Phylogeny of Veneridae (Bivalvia) based on mitochondrial genomes

Veneridae is one of the most diverse families of bivalve molluscs. However, their phylogenetic relationships among subfamilies have been debated for years. To explore phylogenetic relationships of Veneridae, we sequenced 13 complete mitochondrial genome sequences from eight subfamilies and compared with available complete mitochondrial genome of other Veneridae taxa (18 previously reported sequences). Phylogenetic analyses using probabilistic methods recovered two highly supported clades. In addition, the protein-coding gene order revealed a highly conserved pattern among the same subclade lineages. According to our molecular analyses, Tapetinae should be recognized as a valid subfamily, but the genera formed para-polyphyletic clades. Chioninae was recovered not monophyletic that differs from a previously molecular phylogeny. Furthermore, the reconstructed chronogram calibrated with fossils recovered the Veneridae have originated during the early Permian (about 290 million years ago). Noticeably, programmed frameshift was found in the nad4 gene of Leukoma jedoensis, Anomalodiscus squamosus and Antigona lamellaris and cob gene of L. jedoensis. This is the first time that the presence of the programmed frameshift has been found in the protein-coding genes of Heterodonta species. Our results improved the phylogenetic resolution within Veneridae, and a more taxonomic sampling analysis of the subfamily Chioninae is supposed to construct.

Automated summary

The study sequenced 13 complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Veneridae, revealing two highly supported clades and confirming Tapetinae as a valid subfamily, while Chioninae was found to be not monophyletic. The origin of Veneridae was estimated to be during the early Permian, approximately 290 million years ago.