A Cytogenetic and Morphological Study on Nannospalax ehrenbergi in Adana (Ceyhan) Province

Abstract

This study was conducted to explain the karyological analysis and morphological characteristics of blind mole rat samples collected from Ceyhan, Adana in Turkey. The chromosomes of the blind mole rat samples were stained and analysed using conventional methods. The chromosomes were defined according to centromere positions by processing photographs of metaphase cells. The karyotype of Nannospalax ehrenbergi showed 53 chromosomes (2n=53) and fundamental number of chromosomal arms NF=66 and the number of autosomal arms NFa= 62. The karyotype showed a hybrid individual. X and Y chromosomes were determined as metacentric and acrocentric, respectively. The autosomal set had 5 (+1 single homologous) pairs of metacentric/submetacentric and 20 pairs of acrocentric. Morphological studies were carried out on two male Nannospalax ehrenbergi skulls from Adana province. Lengths of three external (height, hindfoot length and weights (gr)) and 24 cranial morphological points on skulls were measured using an electronic caliper. This was the first study in which 2n=53 NF=66 population was determined from Ceyhan. This form was described as a hybrid form. The portion behind the palate (os palatinum) has no a sharply defined styloid process.