For example, the first estimate of the timing of divergence between Complexa/Robusta [ 12] was based on comparison of 16S rDNA sequence divergence with that in Orders of holometabolous insects, making no allowance for the possibility of different rates of evolution.
Molecular clock estimates showed that the timing of divergence in Joshua tree was substantially earlier than in the moths, rejecting the hypothesis that a common vicariant event caused the divisions within these species.
Similarly, little is known about the timing of divergence events within the genus Castor.
Several hypotheses, couched in a biogeographic framework, exist for the timing of divergence between Barbourula and Bombina.
No explicit hypotheses exist for the timing of divergence within Barbourula, though this presumably occurred when Palawan was in proximity to Borneo [6], [16].
Here we use mtDNA genome sequences to reconstruct gibbon phylogenetic relationships and reveal the pattern and timing of divergence events in gibbon evolutionary history.
However, no study to date attempted obtaining a sequence based molecular date for the timing of divergence between the two species.
Though admittedly based on little data, this estimated timing of divergence within B. busuangensis supports previous assertions that the Pleistocene was an important period for the generation of diversity, including phylogeographic structure, in the Philippines and associated islands [2], [67].
Here we present analyses of sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear loci from across the distribution of the three taxa to assess lineage diversity, relationships, and relative timing of divergence in amphiumid salamanders.
As mitochondrial genomes are available for a number of rodent taxa [18], the addition of Castor mitochondrial genomes could shed light not only on the deep phylogeny of beavers, but also on the timing of divergence to other rodents and within the genus itself.
