The Current Progress in Rodents Molecular Phylogeography

Phylogeography is the study of different formations of interspecific and intraspecific populations, as well as the existing historical reasons for those formations and the evolution of their distribution patterns. It is possible to define the species distribution patterns much more accurately on the molecular level so that we could effectively promote the formation and development of molecular phylogeography. In recent years, molecular phylogeographic studies were carried out to promote the understanding the distribution patterns and formation mechanisms of rodent species. In this study,, five areas for phylogeography in rodents were reviewed. Four areas for consideration of the molecular phylogeography of rodents future development are proposed: 1) the comprehensive phylogeography; 2) the regional phylogeography; 3) the comprehensive and systematic studies of the evolution of the species; 4) the development of new molecular markers and new analysis methods.