ABSTRACT. Genetic variation in the common shrew (Sorex araneus) in European Russia was studied using cytochrome b gene sequences. The genetic diversity, based on nucleotide substitutions (Kimura 2-parameter d=0.015±0.003, h=0.933), and the number of mtDNA haplotypes, was three times higher than described previously. However, levels of molecular divergence are often in contradiction with karyological data. While there are more than 20 karyotypic races in European Russia, only one clear phylogenetic group is revealed for cytochrome b (the North-eastern Group). The relationship of this group to other European S. araneus haplotypes is not clear. Over the main part of the European range of the common shrew geographic subdivision between haplotypes is lacking.

We analysed genetic divergence between species of the genus Sorex (S. araneus, S. caecutiens, S. minutus and S. minutissimus) using the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) method. We also examined RAPDs in 26 individuals of six chromosome races of the common shrew (Moscow, Ilomantsi, St. Petersburg, Neroosa, Penza, and Sok) from the European part of Russia. Nine primers were used for the detection of 24 to 79 fragments. The number of clearly identified DNA fragments by all primers was 539. Loci specific for different chromosome races of S. araneus were revealed. On the basis of summary matrices of the RAPD spectrum for nine primers, trees showing the genetic divergence were constructed. This study demonstrated the value of RAPDs for the analysis of relationship between species and chromosome races in Sorex.