Abstract: In order to understand the genetic structure and differentiation level of wapiti in China,we obtained 146 complete sequences of the mitochondrial genome control regions from 11 geographic populations at 5 subspecies. 167 mutation loci and 54 kinds of haploid were detected. All subspecies had a high haplotype diversity(h:0.600-0.959) and moderate nucleotide diversity(π:0.006 3-0.012 6). The neutral test only observed significant deviation from neutral mutation in Gansu wapiti. The genetic differentiation coefficient(F_ST) between subspecies was greater than 0.5 and the gene flow(N_m) was less than 0.5,of which indicating that there was significant genetic differentiation between the subspecies and a small amount of hybridization between them. Phylogenetic tree constructed using MP and Bayesian methods and mediating network diagram supported Talimu wapiti and other wapiti were derived from two different evolutionary branches with common ancestor. Altai wapiti,Tianshan wapiti,Gansu wapiti and Alashan wapiti were subdivided into three evolutionary branches,but they were intersected and clustered. This study provides the basis for the protection and utilization of the genetic resources of red deer in China.

Key words: Wapiti, Mitochondrial control region, Haploid, Genetic differentiation, Gene flow

CLC Number: 

• S825