Cytogenetic study on the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) (Mammalia: Lagomorpha) in Turkey

Authors: YASİN DEMİRBAŞ, NURSEL AŞAN, İRFAN ALBAYRAK

Abstract: Conventional and GTC, CTC, and AgNO_3 banded karyotypes of brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) from Turkey are described for the first time. All specimens possessed a diploid number of 2n = 48 chromosomes and a fundamental autosomal number of NFa = 88. The chromosome set consisted of 8 metacentric and submetacentric pairs and 15 subtelocentric and acrocentric pairs decreasing in size from large to small. The X chromosome was a large submetacentric while the Y was a small acrocentric. In contrast with the other specimens, the Kilis specimen possessed a duplication in the long arm of one of the subtelocentric chromosomes. The G-banding pattern of the chromosomes was similar to that given for the genus. Variation was found in the C-banded karyotype and the distribution of NORs.

Keywords: Lepus europaeus, G-banding, C-banding, NORs, Turkey

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