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Chromosomal evolution within the family Estrildidae (Aves) I. The Poephilae

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Abstract

Eleven species of estrildid finches were examined cytogenetically with G- and C-banding. The analysis revealed a preponderance of pericentric inversions at both the inter- and intraspecific levels. In addition, considerable variation in the pattern of heterochromatin distribution, particularly in the sex-chromosomes, was recorded as polymorphisms and interspecific differences. This variation was not found to be associated directly with either speciation or morphological change. Rather, it is argued that only those rearrangements which do not lead to meiotic problems survive in avian lineages.

The chromosomal data were also used to clarify systematic relationships within the Poephilae, demonstrating that the monotypic genera Aegintha and Aidemosyne are allied to the Neochmia group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Population Biology, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, P.O. Box 475, 2601, Canberra City, Australia

    L. Christidis

  2. Division of Wildlife and Rangelands Research, CSIRO, Australia

    L. Christidis

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Christidis, L. Chromosomal evolution within the family Estrildidae (Aves) I. The Poephilae. Genetica 71, 81–97 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00058691

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