Abstract
Summary
Mitotic chromosomes of 3 species of Spermophilus have been analyzed. The diploid chromosome number was 30 in S. beldingi beldingi, 34 in S. tridecemlineatus tridecemlineatus and 36 in S. tereticaudus neglectus. Karyograms of 5. tridecemlineatus and S. beldingi were compared with karyograms of S. mexicanus and S. richardsonii. Differences in karyotype were demonstrated and discussed in relation to the classification of the genus Spermophilus. Karyograms of S. tereticaudus were different from other species of Spermophilus which supported its subgeneric status. The minute metacentric Y chromosome observed in S. beldingi differs from the larger acrocentric Y of other species of Spermophilus. The utilization of chromosome analysis in comparative taxonomy of the genus Spermophilus was demonstrated.
The author wishes to thank Dr. F. del Greco for help and advice in preparing the manuscript.
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