Inferring phylogenetic relationships in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequence diversities

The common vole Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778) is the most widespread Microtus species. It has two forms – the European arvalis form (2n: 46, NF: 84) and the Asian obscurus form (2n: 46, NF: 72). The present study aimed to clarify the taxonomic status of M. arvalis populations distributed in Eastern Turkey, Europe and Asia by analysing two mitochondrial (CYTB and COX1) and one nuclear (IRBP) markers. Phylogenetic dendrograms (median-joining networks and Bayesian trees) constructed using the mitochondrial markers clearly separated the Anatolian population from the European and Asian populations.