Comparative cytogenetic analysis of the Chilean leptodactylid frog genus Telmatobufo, with the description of the chromosomes of T-venustus

A comparative cytogenetic analysis of the Chilean frog genus Telmatobufo sh ow that all the species share 2N = 26 and FN = 52. The chromosomes of T. ve nustus are described here fur the first time. A polymorphic condition was d etected on chromosome pair 3 of T. bullocki. Differences in C-band patterns and nucleolar organizer region (NOR) positions imply karyological differen tiation in these species. Transformation of euchromatin to heterochromatin and loss of heterochromatin are hypothesized to have taken place in karyolo gical evolution of some chromosomes in Telmatobufo species. Some NORs are c onsidered as specific chromosome markers.