The karyotype of Sorex arcticus maritimensis (Insectivora, Soricidae) and its systematic implications

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Abstract
The chromosomes of Sorex arcticus maritimensis are described for the first time and their banding pattern (R- and C-bands) compared with those of Sorex araneus. The results provide further evidence for the monophyletic origin of the araneus–arcticus group and clearly indicate that the primary mechanisms of chromosomal reorganization in this group have been Robertsonian and tandem translocations. The basic karyotype of S. a. maritimensis was found to differ from that of S. a. arcticus in having a different fundamental number (34 vs. 38) but the same diploid number. A full understanding of the karyotypic differences between these taxa requires further work. Whatever the exact nature of the differences, they increase the likelihood of an independent specific status for S. a. maritimensis as suggested by the results of an earlier morphometric analysis.