On the karyotypes in some populations of the subterranean mole rats in the lower Euphrates-basin, Turkey

Abstract

SUMMARYThis investigation was undertaken in order to provide some explanation in chromosomal polymorphism which is widely observed among the members of genus Spalax and also, an attempt was made to elucidate the speciation in this genus. 47 specimens of the mole rat from lower Euphrates were studied; of these, 18 specimens, taken from the east of the river, namely from Sanliurfa, were identified as S. ehrenbergi kirgisorum.The remaining 29 specimens, collected from the west of river, namely Adiyaman and Gaziantep, were identified as Spalax ehrenbergi intermedius. By the analysis of the karyotype, two karyotypic forms of S.e. kirgisorum (2n = 52, NF = 76 and 2n = 54, NF = 76) were found. Similarly, two karyotypic forms of S.e. intermedius (2n = 52, NF = 76 and 2n = 56, NF = 90) were established. The phylogenic relations of the karyotypic forms and evolutionary relationship between subspecies were discussed.