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Comparison of theα-globin gene cluster structure in Perissodactyla

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Summary

To investigate molecular evolution in a mammalian order with a comprehensive fossil record, we have constructedα-globin-like gene cluster maps for members of the order Perissodactyla. Although the arrangement of genes is the same in the five Equidae examined, the tapir and rhinoceros differ from each other and the horse in the position and number of their ζ genes, but not in the arrangement of theirα and θ genes. In contrast to morphological work, a dendrogram derived from restriction site maps associates the tapir with the horse rather than with the rhinoceros; however, this phylogeny is not statistically significant. Among the Equidae,Equus caballus emerges as an outgroup, in agreement with data from other disciplines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, OX3 9DU, Oxford, England

    J. Flint & J. B. Clegg

  2. Zoological Society of San Diego, PO Box 551, 92112, San Diego, California, USA

    O. A. Ryder

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  1. J. Flint
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  2. O. A. Ryder
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  3. J. B. Clegg
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Flint, J., Ryder, O.A. & Clegg, J.B. Comparison of theα-globin gene cluster structure in Perissodactyla. J Mol Evol 30, 36–42 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02102451

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02102451

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