G-banded karyotype and ideogram for the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

Published cytogenetic data for extant cetacean species remain incomplete. In a review of the literature, we found karyotypic information for 6 of the 13 tentatively recognized species of the suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales). Among those yet to be described is the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). Herein, we describe and propose a first-generation G-banded karyotype and ideogram for this species (2n = 42), obtained from peripheral blood chromosome preparations from a stranded male calf. This information may prove useful for future genetic mapping projects and for interspecific and intraspecific genomic comparisons by techniques such as zoo-FISH.     

Chromosome numbers and karyotypic evolution of Caraboidea

The chromosome numbers of 136 species of the Spanish caraboid fauna were studied. The most frequent karyotypes are 2n=37 (54 species) and 2n=24 (23 species), and the chromosome number ranges from 2n=21 to 2n=69, of which 2n=69 is the highest diploid number hitherto found among the Coleoptera. It is proposed that 2n=37 is the ancestral karyotype of the division Caraboidea and the suborder Adephaga as opposed to that of the suborder Polyphaga, 2n=20. Karyotypic evolution has led to increases and decreases of this number, both tendencies having taken place in four genera. Species of ten genera show a neo-XY bivalent due to an X-autosome fusion. The thirty-three chromosome numbers of Caraboidea reveal that these Coleoptera have a remarkable karyotypical heterogeneity.     

海南(开鸟)的核型分析

通过染色体研究方法,首次报道了海南鳽的核型,其二倍体染色体数日为58,属异型性核型,雌性为58,ZW,雄性为58,ZZ。核型对比分析表明,海南鳽是一种较为特化的鸟类。     

Karyotypes of basal lineages in notothenioid fishes: the genus Bovichtus

Using comparative cytogenetic techniques, we characterized the chromosomes of fishes from the family Bovichtidae, the basal lineage of the largely Antarctic suborder Notothenioidei. We focused on three Sub-Antarctic species of the genus Bovichtus that differ greatly in their circumpolar distributions: B. diacanthus (Tristan da Cunha Island Group), B. variegatus (New Zealand) and B. angustifrons (Tasmania). Chromosomes were analyzed both by conventional karyotyping and by cytogenetic mapping of ribosomal genes using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The three species displayed a strongly conserved karyotype consisting entirely of telocentric chromosomes (diploid number = 48; Fundamental Number = 48), in agreement with our previously published hypothesis that the bovichtid karyotype is the basal state for notothenioid fishes. The chromosomal distribution of ribosomal genes differed from those of most notothenioid species studied to date, with the 45S and 5S genes separated on two different chromosome pairs. Separation of two classes of ribosomal genes is the most widespread condition in teleosts, including the bovichtids. Most notothenioid lineages on the other hand exhibit a derived consolidation of these genes.     

Chromosomal characteristics and karyotype evolution of Oxyopidae spiders (Araneae, Entelegynae)

We made a cytogenetic analysis of four species of Oxyopidae and compared it with the karyotype data of all species of this family. In Hamataliwa sp, the mitotic cells showed 2n♂ = 26+X(1)X(2) and telocentric chromosomes. The 2n♂ = 28, which has been described for only one oxyopid spider, is the highest diploid number reported for this family. Peucetia species exhibited distinct karyotype characteristics, i.e., 2n♂ = 20+X(1)X(2) in P. flava and 2n♂ = 20+X in P. rubrolineata, revealing interspecific chromosome variability within this genus. However, both Peucetia species exhibited telocentric chromosomes. The most unexpected karyotype was encountered in Oxyopes salticus, which presented 2n♂ = 10+X in most individuals and a predominance of biarmed chromosomes. Additionally, one male of the sample of O. salticus was heterozygous for a centric fusion that originated the first chromosomal pair and exhibited one supernumerary chromosome in some cells. Testicular nuclei of Hamataliwa sp and O. salticus revealed NORs on autosomal pairs, after silver impregnation. The majority of Oxyopidae spiders have their karyotype differentiated by both reduction in diploid number chromosome number and change of the sex chromosome system to X type; however, certain species retain the ancestral chromosome constitution 2n = 26+X1X2. The most remarkable karyotype differentiation occurred in O. salticus studied here, which showed the lowest diploid number ever observed in Oxyopidae and the second lowest registered for Entelegynae spiders.     

