Behavioural data support the currently proposed phylogeny of the Macropodoidea (Marsupialia).

Abstract

Behavioural repertoires and sequences of social interactions in two species of Potoroidae and 17 species of Macropodidae were compared. In earlier studies sequential analysis by means of first-order Markov chains revealed groups of elements that are closely connected with each other in temporal sequences; these groups are regarded as belonging to the same functional or motivational systems. Some complexes, especially their ritualisation in agonistic or sexual context, are useful as characters for phylogenetic and taxonomic work. When ritualised patterns are regarded as more derived, and the less ritualised patterns as basic, a polarity can be determined. This allows distinction in apomorphisms vs plesiomorphisms for behavioural characters. The behavioural repertoire of dasyurids is used, for comparative purposes, to represent a basic condition. The phalangerids are regarded as the out-group. The occurrence of derived patterns in general supports classifications proposed on morphological, biochemical and caryological characters. In some cases (eg classification within Potoroidae, systematic position of Petrogale, sub-groupings of Macropus s.l.) behavioural data can be used to support one alternative hypothesis on phylogeny vs another.