CYTOGENETIC SURVEY OF SOME COMMON VERTEBRATES

Abstract

Sixteen species of animals, belonging to two classes i.e. Reptilia and Mammalia were studied using modern techiques of cytogenetics (chromosomal analysis using conventional and G -banding techniques). The results were compared with those obtained from the classical methods in taxonomy using morphological and anatomical characters.

I - Class Reptilia; order Squamata; suborder Sauria.

Family : Scincidae.

Mabuya quinquetaeniata :

This species is the most common lizard along canals and in towns and villages. The body seems to be longitudinally striated with five yellow bands, three dorsal and two lateral continue into the end of c:ylindrical tapering tail. It feeds mainly on scorpions and some insects.

The chromosomal analysis of M. quinquetaeniata was found to have diploid chromosome number of 2n=32 and FN=SO. The chromosomes are arranged in three different groups : Five pairs of large metacentrics, four pairs of subtelocentrics and seven pairs of microchromosomes in which the centromeres are not clear.

Chalcides acellatus and Chalcides sepsaides. They most prevalent lizards, found in towns, villages, living among and under stones burrowing in the loose sand. They feed mainly on small insects and sometimes on other small lizards.