Chromosomes of Trachypachus Motschulsky and the evolution of the ancestral adephagan karyotype (Coleoptera)

The family Trachypachidae is a critical group for understanding the evolution of the coleopteran suborder Adephaga. In this article, we report the first karyotypic data on Trachypachus showing a diploid number of 2n = 36 + X (meioformula n = 18 + X) and a single autosomal localization of the rDNA clusters. The evolutionary dynamics of this karyotype are discussed in the light of recent phylogenetic hypotheses of the order Coleoptera. We conclude that chromosome analysis supports a close relationship between trachypachids and the other Geadephaga and that a male karyotype with 36 + X chromosomes may well be considered ancestral for the whole suborder Adephaga.     

A new karyotype for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cavia magna</Emphasis> (Rodentia: Caviidae) from an estuarine island and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. aperea</Emphasis> from adjacent mainland

We describe a new karyotype for Cavia magna Ximenez, 1980 from an estuarine island and the karyotype of Cavia aperea Erxleben, 1777 from an adjacent mainland. The species have differences in diploid number (2n), autosomal fundamental number, quantity, and distribution of heterochromatin as dissimilar distributions of the nucleolus-organizing regions (Ag-NORs). The C. aperea karyotype has a diploid number of 64 as previously reported for C. aperea and most other Cavia species. In contrast, this new C. magna karyotype exhibits a variant diploid number of 2n = 62, considering that previous work reported a karyotype of 2n = 64 for C. magna. The discovery of a distinct diploid number within C. magna represents the first record of intra-specific chromosomal variation in a species of Caviidae. The diploid number of 2n = 62, heterochromatin quantity, Ag-NOR distributions, and inversed X chromosome from this population of C. magna are as seen in the geographically proximate (Cavia intermedia Cherem Olimpio and Ximenez; intermediate Cavy). These data provide further evidence supporting C. magna as the sister species of C. intermedia.     

Uniformity of karyotypes in Ligularia (Asteraceae: Senecioneae), a highly diversified genus of the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau highlands and adjacent areas

Ligularia , a highly diversified genus in the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent areas, was chosen as a suitable subject in which to study speciation patterns in this 'hot spot' area at the chromosomal level. Chromosome numbers and karyotypes were studied in 23 populations of 14 species, most of which are endemic to this area. The basic number x  = 29 was confirmed for all species. Ligularia virgaurea was found to have diploid and triploid cytotypes, 2 n  = 58 and 87. Other species are only diploid, with 2 n  = 58. The karyotypes of all populations within any species, and all species spanning most sections and covering most of the morphological range in Ligularia , are very similar to each other, belonging to type 2A according to Stebbin's classification. This karyotype was also found in its close allies, e.g. Cremanthodium , Ligulariopsis , Parasenecio , and Sinacalia . Aneuploid reduction of chromosome number from 2 n  = 60 to 58 and karyotypic variation was found in Ligularia and its allies. Such a chromosomal pattern with few polyploids infers that variation of karyotype structure at the diploid level seems to be the predominant feature of chromosomal evolution in this group and sympatric speciation via hybridization and polyploidization has played a minor role in its species diversity.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 144 , 329–342.     

Chromosomal characteristics of the temperate notothenioid fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eleginops </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">maclovinus</Emphasis> (Cuvier)

The Falkland’s mullet, Eleginops maclovinus, is the only modern representative of the Sub-Antarctic family Eleginopidae, suborder Notothenioidei. Based on specimens from the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas, the Magellan Straits, and the southern coast of Chile, we have established the specific karyotype by conventional cytogenetic methods and have mapped the chromosomal loci of the ribosomal genes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). With respect to the basal notothenioid family Bovichtidae and to the hypothetical basal condition of the suborder (diploid number = 48, fundamental number = 48), E. maclovinus displays a slightly derived karyotype (diploid number = 48, fundamental number = 54). In contrast to the bovichtids, the 45S and 5S ribosomal DNAs are co-localized to a single chromosome pair. Condensation of the ribosomal genes to a single locus is likely to represent an intermediate stage in the evolution of notothenioid karyology. Features unique to E. maclovinus (e.g., morphology of its large, rDNA-bearing chromosome pair) probably result from divergence during the long evolutionary isolation of the family.     

