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. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

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