PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF RESTRICTION SITE VARIATION IN THE RIBOSOMAL DNA COMPLEX OF NEW-WORLD LEAF-NOSED BAT GENERA

Cleavage site variation of 18 restriction endonucleases in the transcribed portion of the ribosomal DNA gene complex was mapped from 42 genera of New World leaf-nosed bats (family Phyllostomidae). These data were used to test the higher taxonomic relationships of a traditionally recognized phylogeny against a recently revise phylogeny and classification for the family. Major conclusions from this study are that (1) support is provided for the theory that early phyllostomid radiation proceeded by the diversification of three or four lineages; (2) New World leaf-nosed bats, including vampire bats, compose a monophyletic group; and (3) the newly proposed classification and topology are supported. This study demonstrates that additional resolution can be obtained by testing new data for congruence with existing phylogenies.