The effect of a population bottleneck on the evolution of genetic variance/covariance structure.

It is well known that standard population genetic theory predicts decreased additive genetic variance (V(a) ) following a population bottleneck and that theoretical models including interallelic and intergenic interactions indicate such loss may be avoided. However, few empirical data from multicellular model systems are available, especially regarding variance/covariance (V/CV) relationships. Here, we compare the V/CV structure of seventeen traits related to body size and composition between control (60 mating pairs/generation) and bottlenecked (2 mating pairs/generation; average F = 0.

Systematics and evolution of the Jacchus group of marmosets (Platyrrhini).

Interspecific differentiation and geographic variation patterns in 39 skull traits of eastern Brazilian marmosets are analyzed. Eastern Callithrix taxa are distinct morphologically, and no evidence of intergradation among taxa is observed. Instead, there are sharp, stepped morphological boundaries among taxa, consistent with species-level distinction.

Allelic variation in the squirrel monkey x-linked color vision gene: biogeographical and behavioral correlates.

Most Neotropical primate species possess a polymorphic X-linked and a monomorphic autosomal color vision gene. Consequently, populations are composed of both dichromatics and trichromatics. Most theories on the maintenance of this genetic system revolve around possible advantages for foraging ecology.

The Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii): introduced hybrid or endemic species?

Although squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp., Primates: Cebidae) are abundant and widespread in South America, the disjunct Central American species, Saimiri oerstedii, has been restricted to the Pacific wet lowlands of Costa Rica and Panama since the earliest historical records. This taxon is now endangered in Costa Rica and nearly extinct in Panama because of habitat loss, development, and the pet trade.

Historical biogeography of tamarins, genus Saguinus: the molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Hypotheses of the historical biogeography of tamarins (genus Saguinus) based on variation in coat colors and body size are tested using phylogenetic relationships inferred from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data. Samples from all 12 species of Saguinus and several subspecies are included in the analysis. Approximately 1,200 bases of mtDNA sequence from the cytochrome b and D-loop regions are reported for the tamarins and several outgroup taxa.