships are discussed. Of the 25 loci, only 3 were monomorphic, with the same allele fixed in all taxa, 9 loci were monomorphic, but demonstrated intertaxon variation, and only 13 loci were polymorphic. The overall mean number of alleles per locus (A) was 1.23 ± 0.02 and the average percentage of polymorphic loci per taxon (P) was 23%. The overall mean of observed heterozygosity (H _o) was found significantly higher than that of expected heterozygosity (He); the overall means per taxon were 0.25 ± 0.017 and 0.085 ± 0.007. Mean levels of genetic identity (I) were 0.970 ± 0.003 among geographic populations, 0.718 ± 0.022 between subspecies, 0.590 ± 0.030 between congeneric species, and 0.368 ± 0.020 between genera. Phenetic analysis of genetic distance matrix produced a phenogram indicating a close association ofJaculus orientalis Erxleben, 1777 toJaculus jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758), particularly to its subspeciesJaculus jaculus butleri (Thomas, 1922), and indicating a distinct affinity between these latter two species andAllactaga tetradactyla (Lichtenstein, 1823). Estimates of genetic divergence demonstrated that J. orientalis appears to have shared a more recent common ancestor withJ. jaculus thanA. tetradactyla. Divergence of these species would have occurred by Miocene (ca 9.6 to 18.7 million years ago). The pattern of relationships of the dipodid species indicated in this study was closely consistent with the hypotheses derived from morphological and chromosomal data.