Karyotypes of Brazilian representatives of genus Zygodontomys (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae)

Abstract

In this article we are reporting two cytotypes found in representatives of Zygodontomys genus trapped in two localities of Brazilian Amazon. From the locality of Surumú were analysed 12 individuals (cytotype 1) which showed 2n=86/FN=96-100, presenting the two largest pairs (1 and 2) as subtelo-submetacentrics, 4 or 5 medium to small biarmed pairs, the remainder being acrocentrics. In Tartarugalzinho were caught 7 specimens which displayed 2n=84/FN= 96-98 (cytotype 2). In both cytotypes the sex pair is composed by a large (sized between pairs 2-3) submetacentric X chromosome and a median subtelocentric Y chromosome. The G-, C-, and NOR-bancing were performed in the 2n=86 karyotype, being the largest pairs be identified by G-banding. The C-bands occurred at the centromere of the majority of the autosomes and the short arm of the X and the whole Y chromosomes were heterochromatic. The NOR-bands were prevalently seen at the short arm of one medium and one small acrocentric pairs. Comparing the individuals studied in Brazil with those reported in Venezuela is observed that, although the same or similar diploid numbers, the morphology of the chromosomes of these taxa is quite different, the karyotypes of the specimens from Brazil having a smaller number of biarmed elements. The sexual pair is distinct also, the difference basically concerning to the size of the Y chromosome, these karyotype differences may corresponding to different taxa.