Chromosomal Evolution in Columbiformes (Aves)

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Abstract
The karyotypes of the following species of Brazilian Columbiformes (family Columbidae) were analysed: Claravis pretiosa, Columba cayennensis, Columba picazuro, Columba speciosa, Columbina picui, Columbina talpacoti, Geotrygon montana, Leptotila rufaxilla, Leptotila verreauxi, Scardafella squammata and Zenaida auriculata. The diploid chromosome number varied from 74 to 86. Great similarities were found among species belonging to the same genera, as in Columba, Leptotila, but Columbina species were quite different one from another, as far as karyotypes are concerned. Striking differences were found among genera. Structural rearrangements involving mainly centric fusions and fissions, as well as pericentric inversions, must have been responsible for the divergences observed. The sexual Z chromosome is quite uniform, but W shows an appreciable variation in size and centromere position, thus pointing out different steps in the differentiation of this chromosome within the family.