Molecular Biology and Evolution, Vol 8, 297-319, Copyright © 1991 by Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution
RK Wayne, B Van Valkenburgh and SJ O'Brien
Numerous studies have used indices of genetic distance between species to
reconstruct evolutionary relationships and to estimate divergence time.
However, the empirical relationship between molecular-based indices of
genetic divergence and divergence time based on the fossil record is poorly
known. To date, the results of empirical studies conflict and are difficult
to compare because they differ widely in their choice of taxa, genetic
techniques, or methods for calibrating rates of molecular evolution. We use
a single methodology to analyze the relationship of molecular distance and
divergence time in 86 taxa (72 carnivores and 14 primates). These taxa have
divergence times of 0.01-55 Myr and provide a graded series of phylogenetic
divergences such that the shape of the curve relating genetic distance and
divergence time is often well defined. The techniques used to obtain
genetic distance estimates include one- and two-dimensional protein
electrophoresis, DNA hybridization, and microcomplement fixation. Our
results suggest that estimates of molecular distance and divergence time
are highly correlated. However, rates of molecular evolution are not
constant; rather, in general they decline with increasing divergence time
in a linear fashion. The rate of decline may differ according to technique
and taxa. Moreover, in some cases the variability in evolutionary rates
changes with increasing divergence time such that the accuracy of nodes in
a phylogenetic tree varies predictably with time.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Molecular distance and divergence time in carnivores and primates
Department of Biology, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
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