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Atelinae phylogenetic relationships: the trichotomy revived?
1Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA. marybee@earthlink.net
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|July 15, 2004
Summary
Phylogenetic analysis of Atelinae primates using three genetic regions reveals conflicting relationships within the Atelini tribe. Further research with more genetic data is needed to resolve the evolutionary history of these New World monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Primate evolutionary biology
- Molecular phylogenetics
- Primate taxonomy
Background:
- The Atelinae subfamily includes diverse New World monkeys like howler monkeys (Alouatta) and spider monkeys (Ateles).
- Previous phylogenetic studies have yielded varying results regarding the evolutionary relationships within the Atelinae, particularly among the genera Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships among the genera within the Atelinae subfamily.
- To resolve conflicting data from previous studies by analyzing multiple genetic markers.
- To determine the evolutionary placement of Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix within the Atelini tribe.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three genetic regions: cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII), hypervariable I portion of the control region (mitochondrial DNA), and Aldolase A Intron V (nuclear DNA).
- Phylogenetic reconstruction using cladistic methods.
- Comparison of results across different genetic markers and sampling strategies.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the Alouattini tribe (Alouatta species).
- The Atelini tribe is supported, containing Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix, but relationships among these genera are inconsistently resolved.
- Different genetic regions and sampling of Ateles species produced conflicting phylogenetic trees, suggesting complex evolutionary history or incomplete lineage sorting.
Conclusions:
- The current data support a trichotomy (unresolved branching) among Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix within the Atelini tribe.
- Increased genetic sampling, particularly of Ateles species, is crucial for accurate phylogenetic reconstruction.
- Results align better with morphological and behavioral studies, highlighting the importance of integrative approaches in primate systematics.
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