A cytogenetic survey of 110 baboons (Papio cynocephalus)

A cytogenetic investigation of 110 adult baboons (Papio cynocephalus) captured in Kenya and sacrificed at the Institut Pasteur, Paris, showed the absence of anomalies, numerical or structural bearing on nonheterochromatic material; a polymorphism of the AgNOR-positive secondary constriction of chromosome 5 in 12% of the animals; a polymorphism of a secondary constriction of chromosome 7 in 2% of the animals; a fragile site of chromosome 6 in one animal. We believe that our data show that cytogenetic observations in present day primates probably reflect their chromosomal evolution.