A cytotaxonomic approach of the systematics of<i>Arvicanthis niloticus</i>(Desmarest 1822) (Mammalia Rodentia)

Abstract

Arvicanthis niloticus (Desmarest 1822) (Mammalia Rodentia) exhibits different karyotypes in different populations throughout its wide distribution area, characterized by diploid numbers ranging from 2n = 62 to 56. A 44 chromosome karyotype is described in one A. niloticus from Somalia. The taxonomic and evolutionary inferences are discussed.