Morphometric variation of the common shrew Sorex araneus in Poland, in relation to karyotype

Morphometric differentiation among six chromosome races of the common shrew Sorer araneus Linnaeus, 1758 in Poland was examined by the use of 26 ortho gonal mandibular measurements in 388 specimens. The discriminant function a nalysis (DFA) performed on 21 morphological variables led to a correct clas sification in 59.3% of cases. Comparison of morphological and chromosomal d istances showed that there is no significant agreement; the two matrices we re apparently discordant (cophenetic correlation coefficient, r(coph) = 0.2 16, p > 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that 9.9% of the total morphological variance could be explained by eight geoclimatic variables. The DFA of residuals, remaining after regression of the morphological varia bles by the geoclimatic ones, let to correct assignment of only 26.3% speci mens. Our research revealed that karyotypic divergence plays no important p art in differentiating mandibular morphology in chromosome races of S. aran eus, and morphological differences cannot be treated as a by-product of chr omosomal speciation.