Objective
The common shrew (Sorex araneus) is one of the best studied mammals from the point of view of chromosomal variation. Numerous chromosomal races have been described from western and central Europe. Studies of the distribution, relationships and interactions of these races have helped to mould our understanding of chromosomal evolution in mammals. However, almost nothing is known about the pattern of chromosomal variation in the common shrew in the NIS, even though this represents a large part of the distributional area of the species. If the common shrew is to take its rightful place as a primary model of chromosome evolution, then the NIS needs an appropiate survey. It is the aim of this project to conduct such a chromosomal survey.
The work of collecting the shrews and determining their chromosomal constitution will be conducted by the NIS groups. The Kiev group will analyse shrews from 30 sites in Ukraine, Belorus and the Baltic states. The groups in Moscow and Novosibirsk will make studies in Russia west and east of the Urals (40 and 60 sites, respectively). The data collected will be carefully assessed and the distribution of major chromosomal races estimated. A phylogeny of all chromosomal races in the common shrew will be constructed. All this will allow detailed deductions to be made about how the chromosomal races of the common shrew arose and spread to their current locations, and whether they are likely to be reproductively isolated from one another.
To help with the deductions studies will be made of chromosome fine structure and mtDNA. The French group, will be given tissue of major chromosomal forms from the NIS and Britain to construct cell lines. This material will enable the use of a variety of techniques such as high resolution banding, in situ hybridisation of repetitive sequences, to analyse chromosome fine structure. This analysis will give clues as to why there is so much chromosomal variation in the common shrew.
The British group will analyse the pattern of variation in a highly evolving genetic marker: the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrion. The extent to which the pattern of variation in mtDNA and chromosomes converges or diverges will greatly help in assessing biogeographical interpretations and possible instances of chromosomal speciation.
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Coordinator
YORK
United Kingdom
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