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Marmoset evolution: the molecular evidence
Primates in Medicine
|January 1, 1978
Summary
New World monkeys share ancient ancestry with Catarrhini, diverging 35-40 million years ago. Their own diverse lineages radiated from the early Miocene, with marmosets emerging 7-10 million years ago.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Molecular Evolution
- Immunology
Background:
- New World monkeys represent a diverse primate group with debated evolutionary origins.
- Understanding their phylogenetic relationships is crucial for primate evolution studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationships and divergence times of New World monkey lineages.
- To compare serum proteins using immunological and electrophoretic methods.
Main Methods:
- Comparative immunological studies of serum proteins.
- Electrophoretic analysis of serum proteins.
- Phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data.
Main Results:
- New World monkeys share a common ancestor with Catarrhini, diverging 35-40 million years ago.
- Seven distinct New World monkey lineages identified: Aotus, Callicebus, Cebus, Saimiri, Ateles-Lagothrix-Alouatta, Pithecia-Cacajao, and Callimico-Callithrix-Cebuella-Saguinus-Leontideus.
- Marmoset radiation initiated 7-10 million years ago.
Conclusions:
- The study clarifies the deep evolutionary history and diversification patterns of New World monkeys.
- Immunological and electrophoretic data support distinct lineage radiations within New World primates.