CHROMOSOME DIVERSITY OF THE GENUS AOTUS FROM COLOMBIA

Description of six Colombian karyomorphs is completed through an exten sive cytogenetic characterization of 35 Aotus (owl monkeys) specimens. The description of a new karyomorph for Colombian Aotus by chromosome on Q, G, R, and C, sequential banding is included. Pairs of karyomorp hs 2 and 3 and 6 and 9 with 2n of 54, and 50, respectively, as well as karyomorphs 7 and 8 with 46 and 58 chromosomes were strongly suspecte d to represent different species on the grounds of large karyotypic di fferences. A proposal for a chromosome nomenclature of Aotus karyomorp hs that aims to clarify Aotus taxonomy is presented which achieves a p recise correspondence of different banding patterns, based on Q, G, R, and C sequential banding and chromosome measurements. Although our co ntribution is not a universal nomenclature system, unique criteria for chromosome denomination within Aotus karyomorphs are established. Pre vious systems of chromosome nomenclature have not successfully address ed the nomenclature of chromosomes of the same karyotype. (C) 1998 Wil ey-Lies, Inc.