Giemsa-band patterns of the tahr and chromosomal evolution of the tribe Caprini

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Abstract
G[Giemsa]-banding patterns of the tahr, H. jemlahicus (2n = 48), were compared with species from all other genera of the tribe Caprini including Capra (2n = 60), Ammotragus (2n = 58), Pseudois (2n = 54) and Ovis (2n = 58-52). Hemitragus shared 1 homologous biarmed pair with Ammotragus and all taxa of Ovis; a 2nd homologous pair in 2n = 54-52 Ovis may be the result of independent parallel evolution. Homology of biarmed autosomes was not observed between Pseudois and the other genera. Chromosomal evidence together with paleontological data indicate that fusion rather than fission best explains karyotype evolution in Caprini. Evolution of the tribe proceeded from ancestral stock with 2n = 60 to give rise to an early independent lineage, Pseudois, and then successively to Hemitragus, and to Ammotragus and Ovis of more recent origin. Capra retained the ancestral karyotype while undergoing morphological differentiation. Although evidence favors the concept that certain acrocentrics are not randomly involved in fusions, the patterns of chromosomal similarity in Ovis compared to the diverse karyotypes of Pseudois and Hemitragus argue for a monophyletic origin of Ovis. C[constitutive heterochromatin]-banding patterns in Hemitragus conform to those reported in Ovis.

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