Mitochondrial DNA Analyses of Cercopithecus Monkeys Reveal a Localized Hybrid Origin for C. mitis doggetti in Gombe National Park, Tanzania

摘要: In recent years, hybridization has gained recognition as an important creative force in primate evolution. The exchange of genetic material between species provides novelty on which evolutionary forces, such natural selection, may act. guenon radiation (Tribe Cercopithecini) is known for numerous cases contemporary hybridization—in the wild and captivity—between broadly sympatric species. Interspecific hybrids are viable, field studies report fertile hybrid females. Despite being a well-documented phenomenon, among guenons relatively rare sporadic. An exception long-standing Cercopithecus mitis doggetti C. ascanius schmidti Gombe National Park, Tanzania, where comprise significant proportion breeding population. Here, I used mitochondrial loci to conduct survey population examine extent direction gene flow parental extracted DNA from noninvasive fecal samples unhabituated individuals (N = 144 individuals) with phenotype provenance. All phenotypes were identified based specific pelage colors patterns. Phylogenetic analyses sequences inside outside zone show Gombe’s distinct neighboring conspecific populations having schmidti. animals surveyed have one two haplotypes unique Gombe. These results provide evidence asymmetric introgressive species, likely consequence colonization patterns during range expansions. spatial distribution imply that site both historic guenons. discovery ongoing clearly defined ecologically enough coexist broad sympatry, ideal system investigate speciation mechanisms adaptive radiations.