Since Kellogg and Goldman’s (1944) review, researchers have
proposed a number of different taxonomical arrangements for spider
monkeys (Table 1), which differ in recognizing anywhere from
1 to 7 species. Ideally, taxonomy should be a reflection of phylogenetic
relationships, and if we compare the results of this study to
all of the taxonomies previously proposed for spider monkeys,
the arrangement suggested by Groves (2001) best reflects the phylogeny
found here: his seven species conform to the seven distinct
clades shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In most previous studies, Ateles belzebuth
was recognized as a species with two to four subspecies
(Collins and Dubach, 2000b Froehlich et al., 1991; Kellogg and
Goldman, 1944). However, based on the results presented here,
A. marginatus cannot be considered a subspecies of A. belzebuth
as A. marginatus and A. belzebuth do not form a closely related
monophyletic group; rather, A. marginatus seems to constitute a
distinct (and early) evolutionary lineage within the genus.