Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 87-99 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 91 zoogeographic zones (Munawar et al., 2020). These studies collectively highlight the complex interplay between environmental factors and mosquito diversity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive ecological and genetic analyses to inform vector control strategies. 5 Evolutionary Relationships Among Mosquito Species 5.1 Phylogenetic relationships within major genera (Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, etc.) Phylogenetic studies have provided significant insights into the evolutionary relationships within major mosquito genera such as Anopheles, Aedes, andCulex. For instance, the phylogenetic analysis of Anopheles species in Saudi Arabia revealed distinct lineages corresponding to different zoogeographic zones, highlighting the monophyletic nature of An. stephensi and its various ecotypes (Munawar et al., 2020). Similarly, a comprehensive study on the mitochondrial genomes of 102 mosquito species, including representatives from 21 genera, confirmed the monophyly of the subfamily Anophelinae and several tribes within Culicinae, such as Aedini and Culicini (Lorenz et al., 2021). This study also suggested that the diversification of these groups coincided with significant geological and biological events, such as the emergence of angiosperms and the expansion of mammals and birds (Lorenz et al., 2021). Figure 2 Evolutionary relationships and geographic origins of the Culex pipiens complex (Adapted from Aardema et al., 2021) Image caption: (a) Phylogenetic tree illustrating the proposed evolutionary relationships among six taxa within the Culex pipiens complex. Culex pipiens pallens is depicted as originating from hybridization between Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens, while Culex australicus is suggested to have arisen from hybridization between Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. globocoxitus. The two forms of Cx. pipiens are treated as distinct entities, though genetic exchange has likely obscured their taxonomic identities. The last common ancestor (LCA) of the complex is indicated, with branch lengths not implying evolutionary distances. (b) World map showing the inferred geographic origins of the six taxa, combining the two Australian endemic species. The origins of Cx. quinquefasciatus remain uncertain, potentially East Africa or Asia. The map also marks the probable East African origin of the LCA, depicted with an open dashed circle. The mosquito silhouette represents a generic female Culex, without specific taxonomic implication (Adapted from Aardema et al., 2021) In the case of the Culex pipiens complex, high-throughput genomic sequencing has revealed intricate evolutionary patterns influenced by natural selection and demographic processes. This complex provides a unique system for studying speciation and taxonomic radiation, with implications for understanding the evolutionary trajectories of other cosmopolitan and invasive species (Aardema et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of the cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) gene has been instrumental in elucidating the genetic divergence and evolutionary history of
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