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The mesites (Mesitornithidae) are a family of birds that are part of a clade (Columbimorphae) that include Columbiformes and Pterocliformes.〔Jarvis, E.D. ''et al''. (2014) (Whole-genome analyses resolve early branches in the tree of life of modern birds ). ''Science'', 346(6215):1320-1331.〕 They are smallish, near flightless birds endemic to Madagascar. They are the only family with more than two species in which every species is threatened (all three are listed as vulnerable). == Systematics == There are two genera, ''Mesitornis'' (2 species) and ''Monias'' (subdesert mesite). * White-breasted mesite, ''Mesitornis variegata'' * Brown mesite, ''Mesitornis unicolor'' * Subdesert mesite ''Monias benschi'' Historically, mesites have been allied with the doves and the dippers. While the latter is certainly incorrect, there is some indication that they might indeed be closer (though not very close) to the Columbiformes.〔 The purported gruiforms kagu and sunbittern (and possibly the extinct adzebills too) might also be not-too-distant relatives. These latter taxa, remarkably, were all only tentatively placed in the Gruiformes, and are apparently all of Gondwanan origin; like the mesites, the kagu and sunbittern are among the rather few birds possessing powder down. Still, the data hinting at a possible relationship between the "odd gruiforms" (and possibly pigeons) is by no means robust enough to draw a firm conclusion. (Fain & Houde 2004) Arguably, they might be considered an order of their own (Mesitornithiformes) as has on occasion been done in the past, but unlike with the hoatzin, little phylogenetic research has yet been conducted on mesites. The DNA study of Hackett ''et al''. (2008) suggested that the mesites are a sister group of the doves, somewhat more distantly related to the sandgrouse, tropicbirds, grebes, and flamingos, within the proposed "Metaves" clade.〔A Phylogenomic Study of Birds Reveals Their Evolutionary History, Shannon J. Hackett et al., SCIENCE VOL 320 27 JUNE 2008〕 Other researchers have been unable to confirm the "Metaves".〔Fain, M.G. & Houde, P. (2004) (Parallel radiations in the primary clades of birds ). ''Evolution''. 58(11):2558-73.〕 Recent phylogenomic studies support the grouping of mesites, sandgrouse and pigeons forming the sister taxon to Mirandornithes.〔 File:Mesitornis variegatus 1849.jpg|White-breasted mesite, ''Mesitornis variegata'' File:Mesitornis unicolor 1849.jpg|Brown mesite, ''Mesitornis unicolor'' File:Monias benschi 1912.jpg|Subdesert mesite, ''Monias benschi'' 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Mesite」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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