A molecular analysis of the evolutionary relationships in the Callitrichinae, with emphasis on the position of the dwarf marmoset

Abstract

Schneider, H., Bernardi, J. A. R., da Cunha, D. B., Tagliaro, C. H., Vallinoto, M., Ferrari, S. F. & Sampaio, I. (2011). A molecular analysis of the evolutionary relationships in the Callitrichinae, with emphasis on the position of the dwarf marmoset. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 1–10.The phylogenetic relationships among the Neotropical primates of the subfamily Callitrichinae (marmosets and tamarins) are controversial, especially with regard to the proposal of a new marmoset genus, Callibella, based on the analysis of sequences of a single mitochondrial gene. In this study, we combine the fast‐evolving mitochondrial Control Region with four nuclear regions containing Alu elements in an attempt to provide a more conclusive assessment of the phylogenetic relationships among the marmosets (Callithrix, Cebuella and Mico), with special attention to the validity of Callibella. A large, representative sample of specimens was obtained, which include all the recognized genera and principal morphological and geographic groupings. The results of the analysis indicate unequivocally the existence of three independent lineages, corresponding to the Atlantic Forest (Callithrix), Amazonian (Mico) and pygmy marmoset (Cebuella) groups. The evidence also confirms the monophyletic relationship of the dwarf marmoset (Callibella) with the Amazonian marmosets (Mico), which indicates conclusively that this taxon is a member of the genus Mico, upholding the original description of the species as Mico humilis.