Mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of the variable hare (Lepus timidus L.), the common hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.) and their hybrids

Mitotic and meiotic chromosome studies in the variable hare (Lepus timidus L.), the common hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.) and their hybrids have shown a diploid chromosome number of 48. No differences in chromosome structure could be established between the two species. There was a normal meiotic behaviour of the chromosomes in the male hybrids with the formation of secondary spermatocytes with a normal haploid chromosome complement. The hybrids appeared to have a normal fertility and the reproductive barrier existing between the two species was apparently not built up by sterility factors.