The relevance of metrical chromosomal and allozyme variation to the systematics of the genus Mus

摘要: The contribution of metrical, karyological and biochemical techniques towards taxonomic understanding is considered with respect to (1) the delimitation species; (2) classification species at generic level; (3) subspecific variation. All these are useful for discrimination sibling species, metrical discriminants especially important in helping establish geographical limits being applicable museum collections fossil material. In level multivariate morphometric analysis very limited value, but karyology allozyme studies can make contributions provided majority relevant examined. establishing major aspects variation, which formal nomenclature rarely appropriate. Problems extrapolation from inadequate samples just as acute when using more traditional taxonomy based on morphology. Clear presentation results form data matrices dendrograms facilitating integration into a system.