Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The chromosomes of some North American chipmunks (sciuridae) belonging to the genera tamias and eutamias

  • Published:
Chromosoma Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The somatic chromosomes of T. striatus lysteri, E. minimus operarius, E. speciosus frater, E. quadrivittaius hopiensis and E. umbrinus montanus have been analyzed utilizing a method employing pretreatment with colchicine and hypotonic citrate followed by staining and squashing.

Each animal had a modal diploid chromosome number of 38.

A preliminary chromosome classification in chipmunks, based on chromosome size and centromere position, has been proposed. Utilizing this classification, karyograms of T. striatus lysteri, E. minimus operarius, E. quadrivittatus hopiensis and E. umbrinus montanus were analyzed. Karyograms of E. umbrinus montanus and E. quadrivittatus hopiensis were similar and differed from those of E. minimus operarius and from those of T. striatus lysteri. Differences in karyograms were distinct; however, a very close relationship was noted between species as well as between genera.

X and Y chromosomes were identified in all animals.

Utilization of karyograms for the purpose of evaluating possible evolutionary pathways and as an aid to systematic zoology is discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Chu, E. H. Y., and M. A. Bender: Chromosome cytology and evolution in primates. Science 133, 1399–1405 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Conger, A. D., and L. M. Fairchild: A quick freeze method for making smear slides permanent. Stain Technol. 28, 281–283 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • Court Brown, W. M., P. A. Jacobs and R. Doll: Interpretation of chromosome counts made on bone marrow cells. Lancet 1960 I, 160–163.

  • Cross, J. C.: A comparative study of the chromosomes of rodents. J. Morph. 52, 373–401 (1931).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, C. E., and J. L. Hamerton: A colchicine, hypotonic citrate squash sequence for mammalian chromosomes. Stain Technol. 31, 247–251 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Harpst, H. C., and A. Martin: Some chromosomes of rodents. Pennsylvania Acad. Sci. 24, 36–39 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadler, C. F.: Unpublished data.

  • Nakamura, T.: Chromosomes of the squirrel Eutamias asiaticus uthenesis. Kromosomo 16, 602–604 (1953). Obtained in abstract from Biol. Abstr. 27, Entry No 26763, 2521 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, G. G.: Principles of Animal Taxonomy, p. 91. New York: Columbia University Press 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tjio, J. H., and J. Whang: Chromosome preparations of bone marrow cells without prior in vitro culture or in vivo colchicine administration. Stain Technol. 37, 17–20 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • White, J. A.: Genera and subgenera of chipmunks. Univ. Kansas Publ. Museum of Natural History 5, 543–561 (1953a).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The baculum in the chipmunks of western North America. Univ. Kansas Publ. Museum of Natural History 5, 611–631 (1953b).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver, Colorado

    Charles F. Nadler &  Matthew H. Block

  2. Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, 11, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Charles F. Nadler &  Matthew H. Block

Authors
  1. Charles F. Nadler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Matthew H. Block
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This work was supported by grants from the Leukemia Society, Inc., and the American Cancer Society.

Trainee in Hematology, U.S. Public Health Service.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nadler, C.F., Block, M.H. The chromosomes of some North American chipmunks (sciuridae) belonging to the genera tamias and eutamias. Chromosoma 13, 1–15 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00349615

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00349615

Keywords

Search

Navigation