Repeated DNA Sequences and Kangaroo Phylogeny

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Abstract
Three highly repeated DNA sequences were used to determine species relationships within the Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies). Two highly repeated DNA sequences were isolated as buoyant density satellites in the red-necked wallaby and in the wallaroo-euro group. The 3rd probe was a cloned representative of 1 class of highly repeated species from the red kangaroo. Radioactively labeled probes of these 3 repeated sequences were used to determine the incidence and distribution of each in a number of macropodid species. The results were consistent with a monophyletic origin of the macropodid species and showed in particular, that the red-necked wallaby is closely related to the red kangaroo and to the euro-wallaroo group. The tammar and the agile wallaby were closely related. The results also favor the current taxonomic status of the eastern and western grey kangaroos as closely related but separated species. [Taxa discussed include Macropus robustus, M. r. erubescens, M. antilopinus, M. rufogriseus, M. fuliginosus, M. eugenii, M. giganteus and Wallabia bicolor.].