The review of the data on comparative chromosomal painting in mammals is presented. The development of new molecular-cytogenetic methods has resulted in the accumulation of the detailed information on homology of chromosomal segments of more than 50 species from 11 orders. In this review, modern methods of obtaining painting probes are considered in detail, and the basic tendencies of karyotype evolution in different taxa are discussed. Putative karyotypes of the ancestors of primates, carnivores, and placental mammals are considered.