A geometric morphometric and microsatellite analyses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scaptotrigona mexicana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. pectoralis</Emphasis> (Apidae: Meliponini) sheds light on the biodiversity of Mesoamerican stingless bees

Geometric morphometrics and molecular methods are effective tools to study the variability of stingless bee populations and species that merit protection given their worldwide decline. Based on previous evidence of cryptic lineages within the Scaptotrigona genus, we tested the existence of multiple evolutionary lineages within the species S. mexicana and we investigated the status of S. pectoralis. By analyzing their population structure, we found differences between the Pacific and Atlantic populations of each of these species, although geometric morphometrics of the wing only confirmed these results in S. mexicana. There was a tendency towards enhanced genetic differentiation over larger distances in the Atlantic populations of both species but not in the Pacific populations. These results revealed a pattern of differentiation among evolutionary units and a specific distribution of genetic diversity within these Scaptotrigona species in Mesoamerica, suggesting the need for future taxonomic revisions, as well as activities aimed at management and conservation.     

Otolith variation in Pacific herring (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clupea pallasii</Emphasis>) reflects mitogenomic variation rather than the subspecies classification

Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) is divided into three subspecies: two in northeast Europe and one in the north Pacific Ocean. Genetic studies have indicated that the populations in northeast Europe have derived from the northwest Pacific herring recently, or during the last 10–15 kyr, and that they are distinct from the population in the northeast Pacific. In addition, hybridization between the Pacific herring and the Atlantic herring has been documented. Otolith variation has been considered to be largely affected by environmental variation, but here we evaluate whether the genetic differentiation is reflected in otolith shape differences. A clear difference in otolith shape was observed between the genetically differentiated herring species Clupea harengus from the Atlantic and C. pallasii. The otolith shape of C. p. suworowi in the Barents Sea was different from the shape of C. pallasii in northern Norway and C. p. pallasii from the Pacific. Populations of C. p. pallasii, sampled east and west of the Alaska Peninsula, which belong to two genetically different clades of the C. p. pallasii in the Pacific Ocean, show a clear difference in otolith shape. C. p. suworowi and the local C. pallasii peripheral population in Balsfjord in northern Norway are more similar to the northwest Pacific herring (C. p. pallasii) than to the northeast Pacific herring (C. p. pallasii), both genetically and in otolith shape. The Balsfjord population, known to be influenced by introgression of mtDNA from the Atlantic herring, does not show any sign of admixture in otolith shape between the two species. A revised classification, considering the observed genetic and morphological evidence, should rather group the northwest Pacific herring in the Bering Sea together with the European populations of C. pallasii than with the northeast Pacific herring in the Gulf of Alaska.     

Biogeography and designatable units of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bombus occidentalis</Emphasis> Greene and <Emphasis Type="Italic">B. terricola</Emphasis> Kirby (Hymenoptera: Apidae) with implications for conservation status assessments

Conservation action for species of concern requires that “designatable units” (e.g., species, subspecies, geographic races, genetically distinct forms) are clearly defined, or that the species complex is treated as a whole. Several species of bumble bee are currently threatened, and some of these have cryptic colouration (resembling other species), or form complexes that vary considerably in colour patterning. Here we address the taxonomy and distribution of Bombus occidentalis Greene and B. terricola Kirby, both of which are currently of conservation concern in North America. Bombus occidentalis includes two apparently monophyletic groups of COI barcode haplotypes (recently considered as subspecies) with ranges mostly separated by that of their sister species, B. terricola. The southern B. o. occidentalis ranges throughout the western United States and into western Canada from southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, and throughout British Columbia north to ca. 55°N; the northern B. o. mckayi Ashmead, is restricted to north of this in British Columbia, westernmost Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and Alaska. Bombus o. mckayi exists, as far as is known, only with a “banded” colour pattern. By contrast, B. o. occidentalis occurs in both banded and non-banded colour patterns, although the southern banded colour pattern is geographically isolated from the northern subspecies. Bombus o. occidentalis has declined throughout its range, perhaps due in part to exposure to novel parasites. Despite having similar levels of parasitism (ca. 40 %) as the southern subspecies, B. o. mckayi appears to have stable populations at present. There is therefore compelling evidence that the two subspecies should be distinguished for conservation and management purposes. We present the evidence for their distinction and provide tools for subspecies recognition.     

