The diverse geomorphology and climatic fluctuations of Africa provide a unique opportunity to study the evolutionary history, biodiversity, and speciation of small mammals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. I focused on the genetic diversityand taxonomy of Afrotropical white-toothed shrews (genus Crocidura).Using ddRAD sequencing, I examined the phylogenetic relationships of Crociduraspecies across various habitats. High species diversity was identified, newcandidate species were proposed, and taxonomic adjustments were made. EasternAfromontane shrews likely originated in the Ethiopian Highlands, dispersingsouthward, while savanna species diversified during Pleistocene grasslandcycles. African giant shrews (C. olivieri) recently expanded its range, withmitochondrial introgression occurring during population expansion. This studyhighlights Crocidura as a model for future research onmitochondrial-nuclear discordance.
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