Cytogenetic characteristics of four Meriones spp. (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) from Turkey and Iran

The karyotypes of four species of jirds of the genus Meriones Illiger, 1811 from Turkey and Iran (M. tristrami, M. persicus, M. vinogradovi and M. libycus) were studied using C-banding and AgNOR staining. The obtained basic karyotype characteristics of the studied species are in agreement with previously published data. Intra-specific variation in the number of autosomal arms was recorded in M. tristrami. Extensive variations were recorded in the number or localisation of active NOR sites between species and within species. The cytogenetic markers, such as the positive C-bands or NORs, seem to have only limited importance in inter-specific differentiation but they may be applied in studies of the relationships between geographic populations within species.