在研究过程中，团队通过创新分析方法，首次明确了长臂猿四大属的演化顺序，重新绘制了长臂 猿"演化树"，解决了百年分类争议，并证实秦始皇祖母墓中发现的"君子长臂猿"归属于冠长臂猿属。基 因组分析显示，多数长臂猿在晚更新世经历种群瓶颈期，约7万年前同步恢复，这与全球气候变化高度 相关。 团队研究发现长臂猿SHH基因关键调控区存在特异性缺失。通过转基因小鼠实验，研究人员证实， 该缺失可导致四肢骨骼相对增长，这为理解长臂猿形态演化的遗传机制提供了重要基础。 12月19日，中国科学院昆明动物研究所牵头联合中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所、中山大学 等多家机构，依托模式动物表型与遗传研究国家重大科技基础设施（灵长类设施），成功解析了长臂猿 系统演化关系、长臂表型遗传基础等谜题。相关成果日前发表在国际期刊《细胞》上。 长臂猿是与人类亲缘关系较近的小型猿类，因其独特的"臂行"运动方式、复杂的鸣唱行为、独特的 配偶制以及严峻的濒危现状受到广泛关注。然而，长期以来，由于样本获取困难及其快速的演化辐射历 史，长臂猿的系统发育关系长期存在争议，许多关键演化问题悬而未决。为填补这一研究空白，研究团 队利用先进的基因组学技术，构建了迄今 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses a significant research study on gibbons, revealing their evolutionary history, population dynamics, and conservation status through extensive genomic sequencing [2][4][9]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team constructed the most comprehensive gibbon genome dataset to date, covering 18 extant gibbon species and successfully obtaining mitochondrial genomes from three extinct samples, including the "Junzi gibbon" [4]. - The study clarified the controversial evolutionary relationships among the four genera of gibbons: Hylobates, Nomascus, Symphalangus, and Hoolock, resolving a century-old classification issue [4][7]. - Phylogenetic analysis based on ancient mitochondrial DNA placed the extinct Junzi gibbon within the Nomascus genus, negating its status as a separate genus [4][7]. Group 2: Genetic and Ecological Insights - The research indicated that historical changes in gibbon population sizes and habitat suitability were consistent with past climate changes [5]. - Comparative genomics and transgenic mouse experiments identified a deletion of 205 base pairs in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene, which is linked to the elongated limbs characteristic of gibbons [6][7]. Group 3: Implications for Conservation - The findings advance the understanding of gibbon evolution, biology, and conservation efforts, providing critical information for the protection of threatened gibbon species [9].