Mitochondrial evidence for multiple radiations in the evolutionary history of small apes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gibbons or small apes inhabit tropical and subtropical rain forests in Southeast Asia and adjacent regions, and are, next to great apes, our closest living relatives. With up to 16 species, gibbons form the most diverse group of living hominoids, but the number of taxa, their phylogenetic relationships and their phylogeography is controversial. To further the discussion of these issues we analyzed the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 85 individuals representing all gibbon species, including most subspecies.

Results

Based on phylogenetic tree reconstructions, several monophyletic clades were detected, corresponding to genera, species and subspecies. A significantly supported branching pattern was obtained for members of the genus Nomascus but not for t

SUBMITTER: Thinh VN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2841658 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature