Using existing DNA data and thousands of studies, researchers have constructed the most comprehensive evolutionary tree of primates to date. The journey of primates is a captivating tale of diverse species and ancient origins, as illuminated through the lenses of science, DNA analysis, and the passage of time. From enormous gorillas to diminutive mouse lemurs, these creatures represent a well-studied and easily recognizable group in the animal kingdom. Despite years of investigation, it is only recently that scientists have made significant progress towards unraveling the complete story of their evolutionary past.
This narrative takes the form of a “timetree” – a phylogenetic tree not only displaying the relationships between species but also indicating when each evolutionary split occurred. The objective is simple: to construct a comprehensive timeline of the evolutionary history of every known primate species. However, the process is far from straightforward.
The primate order consists of 462 species cataloged in the NCBI taxonomy database, classified into three major groups: 172 Old World monkeys and apes (Catarrhini), 146 New World monkeys (Platyrrhini), and 144 lemurs, lorises, and galagos (Strepsirrhini). Not only are these creatures scientifically significant, but they also intrigue with their behaviors and adaptations. For instance, chimpanzees use tools to extract termites from logs, while orangutans employ leaves as protective gloves when handling sharp or spiky fruits.
This article synthesizes the phylogeny of 455 primate species utilizing Chrono-STA. The root of the phylogeny dates back to 71.3 million years ago (mya), the crown of Strepsirrhini at 57.0 mya, and the crown of Haplorhini at 68.5 mya.
These creatures share a close genetic relationship with humans, offering valuable insights into the processes of evolution and adaptation. Until now, a complete evolutionary timeline encompassing all species was lacking.
The most recent and intricate phylogenomic tree compiled to date included 239 primate species. By integrating 187 newly sequenced genomes with 52 existing ones, this endeavor covered approximately 52% of all documented primate species in the NCBI taxonomy. This tree provides scientists with a fundamental framework for comprehending the relationships between these species and the timing of their divergence.
Simultaneously, the TimeTree (TT) database amalgamated over 4,100 published timetrees, resulting in a larger tree containing 400 primate species, with 200 species overlapping with the phylogenomic tree and five unique to the PG tree. Together, the PG and TT trees encompass 405 distinct primate species, leaving 57 species yet to be included in the complete picture.
Among these species, seven lack molecular data in GenBank, the primary database for DNA sequences, preventing their placement on a molecular timetree. To incorporate the remaining 50 species, researchers
Phylogenies play a significant role in aiding scientists to identify evolutionary trends and patterns that might otherwise slip under the radar. One researcher emphasized the importance of these trees by stating, “These tools are vital in helping us evaluate biodiversity loss and strategically plan conservation efforts based on solid scientific evidence.”
A comparison between the phylogenomic (PG) and TimeTree.org (TT) timetrees revealed interesting differences. The PG tree featured 205 primates, with five not present in the TT tree, while the TT phylogeny included 400 primates, with 200 absent from the PG tree. Despite their significance, comprehensive evolutionary trees are relatively uncommon. The NCBI taxonomy houses DNA sequence data for almost 500,000 species, yet TimeTree only includes about 150,000 species. Typically, phylogenies in research papers focus on specific groups, averaging around 25 species per tree, which poses challenges for scientists wanting to study evolution on a broader scale.
Constructing a comprehensive Tree of Life necessitates amalgamating numerous smaller studies into a unified whole. To overcome this challenge, scientists have adopted a new approach by consolidating existing data rather than waiting for new studies on every species. Utilizing untimed trees and DNA sequence data from public databases like GenBank has enabled the creation of a supertree encompassing 455 primate species, offering a more complete view of primate evolution.
Having a more comprehensive tree allows scientists to delve deeper into exploring primate evolution, such as investigating the rates of speciation among different primate groups. The analysis revealed that the age of a group, rather than its speed of evolution, is the primary factor influencing the number of species within it. This kind of analysis is only achievable with a complete and accurately timed tree.
The success of the primate timetree project indicates the potential for similar endeavors in other major groups of life. While the data largely exists, the challenge lies in integrating it cohesively and accurately.
Researchers are using DNA sequences, published phylogenies, and advanced computational tools to reveal that creating comprehensive evolutionary trees is now possible, even for diverse groups like primates. One expert described their research protocol as an accessible and highly valuable tool in the quest to understand evolution. This development is not only a boon for science, but also for conservation, education, and our knowledge of life on Earth. The vision of a complete timetree is no longer just a hope—it is gradually becoming a reality, species by species, branch by branch. This article was sourced from The Brighter Side of News. Want more uplifting stories like this? Subscribe to The Brighter Side of News’ newsletter.
