Coat color and biochemical variation in Amazonian wild populations of Alouatta belzebul

Am J Phys Anthropol. 1991 May;85(1):85-93. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330850110.

Abstract

A comparative study of 13 blood genetic systems and pelage color variation was performed in four wild populations of Alouatta belzebul. The animals from the west bank of the Tocantins River showed less color variation than those from the east bank, as well as less than those from Tocantins Island. The blood genetic markers, however, revealed an opposite pattern of variation. A previously undescribed morphological variant (completely red) was observed in one specimen of the east bank, where pelage color of the local population varied from completely black to completely red. Levels of heterozygosity and inter- and intralocus variances for the blood systems are compared with those observed in five other species of New World primates.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Alouatta / blood
  • Alouatta / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Blood Proteins / genetics
  • Brazil
  • Enzymes / blood
  • Enzymes / genetics
  • Genetic Markers*
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genotype
  • Phenotype
  • Skin Pigmentation / genetics*

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Enzymes
  • Genetic Markers