Translocations of acrocentric chromosomes and their implications in the evolution of sheep (Ovis).

Cytogenetic evidence suggests that the caprids (sheep and goats) evolved from a common ancestor with a 2n=60 karyotype. Although goats (Capra) retained the primitive 2n=60 karyotype, sheep (Ovis) underwent a sequential reduction in the number of chromosomes by means of acrocentric translocation. The formation of the first metacentric autosome (M1) occurred in the aoudad (Ammotragus) and urial (O. vignei), resulting in a 2n=58 karyotype. The G-bands are homologous, which implies both genotypes arose from a common ancestor, possibly a rupicaprid. Based on G-bands, acrocentric chromosomes 1 and 7 of the 2n=60 karyotype formed the M1. The X chromosome, which is the second longest acrocentric in the 2n=60 karyotype, became the longest acrocentric in Ammotragus and Ovis (2n=58). The second pair of metacentrics to evolve, which is ranked in the M3 position of the 2n=54 karotype, resulted from the translocations of acrocentric chromosomes 4 and 14 or 15 in the 2n=60 karyotype. The M2 was the third pair of metacentrics to be formed and resulted from the translocations of acrocentric chromosomes 3 and 12 or 13 in the 2n=60 karyotype. The G-bands of all 2n=54 karyotypes are homologous, which indicates origin from a common ancestor. Evidence is presented that suggests a prezygotic selection is bringing about a reduction in diploid chromosome numbers. The possible roles of fission and fusion in the karyotypic evolution of Ovis are discussed.