Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Comparative Summary of Genetic Distances in the Vertebrates

Patterns and Correlations

  • Chapter
Evolutionary Biology

Abstract

For studies in systematic and evolutionary biology, many kinds of molecular data have the unusual distinction of providing “common yardsticks” for quantitatively comparing genetic distances in phylogenetically distinct arrays of species. Yet after more than two decades of study, the genetic information residing in DNAs and proteins has only barely been tapped and employed in a comparative framework. Some tantalizing preliminary conclusions have emerged. For example, when different kinds of organisms, such as frogs and mammals, are contrasted, it appears that rates of evolution in structural genes (those that encode proteins) can proceed independently of rates of evolution in organismal morphology and way of life (Cherry et al., 1978; King and Wilson, 1975).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adest, G. A., 1977,Genetic relationships in the genus Uma (Iguanidae), Copeia 1977:47–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altman, P. L., and Dittmer, D. S. (eds.), 1974, Biology Data Book, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Bethesda, Maryland

    Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., 1974, Systematic value of electrophoretic data, Syst. Zool. 23:465–481.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., 1976, Genetic differentiation during speciation, in: Molecular Evolution (F. J. Ayala, ed.), pp. 106–122, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., 1977, Is evolution gradual or rectangular? Evidence from living fishes, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74:5083–5087.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., 1978, Variances and frequency distributions of genetic distance in evolutionary phylads, Heredity 40:225–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., and Ayala, F. J., 1975, Genetic change and rates of cladogenesis, Genetics 81:757–773.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., and Duvall, S. W., 1977, Allelic expression and genetic distance in hybrid macaque monkeys, J. Hered. 68:23–30.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., and Smith, M. H., 1977, Gene frequency comparisons between sunfish (Cen- trarchidae) populations at various stages of evolutionary divergence, Syst. Zool. 26:319–334.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., Smith, J. J., and Ayala, F. J., 1975, Adaptive differentiation with little genie change between two native California minnows, Evolution 29:411–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., Smith, M. H., and Selander, R. K., 1979, Biochemical polymorphism and systematics in the genusPeromyscus VII. Geographic differentiation in members of the truei and maniculatus species groups, J. Mammal. 60:177–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., Patton, J. C., and Aquadro, C. F., 1980a, Evolutionary genetics of birds I. Relationships among North American thrushes and allies, Auk 97:135–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., Patton, J. C., and Aquadro, C. F., 1980b, Evolutionary genetics of birds II. Conservative protein evolution in North American sparrows and relatives, Syst. Zool. 29:323–334.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., Patton, J. C., and Aquadro, C. F., 1980c, Evolutionary genetics of birds III. Comparative molecular evolution in New World warblers and rodents, J. Hered. 71:303–310.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avise, J. C., Aquadro, C. F., and Patton, J. C., 1982, Evolutionary genetics of birds V. Genetic distances within Mimidae (mimic thrushes) and Vireonidae (vireos), Biochem. Genet. 20:95–104.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ayala, F. J., 1975, Genetic differentiation during the speciation process, Evol. Biol. 8:1–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayala, F. J. (ed.), 1976, Molecular Evolution, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayala, F. J., Powell, J. R., Tracey, M. L., Mouráo, C. A., and Pérez-Salas, S., 1972, Enzyme variability in the Drosophila willistoni group. IV. Genie variation in natural populations of Drosophila willistoni, Genetics 70:113–139.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, R. J., Honeycutt, R. L., Arnold, M. L., Sarich, V. M., and Genoways, H. H., 1981, Electrophoretic and immunological studies on the relationship of the Brachyphyllinae and the Glossophaginae, J. Mamm. 62:665–672.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrowclough, G. F., and Corbin, K. W., 1978, Genetic variation and differentiation in the Parulidae, Auk 95:691–702.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, A. F., and Ruben, J. A., 1979, Endothermy and activity in vertebrates, Science 206:649–654.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruce, E. J., and Ayala, F. J., 1978, Humans and apes are genetically very similar, Nature 276:264–265.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruce, E. J., and Ayala, F. J., 1979, Phylogenetic relationships between man and the apes: Electrophoretic evidence, Evolution 33:1040–1056.