Comparison of the karyotypes of four Cercopithecoidae: Papio papio, P. anubis, Macaca mulatta, and M. fascicularis.

The karyotypes of two species of baboons, Papio papio and P. anubis, and of two species of Macaca, M. mulatta and M. fascicularis, are compared after the use of numerous banding techniques. No difference was detected between the karyotype of the two Papio species. However, a minor change in the T-staining of a short segment, probably heterochromatic, could be detected between the Papio species and M. mulatta. A paracentric inversion exists between these three and M. fascicularis. These karyotypes are briefly compared with those of the Pongidae and man. The value of the karyotypic criteria and of the methods used for taxonomy is discussed.