On the biochemical systematics of the Caprini and the Rupicaprini

In seven species of the Caprini, and two species of the Rupicaprini, 23 proteins encoded by 27 presumptive genetic loci were studied by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. An antelope, the nilgai ( Boselaphus tragocamelus ) was used as outgroup. Nineteen loci were found to be polymorphic and differential diagnostic, respectively. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using various quantitative and qualitative approaches. The largest genetic distance was detected between Ovis and Capra . The Rupicaprini ( Rupicapra rupicapra, Oreamnos americanus ) turned out to be an intermediate group between Ovis and Capra and are connected to the latter by Hemitragus jemlahicus and Ammotragus lervia . Genetic distances among Capra falconeri, Capra aegagrus and C. a. f. hircus suggest a monophyletic origin of domestic goats from the latter. The high D -value between Capra ibex ibex and C. i. nubiana gives species rank for the Nubian goat. According to biochemical-genetic data the splitting of the Caprinae into the tribes Rupicaprini and Caprini is not justified. Calculated divergence times of the main taxa (late Pliocene-early Pleistocene) correspond to palaeontological findings.