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buth, D. G., 1979, Genetic relationships among the torrent suckers, genusThoburnia, Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 7:311–316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buth, D. G., 1980, Evolutionary genetics and systematic relationships in the catostomid genus Hypentelium, Copeia 1980:280–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buth, D. G., and Burr, B. M., 1978, Isozyme variability in the cyprinid genus Campostoma, Copeia 1978:298–311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buth, D. G., Burr, B. M., and Schenck, J. R., 1980, Electrophoretic evidence for relationships and differentiation among members of the percid subgenus Microperca, Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 8:297–304.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Calder, W. A., and Schmidt-Nielsen, K., 1968, Panting and blood carbon dioxide in birds, Am. J. Physiol. 215:477–482.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Case, S. M., 1978, Biochemical systematics of members of the genus Rana native to western North America, Syst. Zool. 27:299–311.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chakraborty, R., and Nei, M., 1974, Dynamics of gene differentiation between incompletely isolated populations of unequal sizes, Theor. Popul. Biol. 5:460–469.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cherry, L. M., Case, S. M., and Wilson, A. C., 1978, Frog perspective on the morphological difference between humans and chimpanzees, Science 200:209–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cothran, E. G., Zimmerman, E. G., and Nadler, C. F., 1977, Genie differentiation and evolution in the ground squirrel subgenus Ictidomys (genus Spermophilus), J. Mammal. 58:610–622.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dessauer, H. C., Gartside, D. F., and Zweifel, R. G., 1977, Protein electrophoresis and the systematics of some New Guinea hylid frogs (genus Litoria), Syst. Zool. 26:426–436.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Etges, W. J., 1979, Ecological genetic relationships in selected anurans of the southeastern United States, M. S. Thesis, University of Georgia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferguson, A., Himberg, K. J. M., and Svardson, G., 1978, Systematics of the Irish pollan (Coregonus pollan Thompson): An electrophoretic comparison with other Holarctic Coregonidae, J. Fish Biol. 12:221–233.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gillespie, J. H., and Kojima, K., 1968, The degree of polymorphism in enzymes involved in energy production compared to that in nonspecific enzymes in two Drosophila an- anassae populations, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 61:582–585.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gillespie, J. H., and Langley, C. H., 1974, A general model to account for enzyme variation in natural populations, Genetics 76:837–884.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gingeras, T. R., and Roberts, R. J., 1980, Steps toward computer analysis of nucleotide sequences, Science 209:1322–1328.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gorman, G. C., and Kim, Y. J., 1976, Anolis lizards of the eastern Caribbean: a case study in evolution II. Genetic relationships and genetic variation of the Bimaculatus group, Syst. Zool. 25:62–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gorman, G. C., Soule, M., Yang, S. Y., and Nevo, E., 1975, Evolutionary genetics of insular adriatic lizards, Evolution 29:52–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gorman, G. C., Kim, Y. J., and Rubinoff, R., 1976, Genetic relationships of three species of Bathygobius from the Atlantic and Pacific sides of Panama, Copeia 1976:361–364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamrick, J. L., Linhart, Y. B., and Mitton, J. B., 1979, Relationships between life history characteristics and electrophoretically detectable genetic variation in plants, Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 10:173–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hedgecock, D., and Ayala, F. J., 1974, Evolutionary divergence in the genus Taricha (Salamandridae), Copeia 1974:738–747.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Highton, R., and Larson, A., 1979, the genetic relationships of the salamanders of the genus Plethodon, Syst. Zool. 28:579–599.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hochachka, P. W., and Somero, G. N., 1973, Strategies of Biochemical Adaptation, Saunders, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hubby, J. L., and Throckmorton, L. H., 1965, Protein differences inDrosophila II. Comparative species genetics and evolutionary problems, Genetics 52:203–215.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, G. B., 1973, Importance of substrate variability to enzyme polymorphisms, Nature New Biol. 243:151–153.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, G. B., 1974, Enzyme polymorphism and metabolism, Science 184:28–37.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, G. B., 1976, Genetic polymorphism and enzyme function, in: Molecular Evolution (F. J. Ayala, ed.), Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, M. S., 1975, Biochemical systematics of the atherinid genus Menidia, Copeia 1975:662–691.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, M.S., and Mickevich, M. F., 1977, Variability and evolutionary rates of characters, Evolution 31:642–648.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, W. E., and Selander, R. K., 1971, Protein variation and systematics in kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys), Syst. Zool. 20:377–405.