Microevolution in the sicilian shrew crocidura sicula (mammalia, soricidae) tested by rapd-pcr fingerprinting

Genetic variation in samples of the endemic Crocidura sicula living in Sicily and in two surrounding small islands, Marettimo and Ustica, was analysed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA fingerprinting (RAPD) and compared to morphometrics and external phenotypes. Molecular variation in the random sample of 99 DNA fragments of the Ustica shrews, showing.a melanic fur and a size-shape variation in skull morphometrics, is of comparable size to that of the of northwestern and northeastern samples Sicily (Tufanio and Madonie). In the Marettimo shrews, bicoloured (grey and white) animals like those coming from Sicily and presenting a significant reduction in body-size and skull morphometrics, mol…