The Cytogenetical Comparisons of Spalax (Rodentia: Spalacidae) Populations From Middle Kızılırmak Basin, Turkey

Authors: EŞREF YÜKSEL, MEHMET DOĞAN GÜLKAÇ

Abstract: Chromosomal polymorphism and speciation problem in genus Spalax has been investigated. All the specimens were identified as Spalax leucodon cilicicus Mehely, 1909. In according to karyotype analysis, two different populations were described from the field. The diploid number of Population A from south ant northwest of the field were found to be 60 and number of fundamental numbers were 80. The corresponding numbers in the Population B from northeast of the field were 54 and 74 respectively. In the result, the possibility of inversions in the Population B was discussed from evolutionary point of view and also the evolutionary background of Spalax brought into attention.

Keywords: Spalax, chromosomal polymorphism, speciation.

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