A Phylogenetic Interpretation of Chromosomal and Electrophoretic Data in Columbiformes

Abstract

The present paper describes the karyotype and plasma esterase isozymes in 10 species and one hybrid of Columbiformes.
The genus Columba showed the greatest enzymatic polymorphism but was uniform as to the diploid chromosome number. Esterase data showed a high affinity among Leptotila, Geotrygon and Columba. Among Claravis, Columbina and Scardafella no variability in the electrophoretic patterns was found but a high chromosomal diversification was observed.
These data enabled us to propose some modifications in the previously proposed phylogenetic relationships.