Study on the origin of Japanese small mammals : with the special reference to the evolution of mammals from Himalayan Corridor

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To analyze the origin and evolution of Japanese small mammals, we studied morphological, cytogenetical, molecular, biochemical, and parasitological data sets. There are many candidates that represents the derivatives of the ancestral species that came through the "Himalayan Corridor" to Japan. Among them, the species complex of Japanese Microtus montebelli and its allies, M..kikuchii from Taiwan, M.oeconomus from Russia, and M.sikimensis from Nepal, is one of the most suitable species for the study. Morphological, karyological, and parasitological findings confirms a close relation between M.montebelli, M.oeconomus, and M.kikuchii. This conclusion also denies the origin of M.montebelli from M.arvalis or M.fortis. Other species of Japanese small mammals also studied and discussed from various points of view through this study.