Abstract
The genus Pyrrhura is composed of
18 recognized species of medium sized
neo-tropical parrots. Two members of
this genus have recently been the
subjects of chromosome analysis. These
two species are Pyrrhura frontalis, the
maroon bellied conure, and Pyrrbura
molinae, the green cheeked conure.
These two species possess identical
karyotypes, which is not surprising
since intrageneric chromosomal variability
in birds usually consists of very
minor changes. One striking finding ,
however, was the discovery of an identical
inversion of one chromosome
three in five maroon bellied conures
and two green cheeked conures. No
individuals having an inversion of both
chromosomes three have yet been identified.
This observation as well as the
fact that animals which are heterozygous
for inversions may have reduced
fertility due to the production of genetically
unbalanced gametes would
suggest that the origin of this inversion
has been relatively recent.