Gene flow in wild chimpanzee populations: what genetic data tell us about chimpanzee movement over space and time

• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2001.0865
• Publication Date: 2002-09-06T21:24:08Z
• Authors: Pascal Gagneux; M. Katherine Gonder; Tony L. Goldberg; Phillip A. Morin
• Keywords: Troglodytes; Subspecies; Hypervariable region; Population Genetics; Gorilla

The isolation of phylogenetically distinct primate immunodeficiency viruses from at least seven wild-born, captive chimpanzees indicates that closely related to HIV-1 may be endemic in some wild chimpanzee populations. search for the population or populations harbouring these is therefore on. This paper attempts answer question whether not such are likely exist all, and, if so, where they found. We summarize what known about gene flow chimpanzees, both between major phylogeographical subdivisions species, and within subdivisions. Our analysis hitherto undocumented reproductively isolated fact exist. conclusion based on observation that, despite limited geographical sampling numbers genetic loci, conventional notions nature extent have recently been substantially revised. Molecular studies using mitochondrial DNA sequences hypervariable nuclear microsatellite markers indicated existence heretofore barriers flow. These identified one genetically enough classified into a new subspecies (Pan troglodytes vellerosus). At same time, called long-accepted distinction eastern schweinfurthii) western equatorial troglodytes). further local more extensive than was previously thought, follows patterns sometimes inconsistent with those documented through direct behavioural observation. Given apparently incomplete current understanding Africa, it seems reasonable speculate which harbour putative ancestor, remained other over time-scale relevant evolution SIVcpz-HIV-1 complex viruses. Continued populations, their genes viruses, should performed quickly considering high probability extinction many face today. history human-chimpanzee contacts discussed.