CHROMOSOMAL VARIATION IN THE SOUTHERN SHORT-TAILED SHREW (BLARINA-CAROLINENSIS)

Chromosomal polymorphism was assessed in the southern short-tailed shr ew (Blarina carolinensis) using standard metaphase chromosome and G-ba nding techniques. Twenty-one animals (11 males, 10 females) from the M eeman Biological Station in Shelby Co., Tennessee, were examined for d iploid number. Results showed diploid numbers of 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 4 0 and 41 and fundamental numbers of 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45. No diploid numbers or fundamental numbers were unique to a specific collecting lo cality. The first G-banded karyotypes are reported for the species. Th ese results indicate that Robertsonian polymorphisms, inversions, and possibly other events are responsible for chromosomal variation in B. carolinensis.