9316246 James This research planning grant will support the collection of data and the development of molecular techniques necessary to assess patterns of genetic variation in howler monkeys. This will include studying variation in mitochondrial DNA as well as single copy nuclear DNA and a variable number of tandem repeat loci from a number of black howler monkeys from 16 troops in Belize and 15 individuals from3 troops in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Comparisons of all three molecular data sets will allow separate analyses of maternal and paternal inter-troop gene flow as well as within troop familial relationships. With the inclusion of sequences from wooly and spider monkeys, a comprehensive phylogeny of the genus Alouatta and its relationship to other New World monkeys will be achieved. ***
