Flying Lemurs and Their Relationship to Tree Shrews
Author Information
Author(s): Nie Wenhui, Fu Beiyuan, O'Brien Patricia CM, Wang Jinhuan, Su Weiting, Tanomtong Alongkoad, Volobouev Vitaly, Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A, Yang Fengtang
Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
Is there a closer phylogenetic relationship between Dermoptera (flying lemurs) and Scandentia (tree shrews) than either has to Primates?
Conclusion
The study provides new molecular cytogenetic evidence supporting a sister-clade relationship between Dermoptera and Scandentia.
Supporting Evidence
- The study established a genome-wide comparative chromosome map between human and the Malayan flying lemur.
- Chromosome painting revealed 49 homologous chromosomal segments in the human genome.
- Evidence suggests a signature rearrangement that links Scandentia and Dermoptera into one sister clade.
Takeaway
This study shows that flying lemurs and tree shrews are more closely related to each other than to monkeys or humans.
Methodology
The study used reciprocal chromosome painting to establish a genome-wide comparative map between human and the Malayan flying lemur.
Limitations
Only one representative species from each of Dermoptera and Scandentia was studied, which may not fully represent the clade.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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