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Related Experiment Videos

Nuclear DNA variation in spider monkeys (Ateles).

A C Collins1, J M Dubach

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin, 5240 Social Sciences Building, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA. acollins@uwc.edu

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|April 5, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analyses reveal distinct species of spider monkeys (Ateles) across Central America and the Amazon Basin. These findings support revised taxonomy for spider monkeys, challenging traditional classifications based on fur color.

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Area of Science:

  • Primatology
  • Molecular Phylogenetics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Spider monkeys (Ateles) exhibit complex population structures across Central America and the Amazon Basin.
  • Previous taxonomic classifications relied heavily on pelage variation, potentially misrepresenting true evolutionary relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate phylogenetic relationships among spider monkey populations using nuclear DNA sequence variation.
  • To compare nuclear DNA-based phylogenies with existing mitochondrial DNA phylogenies.
  • To provide molecular evidence for revising the taxonomy of the genus Ateles.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of the aldolase A intron V nuclear genomic region from geographically diverse Ateles samples.
  • Phylogenetic analyses using parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and genetic distance methods.

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  • Comparison of nuclear DNA phylogenies with mitochondrial DNA phylogenies using incongruence length difference and winning sites tests.

    • Main Results:

    • Nuclear DNA analyses consistently identified four distinct monophyletic species: Ateles paniscus, A. belzebuth, A. hybridus, and A. geoffroyi.
    • Nuclear phylograms showed congruency with mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenies, supporting the proposed species designations.
    • Nuclear DNA exhibited lower sequence variation compared to mitochondrial DNA, resulting in less robust phylogenetic support.

    Conclusions:

    • Molecular data strongly support revised taxonomic classifications for spider monkeys, differentiating species based on genetic divergence rather than pelage.
    • The study validates the use of nuclear DNA markers for resolving primate evolutionary history, complementing mitochondrial DNA data.
    • Findings challenge long-standing spider monkey taxonomy, emphasizing the need for genetic evidence in species delineation.