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, Y. J., Gorman, G. C., Papenfuss, T., and Roychoudhury, A. K., 1976, Genetic relationships and genetic variation in the Amphisbaenian genus Bipes, Copeia 1976:120–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, J. R., and Farner, D. S., 1961, Energy metabolism, thermoregulation, and body temperature, in: Biology and Physiology of Birds, Volume II (A. J. Marshall, ed.), pp. 215–288, Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, M. C., and Wilson, A. C., 1975, Evolution at two levels in humans and chimpanzees, Science 188:107–116.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koehn, R. K., and Eanes, W. F., 1978, Molecular structure and protein variation within and among populations, Evol. Biol. 11:39–100.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kojima, K., Gillespie, J., and Tobari, Y. N., 1970, A profile ofDrosophila species’ enzymes assayed by electrophoresis I. Number of alleles, heterozygosities, and linkage disequilibrium in glucose-metabolizing systems and some other enzymes, Biochem. Genet. 4:627–637.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kornfield, I. L., Ritte, U., Richler, C., and Wahrman, J., 1979, Biochemical and cytological differentiation among cichlid fishes of the Sea of Galilee, Evolution 33:1–14.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leder, P., Hansen, J. N., Konkel, D., Leder, A., Nishioka, Y., and Talkington, C., 1980, Mouse globin system: A functional and evolutionary analysis, Science 209:1336–1342.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lucotte, G., 1979a, Génétique des populations, spéciation et taxonomie chez les babouins: II. Similitudes génétique comparées entre différentes espèces: Papio papio, P. anubis, P. cynocephalus, et P. hamadryas basées sur les données du polymorphisme des enzymes erythrocytaires, Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 7:245–251.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lucotte, G., 1979b, Distances électrophorétiques entre les différentes espèces de singes du groupe des mangabeys, Ann. Genet. 22:85–87.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mengel, R. N., 1964, The probably history of species formation in some northern wood warblers (Parulidae), Living Bird 3:9–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Montanucci, R. R., Axtell, R. A., and Dessauer, H. C., 1975, Evolutionary divergence among collared lizards (Crotaphytus), with comments on the status of Gambelia, Her- petologica 31:336–347.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morony, J. J., Jr., Bock, W. J. and Farrand, J., Jr., 1975, Reference List of the Birds of the World, Special Publication of the American Museum of Natatural History, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nathans, D., 1979, Restriction endonucleases, simian virus 40, and the new genetics, Science 206:903–909.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nei, M., 1972, Genetic distance between populations, Am. Nat. 106:283–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nei, M., 1975, Molecular Population Genetics and Evolution, North-Holland Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nei, M., 1981, Genetic distance and molecular taxonomy, in Proc. XIVInt. Congr. Genet., Problems in General Genetics (Y. P. Altukhov, ed.) Volume 2, pp. 7–22, MIA Publishers, Moscow.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nei, M., and Roychoudhury, A. K., 1981, Genetic relationship and evolution of human races, Evol. Biol. 14:1–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nevo, E., 1978, Genetic variation in natural populations: patterns and theory, Theor. Popul. Biol. 13:121–177.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nevo, E., Kim, Y. J., Shaw, C. R., and Thaeler, C. S., Jr., 1974, Genetic variation, selection and speciation in Thomomys talpoides pocket gophers, Evolution 28:1–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patton, J. C., and Avise, J. C., 1983, Evolutionary genetics of birds IV. Rates of protein divergence in waterfowl (Anatidae), Submitted.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patton, J. C., Baker, R. J., and Avise, J. C., 1981, Phenetic and cladistic analyses of biochemical evolution in peromyscine rodents, in: Mammalian Population Genetics (M. H. Smith and J. Joule, eds.), pp. 288–308, University of Georgia Press, Athens, Georgia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penney, D. F., and Zimmerman, E. G., 1976, Genie divergence and local population differentiation by random drift in the pocket gopher genus Geomys, Evolution 30:473–484.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powell, J. R., 1975, Protein variation in natural populations of animals, Evol. Biol. 3:79–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prager, E. M., and Wilson, A. C., 1975, Slow evolutionary loss of the potential for interspecific hybridization in birds: A manifestation of slow regulatory evolution, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 72:200–204.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, J. S., 1972, Measures of genetic similarity and genetic distance, in: Univ. Texas Publ., 7213, pp. 145–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarich, V. M., 1977, Rates, sample sizes, and the neutrality hypothesis for electrophoresis in evolutionary studies, Nature 26:24–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarich, V. M., and Cronin, J. E., 1977, Molecular systematics of the primates, in: Molecular Anthropology (M. H. Goodman, and R. E., Tashian, eds.), pp. 144–170, Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sattler, P., 1980, Genetic relationships among selected species of North American Scaphiopus, Copeia 1980:605–610.