Computer-assisted analysis of chromosomes of the European crested newt

A computer programme has been developed for partly automating the process of chromosome analysis of the European crested newt (Triturus cristatus carnifex). Chromosome classifications made by the computer and by the cytologist have been compared for a sample of 130 spermatogonial metaphase. The twelve pairs of chromosomes have been classified into three groups. The overall error rate achieved by the computer was 14% for chromosome assignment to single pairs, and 3.8% for chromosome assignment to the proper group.