ABSTRACT
Genetic variability of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) was studied in 13 populations of the four chromosomal species (2n = 52, 54, 58, and 60) of Spalax ehrenbergi in Israel. The level of polymorphism was high, with 10 polymorphic bands out of 14 (71%). All populations, including the very small desert isolate population of Sede Boqer, were polymorphic. The level of polymorphism increased southward: 6, 9, and 10 polymorphic bands for 2n = 52,58, and 60, respectively. The frequencies of the bands within each species were different as well. Whereas in most polymorphic bands of 2n = 52 the frequency of a specific band was either high or low, the frequencies of the polymorphic bands in 2n = 60 were intermediate.