Characterization of the Complete Mitogenome of the Ring-Necked Pheasant (Galliformes: Phasianidae) and Systematic Implications for Phasianinae Phylogenetics.

BACKGROUND

Phasianidae mitogenomes exhibit significant structural variations critical for understanding evolution and subspecies divergence. However, annotations of these features in some pheasant species remain limited. This study aimed to enhance understanding of Phasianidae mitogenomes and their evolutionary patterns.

METHODS

A comparative analysis of complete mitogenomes from , , and 22 other accipitrids was conducted, examining codon usage, rRNA structures, selective pressures, phylogenetics, and structural variations.

RESULTS

The mitogenome of is 16,696 bp, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region, with a base composition of A: 30.61%, T: 25.26%, C: 30.85%, and G: 13.28%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed and are closely related, with the following relationship: (( + ) + ( + )). Divergence timing aligns with the Tibetan Plateau uplift during the Tertiary Pliocene. Ka/Ks analysis suggests the , , , , , and genes in underwent strong selective pressure for plateau adaptation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirms and its close relationship with Chrysolophus. Adaptation-related selective pressures on the , , , , , and genes highlight its role in plateau environments, offering valuable insights into pheasant phylogeny.