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Selander, R. K., 1976, Genie variation in natural populations, in: Molecular Evolution (F. J. Ayala, ed.), pp. 21–45, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selander, R. K., Smith, M. H., Yang, S. Y., Johnson, W. E., and Gentry, J. B., 1971, Biochemical polymorphism and systematics in the genus Peromyscus, I. Variation in the old-field mouse(Peromyscus polionotus), in: Studies in Genetics VI (Univ. Texas Publ. 7103), pp. 49–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, C. R., 1970, How many genes evolve? Biochem. Genet. 4:275–283.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, C. R., and Prasad, R., 1970, Starch gel electrophoresis of enzymes—A compilation of recipes, Biochem. Genet. 4:297–320.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, J. K., and Zimmerman, E. G., 1976, Biochemical genetics and evolution of North American blackbirds, family Icteridae, Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 538:319–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M. W., Aquadro, C. F., Smith, M. H., Chesser, R. K., and Etges, W. J., 1982, A bibliography for electrophoretic studies of biochemical variation in natural populations of vertebrates. Texas Tech Press, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Somero, G. N., 1978, Temperature adaptation of enzymes, Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 9:1–29.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soul£, M., 1976, Allozyme variation: Its determinants in space and time, in: Molecular Evolution, (F. J. Ayala, ed.), pp. 60–77, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, B. J., 1974, Genetic divergence of Death Valley pupfish species: Biochemical versus morphological evidence, Evolution 28:281–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Utter, F. M., Allendorf, F. W., and Hodgins, H. O., 1973, Genetic variability and relationships in pacific salmon and related trout based on protein variations, Syst. Zool. 22:257–270.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Valentine, J. W., 1976, Genetic strategies of adaptation, in: Molecular Evolution (F. J. Ayala, ed.), pp. 78–94, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wake, D. B., Maxson, L. R., and Wurst, G. Z., 1978, Genetic differentiation, albumin evolution, and their biogeographic implications in plethodontid salamanders of California and southern Europe, Evolution 32:529–539.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ward, R. D., and Galleguillos, R. A., 1978, Protein variation in the plaice, dab, and flounder and their genetic relationships, in: Marine Organisms (B. Battaglia and J. Beardmore, eds.), pp. 71–93, Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, A. C., Carlson, S. S., and White, T. J., 1977, Biochemical evolution, Annu. Rev. Biochem. 46:573–639.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wyles, J. S., and Gorman, G. C., 1980, The albumin immunological and Nei electrophoretic distance correlation: A calibration for the Saurian genus Anolis (Iguanidae), Copeia 1980:66–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, S. Y., and Patton, J. L., 1981, Genie variability and differentiation in the Galapagos finches, Auk 98:230–242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, S. Y., Soule, M., and Gorman, G. C., 1974, Anolis lizards of the eastern Caribbean: A case study in evolution I. Gentic relationships, phylogeny, and colonization sequence of the roquet group, Syst. Zool. 23:387–399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zihlman, A. L., and Lowenstein, J. M., 1979, False start of the human parade, Nat. Hist. 88:86–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmerman, E. G., and Nejtek, M. E., 1977, Genetics and speciation of three semispecies of Neotoma, J. Mammal. 58:391–402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmerman, E. G., Hart, B. J., and Kilpatrick, C. W., 1975, Biochemical genetics of the truei and boy lei groups of the genus Peromyscus (Rodentia), Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 52B:541–545.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular and Population Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA

    John C. Avise & Charles F. Aquadro

Authors
  1. John C. Avise
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Charles F. Aquadro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Queens College of the City University of New York, Flushing, New York, USA

    Max K. Hecht

  2. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    Bruce Wallace

  3. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York, USA

    Ghillean T. Prance

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1982 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Avise, J.C., Aquadro, C.F. (1982). A Comparative Summary of Genetic Distances in the Vertebrates. In: Hecht, M.K., Wallace, B., Prance, G.T. (eds) Evolutionary Biology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6968-8_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6968-8_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-6970-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-6968-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation