KARYOTYPE ANALYSIS OF NANNOSPALAX XANTHODON (SPALACIDAE, RODENTIA) AT THE EASTERNMOST PART OF ITS DISTRIBUTION RANGE

Abstract

Chromosomal differentiation can play a crucial role in speciation. In order to reveal a complete picture of the speciation process within a taxon, it is important to determine the geographic distribution of all its chromosomal forms. The blind mole rats (subfamily Spalacinae) are one of the best models for studying chromosomal speciation due to extremely rich chromosomal variation across their large geographic distribution range. To fill the gap in our knowledge of the distribution of chromosomal races of small-bodied blind mole rats (Nannospalax sp.), we collected individuals from the region of Javakheti, Georgia – one of the easternmost localities known for N. xanthodon. We determined that this population has 9 meta- or submetacentric and 15 acrocentric chromosomes (2n=50, NFa=66, NF= 70). The same chromosomal formula is known for the blind mole rats from the nearby Erzurum-Kars plateau in Turkey. We compare our results with the other chromosomal races with the same diploid number 2n=50 found in Anatolia and Eastern Europe.

Keywords

• Chromosome,chromosomal evolution,blind mole rat

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