title: Chromosomal polymorphism in mammals: an evolutionary perspective.
abstract: Although chromosome rearrangements (CRs) are central to studies of genome evolution, our understanding of the evolutionary consequences of the early stages of karyotypic differentiation (i.e. polymorphism), especially the non-meiotic impacts, is surprisingly limited. We review the available data on chromosomal polymorphisms in mammals so as to identify taxa that hold promise for developing a more comprehensive understanding of chromosomal change. In doing so, we address several key questions: (i) to what extent are mammalian karyotypes polymorphic, and what types of rearrangements are principally involved? (ii) Are some mammalian lineages more prone to chromosomal polymorphism than others? More specifically, do (karyotypically) polymorphic mammalian species belong to lineages that are also characterized by past, extensive karyotype repatterning? (iii) How long can chromosomal polymorphisms persist in mammals? We discuss the evolutionary implications of these questions and propose several research avenues that may shed light on the role of chromosome change in the diversification of mammalian populations and species.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (UMR IRD-INRA-Cirad-Montpellier SupAgro), Campus International de Baillarguet, CS30016, 34988, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France.
authors.forename: Gauthier
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dobigny
authors.affiliation: Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Cc065, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Britton-Davidian
authors.affiliation: Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7062, South Africa.
authors.forename: Terence J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics*; D049810:Genetic Speciation; D007621:Karyotyping; D008322:Mammals / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
keywords: Mammalia; chromosome rearrangement; genome evolution; karyotype evolution; polymorphism; population cytogenetics