Taxonomic Assessment of the Karyological Characteristics of Sable (<i>Martes zibellina</i>) and Other Representatives of the Ginus <i>Martes</i> (Carnivora, Mammalia)

Abstract

A revision of the original description of the karyotype of the sable Martes zibellina was carried out, data on the mitotic metaphase chromosomes of the female and male of this species and a comparison of their sets with those of closely related species of the genus Martes are presented. We also provide a description of the synaptonemal complex (SC) in the early – middle prophase of meiosis in sable spermatocytes. Comparative analysis confirmed the stability and similarity of the main cytogenetic parameters of sables and martens (2n = 38, NFa = 64–68, X is the average submetacentric, and Y is the smallest meta,-submeta,- or acrocentric). A small polymorphism associated with the representation of one- or two-armed smallest elements of the diploid set of chromosomes was revealed. These features are of little use for the development of intraspecific taxonomy of sable, but can be used to reveal phylogenetic relationships at the species and generic levels, as well as to identify the consequences of natural hybridization of closely related species of the genus Martes.