The evolution and diversification of many taxa is poorly understood in the arid regions of Australia. In this thesis, The author explores the evolutionary responses of arid-occurring dasyurids to Quaternary climate change. First is reviewed the morphology
and subspecific status of the endangered northern quoll. Then comprehensive molecular sequences are generated to investigate the phylogeography of six small dasyurid species (subfamily Sminthopsinae) occurring in the western arid regions of Australia. Finally, contemporary gene flow is explored in four of these species using a ddRADseq next-generation sequencing approach. The findings have important implications for the management of arid-occurring dasyurids.
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