Morphological, chromosomal, and molecular evolution are uncoupled in pocket mice.
C-, and G-banded chromosomes are presented for Perognathus amplus and Perognathus longimembris from Arizona, USA and Chaetodipus nelsoni from Coahuila, Mexico. The two species of Perognathus reveal similar C-band patterns, and extensive autosomal and X chromosome G-band identity with only pericentric inversions distinguishing pairs 4 and 6 and a difference in the morphology of pair 20. Three pairs of autosomal secondary constrictions were found in P. amplus and only one in P. longimembris. Only 50% of the amplus/longimembris G-banded karyotype could be aligned with that of C. nelsoni indicating extensive chromosomal restructuring has taken place since these genera last shared a common ancestor. A review of the literature suggests variable rates of morphological, chromosomal and molecular evolution in these animals.
Basic Research Program, SAIC Frederick, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA. modi@ncifcrf.gov
W S
WS
Modi
D000818:Animals; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D033481:Chromosomes, Mammalian / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005260:Female; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice / Q000235:genetics*; D026801:Synteny