Search

Genetic variation in chromosomally polymorphic Sicista subtilis complex and related Sicista betulina species group was analysed using two mitochondrial markers (COI and Cytb). The S. subtilis group is shown to include six lineages, five of which correspond to species currently recognized based on cytogenetic and genetic data: Sicista nordmanni, Sicista trizona, S. subtilissensu stricto, Sicista severtzovi and Sicista cimlanica. A previously unknown genetic lineage of S. subtilis was found in the North Caucasus. The existence of two divergent lineages within Sicista strandi is supported. It is suggested that the speciation rate in Sicista was strongly affected by rapid chromosomal evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the distribution and morphometric variations of the Southern birch mouse or Sicista subtilis found in East-Poland. For the study, researchers examined owl pellets found in the Lublin region. Researchers found a morphometric variation of Sicista subtilis which has a craniometrical size generally smaller compared to the Ukranian core population. They hypothesized that the Sicista subtilis found in Poland may be influenced by differences in prey base, resulting from various habitats.