Comparative chromosome analysis in three Sorex species: S-raddei, S-minutus and S-caecutiens

High-resolution G-band analysis allowed detailed comparison between the kar yotypes of Sorex raddei Satunin, 1895 (2n = 36, NF = 68), S, minutus Linnae us, 1766 (2n = 42, NF = 56) and S. caecutiens Laxmann, 1788 (2n = 42, NF = 68). Extensive homology was revealed. The major chromosome rearrangements i nvolved in the evolutionary divergence of these species were identified as centric and tandem fusions as well as centromeric shifts. A chromosomal phy logeny of the species studied is presented and a presumed ancestral karyoty pe, containing mainly acrocentric chromosomes, is proposed.