Comparative phylogeography of ...

Comparative phylogeography of Zambezian region in Southeastern Africa using small mammals as a model

Investigator: doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Josef Bryja, Ph.D.
Number of Project: P506/10/0983
Agency: Grant agency of the Czech Republic
Duration: 01. 01. 2010 - 31. 12. 2014

Analysis of genetic variation of some groups of organisms in geographical context can reveal the importance of
historical factors on the evolution of biota of analysed areas (i.e. phylogeography). Such analyses brought many new information for example in western Palaearctic region, however, very fragmentary information is
still available in other areas, e.g. in Africa. In particular, southeastern Africa have been neglected in this point of view even in so important groups like some mammals. The aim of the proposed project is to complete the sampling of rodents in zoogeographically most important region of southeastern Africa (i.e. Zambezian region) and by using the comparative phylogeographical approach to identify the historical factors that have
determined the current variation of biota in this part of Africa. Simultaneously, a detailed genetic and
morphological analysis of complete available material of selected taxa will be done with prospective
taxonomical implications.