塔里木兔的核型分析

塔里木兔是兔科(Leporidae)动物适应干旱荒漠生境形成的一特殊物种,无论在形态结构或生理-生态适应等方面,均表明其为典型的荒漠栖居者。本种广布于塔里木盆地内的农垦绿洲、胡杨林、柽柳灌丛、盐生草甸、戈壁和沙漠边缘的固定与半固定沙丘等多种自然景观中,为盆地特有种。 Hsu,T.C.等(1967,1970,1971)曾报道Lepus americanus等6种兔科动物的核型,Chiarell,A.G.和I.Capana(1973)汇集了学者们早期研究该科Lepus alleni等14种的核型资料,而塔里木兔的核型至今未见报道。本文对其作了观察分析,结果如下。     

中国二种癞蝗染色体C带核型

染色体C带核型在物种鉴定、分类阶元间的比较及其系统演化关系的推断中是一个有用的指标,染色体组内C带分布位置、大小、数量及异染色质含量可以反映出属、种及种下阶元的细胞学异同。文章报道中国2种癞蝗——红缘疙蝗Pseudotmethis rubimarginis Li和准噶尔贝蝗Beybienkia songorica Tzyplenkov的染色体C带核型,结果表明:2种癞蝗均为XO(♂)型性别决定机制。染色体组成均为2n♂=19,染色体为端着丝粒染色体;在各染色体相对长度,C带的大小,位置和着色程度上又存在不同程度的差异,可以作为区分种的依据。     

Nature and distribution of constitutive heterochromatin in fishes,genus Hypostomus (Loricariidae)

Some Hypostomus species were studied concerning the features of the karyotype structure and the constitutive heterochromatin. The karyotype of Hypostomus sp. F from the S?o Francisco river (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) is now described for the first time. A diversity in the diploid number, ranging from 2n = 68 to 2n = 80, as well as in the karyotype formulae, is evident in this fish group. Two types of heterochromatin, GC- and AT-rich, could be identified with the use of base-specific fluorochromes. In some species heterochromatic bands are mainly located on the centromeric and telomeric chromosomal regions, while in other species they are also observed at interstitial locations. Hypotheses concerning this heterochromatic distribution in Hypostomus karyotypes are discussed. A case of supernumerary heterochromatic segment and a centric fusion appear to be related with two variant karyotypic formulae observed among specimens from the Mogi-Gua?u and S?o Francisco rivers, respectively. The available data permit us to characterize a divergent karyotypic evolution among the Hypostomus species already analyzed, both at the macro- and microstructural levels, that is, their general karyotype organization and particular features related to chromosomal banding or staining, respectively.     

Karyotypes of Malayan rats (Rodentia-Muridae,genus Rattus Fischer)

The karyotypes of 18 species of Malayan rats, genus Rattus Fischer, are reported. Present studies reveal that the karyotype of rats is not species-specific. The variability in diploid number (2n) within the genus Rattus is reaffirmed. A range of 36 to 52 is reported, with 2n=42 having the highest frequency. The affinity of Malayan rats is discussed on the basis of chromosomal evidence.     

Chromosomal stasis in diploids contrasts with genome restructuring in auto- and allopolyploid taxa of Hepatica (Ranunculaceae)

Polyploidization and chromosomal rearrangements are recognized as major forces in plant evolution. Their role is investigated in the disjunctly distributed northern hemisphere Hepatica (Ranunculaceae). Chromosome numbers, karyotype morphology, banding patterns, 5S and 35S rDNA localization in all known species were investigated and interpreted in a phylogenetic context established from nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid matK sequences. All species had a chromosome base number of x = 7. The karyotype was symmetric and showed little variation among diploids with one locus each of 5S and 35S rDNA, except for interpopulational variation concerning 35S rDNA loci number and localization in H. asiatica. Tetraploids exhibited chromosomal changes, including asymmetry and/or loss of rDNA loci. Nuclear and plastid sequences resulted in incongruent topologies because of the positions of some tetraploid taxa. The diversification of Hepatica occurred not earlier than the Pliocene. Genome restructuring, especially involving 35S rDNA, within a few million yr or less characterizes evolution of both auto- and allopolyploids and of the diploid species H. asiatica, which is the presumptive ancestor of two other diploid species.     

