Abstract
Mole rats are exclusively subterranean and highly specialized rodents. Their long lifespans, remarkable anti-cancer mechanisms, and various distinctive adaptive features make them a useful research model. Moreover, opposing convergence of morphological traits, they have developed extremely high karyotype variability. Thus, 74 chromosomal forms have been described so far and new ones are being revealed continuously. These evolved during the process of rapid radiation and occur in different biogeographical regions. During research into their reproductive biology we have already provided substantial evidence for species-level separation of these taxa. Here, we review diverse chromosomal forms of the lesser blind mole rat, Mediterranean Nannospalax leucodon, distributed in South-eastern Europe, their karyotype records, biogeography, origin, and phylogeny from our extensive research. In the light of new data from molecular genetic studies, we question some former valuations and propose a cryptospecies rank for seven reproductively isolated chromosomal forms with sympatric and parapatric distribution and clear ecogeographical discrepances in their habitats, as well as new experimental and theoretical methods for understanding the courses of speciation of these unique fossorial mammals.
Highlights
With more than 2000 described species, rodents are the most abundant mammalian order, with 42% of its total species diversity [1]
Even though theyhas arerevealed appreciated as a research object, BMRs are seriously cytogenetic analysis a distinguishing karyotype evolution
For chromosomal forms (CF) with proved reproductive isolation, specific ecological preferences, and wide biogeographical distribution, we find it appropriate for to use the term cryptic species or cryptospecies
Summary
With more than 2000 described species, rodents are the most abundant mammalian order, with 42% of its total species diversity [1]. Even though theyhas arerevealed appreciated as a research object, BMRs are seriously cytogenetic analysis a distinguishing karyotype evolution [11,29,30,31].endangered in their naturalEven habitat, primarily because of an inappropriate resulting from an unresolved though they are appreciated as a researchconservation object, BMRsstatus, are seriously endangered in their natural habitat, because of an conservation status, resulting from an taxonomy with an primarily unrecognized species [1].inappropriate. Vestigial eyes restricted to photoperiod perception, most of their lifetime is confined to underground They are chisel-tooth diggers, using their lower incisors for burrowing and the lower jaw as a shovel. Small map: N. leucodon distribution area from International Union from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
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