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Ancient single origin for Malagasy primates

A D Yoder1, M Cartmill, M Ruvolo

  • 1Department of Anthropolog, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|May 14, 1996
PubMed
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New DNA evidence confirms Malagasy lemurs share a single ancestor, challenging primate classifications. This suggests lemurs diverged much earlier than previously believed, originating from Africa.

Area of Science:

  • Primate Systematics
  • Molecular Evolution
  • Paleontology

Background:

  • A long-standing controversy exists regarding the evolutionary origins and classification of Malagasy lemurs.
  • Previous studies suggested a single origin for lemurs, but further evidence was needed.
  • The placement of dwarf and mouse lemurs within primate classifications has been debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To definitively resolve the evolutionary history and phylogenetic placement of Malagasy lemurs.
  • To investigate the origin of the Strepsirrhini (lemurs and lorises).
  • To determine the timing of the divergence of lemur lineages.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of DNA sequence data for the complete cytochrome b gene.
  • Integration of an expanded morphological data set.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Phylogenetic analyses incorporating molecular and morphological data.

    • Main Results:

    • DNA and morphological data confirm a single common ancestor for all extant Malagasy lemurs.
    • Phylogenetic results support an African origin for the common ancestor of lemurs and lorises (Strepsirrhini).
    • Molecular data indicate lemurs began evolving independently by the early Eocene, suggesting an ancient Malagasy primate lineage.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings necessitate a revision of primate classifications, particularly regarding dwarf and mouse lemurs.
    • The split between major strepsirrhine lineages occurred before the Eocene, predating known Eocene fossil primates.
    • Primate origins were characterized by rapid speciation and diversification before the late Paleocene.