The chromosome karyotype of the Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spp.) was studied by using bone marrow cell to lining-up chromosome directly.The five samples were collected in the typical desert of southern Alashan,Inner Mongolia.The results showed that the chromosome number of diploid somatic cells was 2n=38,different from that of Daurian Ground Squirrel ( S.dauricus Brandt,1843) whose chromosome number was 2n=36. Chromosome morphological characteristics were also different between the two species.Base on the chromosome number and morphology as well as distribution region,the samples were identified as Alashan Ground Squirrel (S.alaschanicus Buchner,1888).
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