Primate molecular divergence dates.
With genomic data, alignments can be assembled that greatly increase the number of informative sites for analysis of molecular divergence dates. Here, we present an estimate of the molecular divergence dates for all of the major primate groups. These date estimates are based on a Bayesian analysis of approximately 59.8 kbp of genomic data from 13 primates and 6 mammalian outgroups, using a range of paleontologically supported calibration estimates. Results support a Cretaceous last common ancestor of extant primates (approximately 77 mya), an Eocene divergence between platyrrhine and catarrhine primates (approximately 43 mya), an Oligocene origin of apes and Old World monkeys (approximately 31 mya), and an early Miocene (approximately 18 mya) divergence of Asian and African great apes. These dates are examined in the context of other molecular clock studies.
Steiper
Michael E
ME
Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, NY 10021, USA. msteiper@hunter.cuny.edu
Young
Nathan M
NM
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005580:Fossils; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010802:Phylogeny; D011323:Primates / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D016415:Sequence Alignment
D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator