Chromosome Homology of the Jirds (Persian, Vinogradovi, Libyan) from the Genus Meriones (Rodentia, Gerbilinae)

Karyotype of M.persicus Blandford, 1875 (2н=42; НФ=78), M.vinaqradovi Heptnier, 1931 (2н=44; НФ=78), М.либйжус Lichtenstein, 1823 (=erythrourus Gray, 1842) (2n=44; NF=86) from the genus Meriones was studied by common, G and C-painting methods. Their karyotypes were compared. G-method showed that a majority of chromosomes are homologous. Tandem translocations take part in evolution of karyotypes. Perhaps the karyotypes of the ancestral forms had more chromosomes. Besides, M.libycus have an interpopulation polymorphism.