Great Gerbil

discussion

Discussion: Reviewed by Pavlinov et al. (1990). Regional reviews cover Pakistan (Roberts, 1977), Iran (Lay, 1967), Afghanistan (Hassinger, 1973), Russia and adjacent regions (Gromov and Erbajeva, 1995), and N China (Xinjiang, Gansu, and Nei Mongolia; Ma et al., 1987; Zhang et al., 1997; Zhou et al., 2000). Rhombomys opimus is unique among gerbils in having hypsodont, evergrowing (rootless) molars with cement in the reentrant angles, but Pavlinov (1982 b, 1996) found a few old individuals with rooted molars from several localities in Iran; however, this discovery does not help clarify taxonomic status of the species. Chromosomal data summarized by Qumsiyeh and Schlitter (1991). Morphology and schmelzmuster of rootless molars in relation to jaw motion documented by Koenigswald et al. (1994) and compared to 24 other extant rodent genera. Phallic morphology described by Yang et al. (1992). Age identification and population structure of Chinese population reported by Zhou et al. (2002), who also mapped the nine different dry habitats in N China occupied by R. opimus, noting that its distribution has been altered there through human activities.

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

distribution

Distribution: From S Mongolia and N China (Xinjiang, Gansu, Nei Mongolia) to Kazakhstan, Iran, Afghanistan, and SW Pakistan (Corbet, 1987 c, Ma et al., 1987; Wang, 2003; Zhou et al., 2000).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

materials_examined

Type Locality: Kazakhstan, Kzyl-Ordinskaya, KaraKumy Desert (see Pavlinov and Rossolimo, 1987).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

discussion

COMMENTS: Citations for synonyms were referenced by Pavlinov and Rossolimo (1987). Reviewed by Pavlinov et al. (1990). Regional reviews cover Pakistan (Roberts, 1977), Iran (Lay, 1967), Afghanistan (Hassinger, 1973), and Xinjiang (Ma et al., 1987).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae