The complete mitochondrial genome of record-breaking migrant Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)

• Published in: Mitochondrial DNA Part B
• Main Authors: Ilze Skujina, Amy Jane Elizabeth Healey, Sophie de Becquevort, Paul William Shaw, Robert McMahon, Charly Morgan, Caron Evans, Rachel Taylor, Matthew Hegarty, Niall Joseph McKeown
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019
• Subjects: sterna paradisaea; mtdna; complete mitogenome; long-lived migrant; Genetics; QH426-470; Arctic; Arctic tern; Sterna paradisaea
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2019.1644225; https://doaj.org/article/e017b2c6fedf4099ad8d3f71239b4890

The analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) base composition, codon usage, and genome arrangement patterns can provide insight into metabolic pathways and evolutionary history. Here, we report on the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) a species notable for undertaking the longest migrations of any species as well as breeding in sub-polar habitats and capable of enduring extreme altitude. The complete mitogenome was 16,708 bp long and was typical of other avian mitogenomes in size and content. The phylogenetic position of the Arctic tern within Charadriiformes based on the coding region on the mtDNA corresponded closely to that based on nuclear loci. The sequence will provide a useful resource for investigations of metabolic adaptations of this remarkable species.