The karyotypes of 9 species of parrot (Psittacidae). lorikeet (Lorüdae) and cockatoo (Cacatuidae) are presented together with C-band data on 5 of the species. All cockatoos possess a similar karyotype, which is very distinct from those observed in lorikeets and parrots. Even though there is considerable karyotypic diversity within the parrots (Psittacidae) an ancestral karyotype can still be deduced. This ancestral karyotype appears to be shared with the lorikeets (Loriidae), indicating that parrots and lorikeets are closely related. C-band variation is greatest within the cockatoos (Cacatuidae) and involves both centromeric and interstitial bands. The pattern of C-band distribution on the Z-chromosomes is also distinctive in both Cacatuildae and Psittacidae; its possiblle significance is discussed.
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Christidis et al. (2008) studied this question.
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