Chromosome mapping of the large elaenia (Elaenia spectabilis): Evidence for a cytogenetic signature for passeriform birds?

Abstract

Among birds, Tyrannidae comprises one of the most diverse and species-rich families. Although cytogenetic data have shown interesting results in this family, such as variations in the macrochromosome morphology and diploid number, only a few species have had their karyotypes described. In the present study, we report the characterization of the karyotype of Elaenia spectabilis (Passeriformes, Tyrannidae) by means of classical and molecular cytogenetics. The results show that syntenic groups of Gallus gallus (GGA) were conserved, except GGA1 and GGA4, which were divided into two different pairs each. However, the results obtained with Leucopternis albicollis probes revealed the occurrence of inversions in segments homologous to GGA1q, similar to those observed in other Passerifomes (Turdus), and one inversion in GGA1p. These results suggest that the centric fission in GGA1, as well as the inversions observed in segments homologous to GGA1q, appeared in the early history of Passeriformes because they could be detected in Oscine and Suboscine species.