Thaptomys Thomas 1915 (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae, Akodontini) with karyotypes 2n = 50, FN = 48, and 2n = 52, FN = 52: Two monophyletic lineages recovered by molecular phylogeny

A novel karyotype with 2n = 50, FN = 48, was described for specimens of Thaptomys collected at Una, State of Bahia, Brazil, which are morphologically indistinguishable from Thaptomys nigrita, 2n = 52, FN = 52, found in other localities. It was hence proposed that the 2n = 50 karyotype could belong to a distinct species, cryptic of Thaptomys nigrita, once chromosomal rearrangements observed, along with the geographic distance, might represent a reproductive barrier between both forms. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood based on partial cytochrome b sequences with 1077 bp were performed, attempting to establish the relationships among the individuals with distinct karyotypes along the geographic distribution of the genus; the sample comprised 18 karyotyped specimens of Thaptomys, encompassing 15 haplotypes, from eight different localities of the Atlantic Rainforest. The intra-generic relationships corroborated the distinct diploid numbers, once both phylogenetic reconstructions recovered two monophyletic lineages, a northeastern clade grouping the 2n = 50 and a southeastern clade with three subclades, grouping the 2n = 52 karyotype. The sequence divergence observed between their individuals ranged from 1.9% to 3.5%.     

Data reassessment in a phylogenetic context gives insight into chromosome evolution in the giant genus Solanum (Solanaceae)

Chromosome data are fundamental in evolution. However, there has been no attempt to synthesize and evaluate the significance of such information from a phylogenetic perspective in the giant genus Solanum, which was the aim of this work. New and published information of the main cytotaxonomic features (chromosome number, polyploidy, total length of the haploid complement, mean chromosome length, mean arm ratio, karyotype formula, nuclear DNA amount, number/position of rDNA sites) was compiled and mapped onto an embracing Solanaceae phylogeny, performing Ancestral States Reconstruction. There were 506 Solanum species with chromosome counts (49.7% from an estimated total of 1,018 spp.), with x?=?12 being the most frequent number (97%). Species with karyotypes represent 18.8%, while 8% have been studied with any molecular cytogenetic technique. Chromosome characters showed transitions associated with supported nodes, some of which have undergone fewer transitions than others. The common ancestor of all Solanum was a diploid with 2n?=?24, a karyotype with st and/or t chromosomes, 2C DNA content of 1–1.2 pg, one locus of 18–5.8–26S rDNA and one of 5S, both loci being asyntenic. The chromosomal variables behave as homoplastic, with reversions in all branches. The analysed characters were sorted from more to less conserved: asynteny of rDNA loci; number of sites of 18–5.8–26S; chromosome number; karyotype formula; number of 5S loci. This pattern of chromosomal evolution distinguishes Solanum from closely related genera and from genera from other families with a similar number of species.     

中国两种波腿蝗（蝗总科：癞蝗科）染色体C带核型研究

报道中国两种波腿蝗的染色体C带核型,结果表明：红胫波腿蝗Asiotmethis zacharjini (Bei-Bienko, 1926) 2n ♂ =18, neo-X为亚中着丝粒染色体,其他均为近端着丝粒染色体,染色体除强染的着丝粒C带,S8染色体具强染端部C带带纹,neo-Y染色体还具有一条宽的弱染的近着丝粒端居间C带,性别决定机制是neo-XY ♂型,该种染色体组成和性别决定机制在我国癞蝗中为首次报道,蓝胫波腿蝗Asiotmethis jubatus (Uvarov, 1926) 2n＝19♂,均为近端着丝粒染色体,仅具有明显强染的着丝粒C带,性别决定机制是XO ♂型;两种波腿蝗的异染色质含量存在显著性差异（α=0.05）。     

