DNA nucleotide sequences have emerged as the most convincing source of information concerning evolutionary relationships among species, genera, and higher level taxonomic groups. Dr. Morris Goodman has been a leader in this field of molecular evolution, and he proposes continued analysis of gene sequences among primates and other mammalian groups. This research will help to clarify relationships within the primates, and between primates and their closest non-primate relatives. Dr. Goodman will also investigate the possible correlation between the rate at which a lineage evolves, the mutation rate in that lineage, and the life span of organisms in that lineage. The proposed research will attract broad attention from vertebrate zoologists, anthropologists, and molecular geneticists. A more robust genealogy of mammals will encourage a wide range of research projects in ecology, behavior, and biogeography, to name a few relevant fields.
