ABSTRACT
The morphometric and karyological analyses of 52 specimens belonging to the two subspecies of Nannospalax leucodon were examined from 14 localities in Turkey. Five karyotypic forms were recorded (2n = 60, the total numbers of chromosomal arms (NF) = 74, the numbers of autosomal arms (NFa) = 70; 2n = 60, NF = 76, NFa = 72; 2n = 60, NF = 82, NFa = 78; 2n = 56, NF = 72, NFa = 68; 2n = 38, NF = 74, NFa = 70). The morphological features of two subspecies were studied using both numerical taxonomy and traditional methods. Thirty skull measurements and four baculum measurements were subjected to discriminant function analysis to find morphometric criteria allowing subspecies identification. Two subspecies were clearly separated from each other by macroanatomical characterictics and numeric characteristics. The first upper molar has four alveoli cubicles in young specimens of Nannospalax leucodon anatolicus, while M(1) has 1 cubicle in Nannospalax leucodon cilicicus. In the western subspecies (N. l. anatolicus, 2n = 38), urethra openness is surrounded by three lobes. However, in the eastern subspecies (N. l. cilicicus, 2n = 60), there are two lateral lobes.
Subject(s)
Karyotyping/veterinary , Phylogeny , Skull/anatomy & histology , Spalax , Animals , Female , Male , Spalax/anatomy & histology , Spalax/classification , Spalax/genetics , Species Specificity , TurkeyABSTRACT
Karyological features of Erinaceus concolor and Hemiechinus auritus were studied from Zenjan (North Iran). The diploid number of chromosomes (2n), the total numbers of chromosomal arms (NF) and the numbers of autosomal arms (NFa) were determined as 2n = 48, NF = 92, NFa = 88 for E. concolor and as 2n = 50, NF = 98, NFa = 94 for H. auritus. Although the same dental formulae were established as 3.1.3.3/2.1.2.3 = 36 for both of species, they can be identified with some dental and cranial features from each other. Additionally, phallus of E. concolor was described.
