Sequences from the 5 ' flanking region of the epsilon-globin gene support the relationship of Callicebus with the Pitheciins

The purpose of this study was to determine nucleotide sequences from the 5' flanking region of the E-globin gene of selected platyrrhine primates and to analyze the data for phylogenetic information and estimated times of div ergence. We report new sequence data for two species of New World monkeys, Callicebus torquatus and Pithecia irrorata. We analyzed these data in conju nction with homologous sequences from other primate species. The data suppo rt the hypothesis that the titi monkeys (Callicebus) and seed predators (Tr ibe Pitheciini) form a clade (Subfamily Pitheciinae), and also provide limi ted support for that subfamily being allied with the atelines. We also pres ent estimated dates of divergence for the Callicebus and pitheciin lineages . Am. J. Primatol, 48:69-75, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.