Comparative analysis of the contents of trace elements in testes of mustelids (Mustelidae) in relation to their evolutionary similarity

Comparative analysis of trace element contents in testes of mustelids was c arried out. Nine species which comprise current mustelid fauna in Belarus ( the otter, pine marten, the stone marten, the European mink, the American m ink, the polecat, the stoat, the weasel, the badger) were involved in the s tudy. The present data were compared with morphological, genetic and immuno logic results. It was assumed that used character the trace element content s in testes could be used to obtain additional information on phylogenetic similarity of the taxa.