Comparative cytogenetics of six Indo‐Pacific moray eels (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) by chromosomal banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization

A comparative cytogenetic analysis, using both conventional staining techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization, of six Indo‐Pacific moray eels from three different genera (Gymnothorax fimbriatus, Gymnothorax flavimarginatus, Gymnothorax javanicus, Gymnothorax undulatus, Echidna nebulosa and Gymnomuraena zebra), was carried out to investigate the chromosomal differentiation in the family Muraenidae. Four species displayed a diploid chromosome number 2n = 42, which is common among the Muraenidae. Two other species, G. javanicus and G. flavimarginatus, were characterized by different chromosome numbers (2n = 40 and 2n = 36). For most species, a large amount of constitutive heterochromatin was detected in the chromosomes, with species‐specific C‐banding patterns that enabled pairing of the homologous chromosomes. In all species, the major ribosomal genes were localized in the guanine‐cytosine‐rich region of one chromosome pair, but in different chromosomal locations. The (TTAGGG)_n telomeric sequences were mapped onto chromosomal ends in all muraenid species studied. The comparison of the results derived from this study with those available in the literature confirms a substantial conservation of the diploid chromosome number in the Muraenidae and supports the hypothesis that rearrangements have occurred that have diversified their karyotypes. Furthermore, the finding of two species with different diploid chromosome numbers suggests that additional chromosomal rearrangements, such as Robertsonian fusions, have occurred in the karyotype evolution of the Muraenidae.     

Discovery of a diploid population of theHemidactylus garnotii-vietnamensis complex (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)

A diploid member of the parthenogenetic gekkonid species complexHemidactylus garnotii-vietnamensis was discovered for the first time from Thailand. This gecko, seemingly unisexual and parthenogenetic, possesses 2n=2x=38 chromosomes, showing distinct heteromorphisms. The absence of bisexual congeneric species with a combination of karyomorphs to produce this karyotype indicates the occurrence of chromosomal rearrangements after the initial estabilishment of a diploid clonal lineage of hybrid origin. Results of karyotypic comparisons of the present sample and the three known triploid species belonging to theH. garnotii-vietnamensis complex suggest that a triploid karyomorph similar to that ofH. vietnamensis has first emerged through an insemination of the diploid parthenogen's egg by the sperm from a bisexual species having 44 chromosomes (all telocentric), and that the karyomorph subsequently experienced some minor chromosomal aberrations to produce the karyomorphs ofH. vietnamensis andH. garnotii. The origin of theH. stejnegeri karyotype still remains an open question for future studies.     

Developments in avian cytotaxonomy: implications for Afro-avian Species

Ejere. VC. 2000. Developments in avian cytotaxonomy: implications for Afro-avian Species. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 40.

Karyological studies of the extant species of birds have progressed slower than those of other animal groups. To date, a paltry proportion of less than 20% of about an estimated 9 000 avian species have been karyotyped, such that for most orders, karyological information remains largely scanty. Data accumulated so far, has revealed a lot of interesting features of the typical avian karyotype. Essentially, the karyotype is dichotomous, containing several pairs of fairly big chromosomes (= macrochomosomes) and very small to minute chromosome elements (= microchromosmes). The diploid chromosome number is also variable, ranging from 2n = 40 to 2n = 92 with a mode of 2n = 80 chromosomes observed in a majority of species. Studies have further revealed that chromosomal evolution in birds is highly conservative especially with reference to the first 3 pairs of macrochromosomes. (Group A), while considerable variability in number and morphology occurs in the remaining groups of chromosome elements. These variabilities, as well as the homologies revealed by chromosome banding techniques, have aided the cytotaxonomy of various individual avian groups. In this review, the karyological as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the various avian species so far karyotyped, vis-a-vis the cytotaxonomic implications for the abundant Afro-avian fauna are highlighted. Similarly, the significance of the observed peculiarities in the avian karyotype is briefly discussed. Suggestions are proffered in respect of the application of karyotype analysis technique to bird conservation in Africa. This will focus mainly on the identification of the gender of birds for the singular purpose of breeding rare and endangered species for zoological gardens and related institutions.