Karyotypic characterization of some Liolaemus lizards in Chile (Iguanidae)

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Abstract
A comparative cytological study of 10 taxa of Liolaemus from different localities in Chile shows that several of them display a conservative karyotype, with six pairs of macrochromosomes similar in size and shape to other species within Liolaemus that are believed to be primitive in the family. These karyotypes may exhibit interspecific variation in the number and shape of the microchromosome pairs 7, 8, and 9 and in the chiasmata characteristics, thus permitting chromosomal characterization at the species level. Other taxa show an increased diploid number of chromosomes, mainly explained by Robertsonian derivation, pericentric inversion, translocation, and triploidy. One species presents intraspecific chromosomal variation. Thus, chromosomes can serve as genetic markers and improve our understanding of the evolution, systematics, and population genetics of these iguanids.Key words: Liolaemus (Iguanidae), karyotypic variation, chiasmata, triploidy.