Molecular phylogeny of the lemur family cheirogaleidae (primates) based onmitochondrial DNA sequences

Cheirogaleidae currently comprises five genera whose relationships remain c ontentious. The taxonomic status and phylogenetic position of both Mirza co quereli and Allocebus trichotis are still unclear. The taxonomic status of the recently discovered Microcebus ravelobensis (a sympatric sibling specie s of Microcebus murinus) and its phylogenetic position also require further examination. A similar to2.4-kb mitochondrial DNA sequence including part of the COIII gene, complete ND3, ND4L, and ND4 genes, and 5 tRNAs was used to clarify relationships among cheirogaleids. Mirza and Microcebus form a c lade representing the sister group of Allocebus, with a clade containing Ch eirogaleus major and Cheirogaleus medius diverging first. M. ravelobensis a nd Microcebus rufus form a subclade within Microcebus, with M. murinus as i ts sister group. The molecular data support the generic status of Mirza coq uereli and species-level divergence of M ravelobensis. Furthermore, "M. ruf us" may well represent more than one species. (C) 2001 Academic Press.