 Comparison of mitochondrial cytochrome "b" and 12S rRNA sequences isolated from a dodo tarsal and a Rodrigues solitaire femur supported their close relationship and their placement within the family of pigeons and doves Columbidae.The genetic evidence was interpreted as suggesting the Southeast Asian Nicobar pigeon ("Caloenas nicobarica") to be their closest living relative among 35 analyzed species of pigeons and doves, followed by the crowned pigeons (genus "Goura") of New Guinea and the superficially dodo-like tooth-billed pigeon from Samoa.The genus of the latter is "Didunculus" ("little dodo"), and it was called "dodlet" by Richard Owen.