DNA nuclear content in the cytotaxonomy of Galago senegalensis and Galago crassicaudatus

Abstract

The DNA nuclear content in lymphocytes of peripheral blood from Galago senegalensis (2 males and 2 females), Galago crassicaudatus (3 males and 2 females) and Perodicticus potto (2 males) was measured by means of the Deeley integrating microdensitometer.

The mean of the DNA content does not differ significantly between Galago senegalensis and Galago crassicaudatus specimens, nor does it between the two Galago and Perodicticus potto. This finding lead us to exclude that the difference in the chromosome number between Galago senegalensis (2n = 38) and Galago crassicaudatus (2n = 62) is the result of endoreduplication.

In addition, these preliminary findings seems to lend further support to the assumption of a stronger affinity of the Galagidae with the Lorisidae rather than with the Lemuridae.