Gene mapping of the gibbon. Its position in primate evolution.

Comparative karyotyping of the Hylobatidae has revealed only very few chromosome homoeologies with other primates. Their position in the phylogenetic tree thus remains uncertain. With the hope that comparative gene mapping might allow overcoming these difficulties, somatic cell hybrids were obtained by fusion of fibroblasts from a Hylobates (Nomascus) concolor and cells from a HPRT-Chinese hamster cell line. Of 34 investigated enzyme markers, 20 could be mapped, and 7 syntenies were established. When compared with man, there were 7 synteny disruptions. These results strongly suggest that the Hylobatidae diverged from the common stem leading to the Pongidae after the Cercopithecoidae had diverged.