Which *Ixodes* species is *I. pacificus* molecularly suggested to share a closer evolutionary relationship with?
Answer
*I. persulcatus*
Molecular analysis specifically indicates that the Western Blacklegged Tick, *Ixodes pacificus*, demonstrates a closer evolutionary connection to the Asian species, *Ixodes persulcatus*, when compared against other members of its complex. This finding contrasts its close geographical and North American association with *I. scapularis*, which occupies the eastern part of the continent. The *I. ricinus* species complex groups these key vectors across the northern hemisphere, including *I. ricinus* in Europe and *I. persulcatus* in Asia, making the specific relationship between the western species and the Asian counterpart a noteworthy aspect of their phylogenetic positioning.
Related Questions
Which *Ixodes* species is *I. pacificus* molecularly suggested to share a closer evolutionary relationship with?How does the range stability of *I. pacificus* over the last half-century contrast with *I. scapularis*?What primary factor likely maintained widespread *I. pacificus* populations across the West over the last century?What genetic characteristic is noted for the isolated *I. pacificus* population found in Utah?What historical event do researchers propose might explain the fragmentation of the isolated Utah *I. pacificus* population?Which reptile is identified as an important host for immature *I. pacificus* stages specifically in California?What evolutionary advantage does the small size of *I. pacificus* nymphs provide concerning Lyme disease transmission?Under moderate to high emissions pathways (RCP 6.0 and 8.5), what is the general prediction for the climate niche of *I. pacificus* by 2050?Which environmental conditions are considered optimal for the survival of *I. pacificus* in its core areas?What historical pressure seemed less severe or was managed differently in the West compared to the Eastern US, affecting *I. pacificus* distribution?