CHROMOSOMAL PHYLOGENY OF 42 SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES OF CERCOPITHECOIDS (PRIMATES CATARRHINI)

Abstract

After comparison of the chromosomes of 42 spp. or subspecies belonging to Cercopithecinae, Papioninae and Colobidae, a phylogeny based on the sequence of chromosomal rearrangements is proposed for Cercopithecoidea. From their common ancestor, which possessed 46 chromosomes, a trifurcation gave 3 branches, very unequal as regards chromosomal rearrangements. The 1st branch, very short, leads to Papioninae. The 2nd branch still poorly known, leads to Colobidae. The 3rd branch leads to a further bifurcation, separating 2 groups of Cercopithecinae, which underwent the most active chromosomal evolution. A tentative to reconcile chromosomal, biochemical and morphological data is presented for Papioninae, for which chromosome study alone is not sufficient to construct a cladogram.