Role of Population Structuring in the Formation of Karyotypic Diversity of the Common Shrew Sorex araneus (Lipotyphla, Mammalia)

In this review, we describe karyotypic, morphological, and genetic structuring of population in the common shrew Sorex araneus (Lipotyphla, Mammalia), and try to explain some unclear and contradictory aspects of this structuring on the basis of population approach. The subdivision of this species into more than 76 parapatric chromosomal races does not correspond to its morphological and genetic structuring. Chromosomal hybrid zones are formed in the areas of contact between the races. The frequency of interracial F1 hybrids is low in nature, but we have shown that mating between different races in captivity occurs quite readily, although the postnatal survival of hybrids is reduced. We suggest that this species is subdivided into relatively small populations characterized by the unity of functioning, which is ensured by the predominant dispersal of individuals from each of the populations within their population space. It should also be emphasized that the main provisions set forth by Stanislav S. Shvarts in his conceptual monograph The Evolutionary Ecology of Animals are still relevant today.