Karyotypes of rats of the genusRattus from the USSR

Abstract

Summary. Karyotypes of 3 rat species of the genus Rattus from the Soviet Union have been studied: R. rattus, 2n= 38, NF = 60; R. norvegicus caraco, 2n = 42, NF = 62; R. rattoides turkestanicus, 2n = 42, NF = 70, N P = 66.The genus Rattus (Rodentia, Muridae) which is the most numerous of the Muridae in species composition, is the focus of attention of many cytogeneticists. This is due to the accessibility of specimens for examination and diversity of karyological material. In addition, the intrageneric systematics of this group is little developed, and along with a variety of morphological forms the group is characterized by different variations of species karyotypes. All 3 species of the genus Rattus inhabiting the USSR were studied karyologically by us. Chromosome preparations were made according to a standard technique ~.