Genetic Markers and Baboon Biology

Abstract

Changes in the species-level taxonomy of African baboons are inconvenient to researchers. Most are however attributable less to the perversity of the taxonomist than to the acquisition of new knowledge. Since biospecies are usually defined as closed genetic systems, new evidence for gene-flow often involves mandatory taxonomic and nomenclatorial revision. In the present state of knowledge, carefully defined vernacular names for baboons are less ambiguous than Linnaean binominals. Investigation of genetic polymorphism provides a powerful tool for explicating the breeding structure of baboons and other primates, and it is suggested that trapping and comprehensive bioassay would usefully complement most observational studies.

Blood Protein Variations in Baboons

“…2 and 3). In opposition to what Jolly and Brett (1973) had expected we could not find any remarkable polymorphism in the erythrocyte enzyme loci. The Tf, plasma Es and PA-2 loci, however, were useful to differentiate genetically baboon populations.…”

Red Cell and Serum Enzymes of Guinea Baboon

“…Even among Papio papio, whose social structure, according to J.C. Fady [personal commun. ], rather resembles that of P. hamadryas, we were unable to demonstrate the expected higher degree of genetic exchange postulated for the latter species [12].…”

A New Taxonomic Tool. II. Serological Differences between Baboons and Geladas Demonstrated by Cross-Immunization

“…Additional baboon blood specimens were obtained from Dr. Sidney K .W olfson, jr., Division of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa., and from Dr. W illiam C. H elton, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis, Minn. The species of the animals at LEMSIP and from Pittsburgh was defined by Clifford Jolly [Jolly and Brett, 1973;; that of the Minnesota baboons by Dr. H elton.…”