Karyological Study of Siberian Larch Species Larix sibirica and Larix gmelinii in Taimyr

Abstract

A comparative study of karyotypes of two Siberian species of larch—L. sibirica and L. gmelinii—growing in the zone of forest-tundra on the Taimyr Peninsula was carried out. The number of chromosomes has been analyzed and the increase in chromosomal instability in larches in forest-tundra conditions has been shown. The size and morphology of chromosomes and the localization and frequency of secondary constrictions in chromosomes of L. sibirica and L. gmelinii were estimated. The parameters of chromosomes in polyploid cells of L. gmelinii were studied. The asymmetry of karyotypes of L. sibirica and L. gmelinii was analyzed. The spectrum and frequency of chromosome rearrangements in L. sibirica and L. gmelinii were studied. Using the data of the karyological analysis, the issues of differentiation and adaptation of the investigated larch species in Taimyr are discussed.