Chromosomal evolution in Malagasy lemurs. VII. Phylogenic relationships between Propithecus, Avahi (Indridae), Microcebus (Cheirogaleidae), and Lemur (Lemuridae)

Abstract

A chromosomal banding study was carried out on Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi, P. verreauxi deckeni, and Avahi laniger laniger. Comparison of their karyotypes with those of Microcebus murinus and Lemur fulvus led to reconstruction of the ancestral Lemuriform karyotype and a determination that the branch leading to the Indridae was isolated very early, before the separation of the Lemuridae from the Cheirogaleidae. The karyotype of Avahi remained highly ancestral, whereas that of P. verreauxi was considerably modified, chiefly by Robersonian translocations.