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Molecular evidence for deep phylogenetic divergence in Mandrillus sphinx
P T Telfer1, S Souquière, S L Clifford
1Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA. cercocebus@yahoo.com
Molecular Ecology
|June 14, 2003
Summary
Phylogenetic analysis reveals two distinct mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) populations separated by the Ogooué River in Gabon. This genetic divergence may explain the distribution of simian immunodeficiency viruses in these primates.
Area of Science:
- Primate genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- African biodiversity
Background:
- Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are forest primates endemic to western central Africa.
- Understanding their population structure is crucial for conservation and understanding disease dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogeography of Mandrillus sphinx populations.
- To determine if the Ogooué River acts as a barrier to gene flow.
- To explore the relationship between genetic structure and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) distribution.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences.
- DNA sequencing from 70 mandrills of known and unknown origins.
- Haplotype network analysis to infer population structure.
Main Results:
- Two distinct phylogeographical groups of mandrills were identified, with haplotypes differing by 2.6%.
- Haplotype distribution suggests the Ogooué River effectively separates populations in northern and southern Gabon.
- The observed genetic structure is concordant with the distribution patterns of two known mandrill SIV lineages.
Conclusions:
- The Ogooué River serves as a significant geographical barrier, leading to genetic divergence in mandrill populations.
- The distinct evolutionary trajectories of these phylogroups likely influenced the co-evolution of mandrills and SIV.
- This study provides insights into primate population genetics and the historical spread of viruses in African forests.
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