Remarkable species diversity in Malagasy mouse lemurs (primates, Microcebus).
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA sequence data confirms the observation that species diversity in the world's smallest living primate (genus Microcebus) has been greatly underestimated. The description of three species new to science, and the resurrection of two others from synonymy, has been justified on morphological grounds and is supported by evidence of reproductive isolation in sympatry. This taxonomic revision doubles the number of recognized mouse lemur species. The molecular data and phylogenetic analyses presented here verify the revision and add a historical framework for understanding mouse lemur species diversity. Phylogenetic analysis revises established hypotheses of ecogeographic constraint for the maintenance of species boundaries in these endemic Malagasy primates. Mouse lemur clades also show conspicuous patterns of regional endemism, thereby emphasizing the threat of local deforestation to Madagascar's unique biodiversity.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Yoder, AD; Rasoloarison, RM; Goodman, SM; Irwin, JA; Atsalis, S; Ravosa, MJ; Ganzhorn, JU
Published Date
- October 2000
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 97 / 21
Start / End Page
- 11325 - 11330
PubMed ID
- 11005834
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC17199
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1091-6490
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0027-8424
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1073/pnas.200121897
Language
- eng