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 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 (77 mya), an Eocene divergence between platyrrhine and catarrhine primates (43 mya), an Oligocene origin of apes and Old World monkeys (31 mya), and an early Miocene (18 mya) divergence of Asian and African great apes. These dates are examined in the context of other molecular clock studies.