DNA barcoding of passerine birds in Iran

TL;DR

This study uses DNA barcoding to analyze genetic diversity in Iranian passerine birds, revealing species boundaries and biogeographic patterns.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive DNA barcode library for 94 passerine bird species in Iran using COI gene sequences.

Findings

A pronounced barcode gap was observed with 0.41% intraspecific and 18.6% interspecific divergence.

Significant east-west genetic splits were found in Currucacurruca and Sittatephronota, reflecting geographic boundaries.

Genetic variation in COI is largely due to synonymous mutations, indicating purifying selection in mtDNA.

Abstract

Exploring genetic diversity is essential for precise species delimitation, especially within taxonomically complex groups like passerine birds. Traditional morphological methods often fail to resolve species boundaries; however, DNA barcoding, particularly through the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, provides a powerful complementary method for accurate species identification. This study establishes a comprehensive DNA barcode library for Iranian passerine birds, analyzing 546 COI sequences from 94 species across 23 families and 53 genera. There is a pronounced barcode gap, with average intraspecific divergence at 0.41% and interspecific divergence at 18.6%. Notable intraspecific variation emerged in the Persian nuthatch (Sittatephronota) and the Lesser whitethroat (Currucacurruca), while the European goldfinch (Cardueliscarduelis) and the grey-crowned goldfinch (Cardueliscaniceps) showed limited genetic differentiation despite marked morphological distinctions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant east-west genetic splits in C.curruca and S.tephronota, reflecting Iran’s geographic and zoogeographic boundaries. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in elucidating biogeographic patterns, emphasizing Iran’s key role as an ornithological crossroads for avian biodiversity. Moreover, our results suggest that much of the genetic variation in the COI gene arises from synonymous mutations, highlighting the role of purifying selection in shaping mtDNA diversity across species.

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