01786nas a2200217 4500008004100000245010200041210006900143300001000212490000700222520103900229653001901268653001401287653002201301653002001323653001601343100002301359700002501382700002001407700002401427856011701451 2002 eng d00aAn unexpected pattern of molecular divergence within the blue penguin ( Eudyptula minor ) complex0 aunexpected pattern of molecular divergence within the blue pengu a29-380 v493 aThe blue penguins (genus Eudyptula) have been subjected to extensive taxonomic revision. In 1976, the genus was reduced from 2 species to a single species (Eudyptula minor) with 6 subspecies, based on a morphometric analysis. Despite the later proposed rejection of the differentiation of subspecies in Eudyptula minor, following analysis of allozymes in some populations, the 6 subspecies have continued to be recognised in some popular and scientific literature. We compared the sequences of 3 mitochondrial gene regions (small ribosomal subunit, cytochrome oxidase b and the control region) from the 6 hypothesised subspecies to examine relationships within Eudyptula. We found evidence for 2 unexpected clades: the 1st consisting of Otago and Australian populations, the 2nd consisting of north- ern, Cook Strait, Chatham Island, and Banks Peninsula populations. Some support for these 2 clades was also found from a re-analysis of morphometric data and from a preliminary examination of vocalisations.10acontrol region10aEudyptula10amitochondrial DNA10aSphenisciformes10asystematics1 aBanks, Jonathan, C1 aMitchell, Anthony, D1 aWaas, Joseph, R1 aPaterson, Adrian, M uhttps://notornis.osnz.org.nz/unexpected-pattern-molecular-divergence-within-blue-penguin-eudyptula-minor-complex