Primate molecular divergence dates

With genomic data, alignments can be assembled that greatly increase the number of informative sites for analysis of molecular divergence dates. Here, we present an estimate of the molecular divergence dates for all of the major primate groups. These date estimates are based on a Bayesian analysis of similar to 59.8 kbp of genomic data from 13 primates and 6 mammalian outgroups, using a range of paleontologically supported calibration estimates. Results support a Cretaceous last common ancestor of extant primates (similar to 77 mya), an Eocene divergence between platyrrhine and catarrhine primates (similar to 43 mya), an Oligocene origin of apes and Old World monkeys (similar to 31 mya), and an early Miocene (similar to 18 mya) divergence of Asian and African great apes. These dates are examined in the context of other molecular clock studies. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.