Xiaoli Chen , Shiqiang Huang

Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6   
Received: 26 Sep., 2024    Accepted: 07 Nov., 2024    Published: 23 Nov., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary trajectories of river and swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) through molecular evidence, incorporating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), nuclear DNA, and whole-genome sequencing data. The findings suggest that river and swamp buffaloes underwent distinct domestication events in the Indian subcontinent and the China-Southeast Asia region, respectively, with subsequent hybridization events contributing to enhanced genetic diversity among populations. Advances in genomic technologies have provided critical insights, including the identification of a LINE-1 transposon insertion in the ASIP gene, which is responsible for the white coat phenotype in swamp buffaloes. Furthermore, the integration of archaeological and ecological data offers novel perspectives for phylogenetic studies, particularly in addressing challenges such as incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and sampling bias. By synthesizing molecular, archaeological, and ecological evidence, this study aims to establish a robust phylogenetic framework for water buffaloes, facilitating a deeper understanding of their evolutionary history and genetic diversity.

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis); Phylogeny; Molecular evidence; Domestication and hybridization; Genetic diversity