Population Genomics Reveals Genetic Divergence and Adaptive Differentiation of Chinese Sea Bass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lateolabrax maculatus</Emphasis>)

The marine species usually show high dispersal capabilities accompanied by high levels of gene flow. On the other hand, many physical barriers distribute along the continental marginal seas and may prevent dispersals and increase population divergence. These complexities along the continental margin generate serious challenges to population genetic studies of marine species. Chinese sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus distributes broad latitudinal gradient spanning from the tropical to the mid-temperate zones in the continental margin seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Using the double digest restriction-site-associated DNA tag sequencing (ddRAD) approach, we genotyped 10,297 SNPs for 219 Chinese seabass individuals of 12 populations along the Chinese coast in the Northwest Pacific region. Genetic divergence among these populations was evaluated, and population structure was established. The results suggested that geographically distant populations in the Bohai Gulf and the Beibu Gulf retain significant genetic divergence, which are connected by a series of intermediate populations in between. The results also suggested that Leizhou Peninsula, Hainan Island, and Shandong Peninsula are major physical barriers and substantially block gene flow and genetic admixture of L. maculatus. We also investigated the potential genetic basis of local adaptation correlating with population differentiation of L. maculatus. The sea surface temperature is a significantly differentiated environmental factor for the distribution of L. maculatus. The correlation of water temperature and genetic variations in extensively distributed populations was investigated with Bayesian-based approaches. The candidate genes underlying the local selection in geographically divergent populations were identified and annotated, providing clues to understand the potential mechanisms of adaptive evolution. Overall, our genome scale population genetic analysis provided insight into population divergence and local adaptation of Chinese sea bass in the continental marginal seas along Chinese coast.     

Historical range contraction,and not taxonomy,explains the contemporary genetic structure of the Australian tree <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia dealbata</Emphasis> Link

Irrespective of its causes, strong population genetic structure indicates a lack of gene flow. Understanding the processes that underlie such structure, and the spatial patterns it causes, is valuable for conservation efforts such as restoration. On the other hand, when a species is invasive outside its native range, such information can aid management in the non-native range. Here we explored the genetic characteristics of the Australian tree Acacia dealbata in its native range. Two subspecies of A. dealbata have previously been described based on morphology and environmental requirements, but recent phylogeographic data raised questions regarding the validity of this taxonomic subdivision. The species has been widely planted within and outside its native Australian range and is also a highly successful invasive species in many parts of the world. We employed microsatellite markers to investigate the population genetic diversity and structure among 42 A. dealbata populations from across the species’ native range. We also tested whether environmental variables purportedly relevant for the putative separation of subspecies are linked with population genetic differentiation. We found no relationship between population genetic structure of A. dealbata in Australia and these environmental features. Rather, we identified two geographically distinct genetic clusters that corresponded with populations in the northeastern part of mainland Australia, and the southern mainland and Tasmanian range of the species. Our results do not support the taxonomic subdivision of the species into two distinct subspecies based on environmental features. We therefore assume that the observed morphological differences between the putative subspecies are plastic phenotypic responses. This study provides population genetic information that will be useful for the conservation of the species within Australia as well as to better understand the invasion dynamics of A. dealbata.     

Genetic variation of complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the Sumatran rhinoceros (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicerorhinus sumatrensis</Emphasis>)

The Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest and one of the most endangered rhinoceros species, with less than 100 individuals estimated to live in the wild. It was originally divided into three subspecies but only two have survived, D. sumatrensis sumatrensis (Sumatran subspecies), and D. s. harrissoni (Bornean). Questions regarding whether populations of the Sumatran rhinoceros should be treated as different management units to preserve genetic diversity have been raised, particularly in light of its severe decline in the wild and low breeding success in captivity. This work aims to characterize genetic differentiation between Sumatran rhinoceros subspecies using complete mitochondrial genomes, in order to unravel their maternal evolutionary history and evaluate their status as separate management units. We identified three major phylogenetic groups with moderate genetic differentiation: two distinct haplogroups comprising individuals from both the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and a third group from Borneo. Estimates of divergence time indicate that the most recent common ancestor of the Sumatran rhinoceros occurred approximately 360,000 years ago. The three mitochondrial haplogroups showed a common divergence time about 80,000 years ago corresponding with a major biogeographic event in the Sundaland region. Patterns of mitochondrial genetic differentiation may suggest considering Sumatran rhinoceros subspecies as different conservation units. However, the management of subspecies as part of a metapopulation may appear as the last resource to save this species from extinction, imposing a conservation dilemma.     

Lifting the curtain on the freshwater mussel diversity of the Italian Peninsula and Croatian Adriatic coast

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida have been dramatically declining globally. Despite their ecological importance, conservation of these animals has been hindered by unresolved taxonomy and a lack of data on the distribution and status of populations, especially in southern Europe. Although the Italian Peninsula has been noted as a centre of endemism and one of the major refugia of the glacial ages for several taxa, few studies have been performed on the genetic diversity of Unionida. Most importantly, the taxonomic status of several freshwater mussel populations of the Italian Peninsula is still unresolved. Here we present the first comprehensive dataset for the Unionida of the region spanning Italy and the coastal Croatian region (west of the Dinaric Alps). In total, 191 specimens were collected (85 Anodonta, 64 Unio, 17 Microcondylaea bonellii and 25 Sinanodonta woodiana) from 34 sites across the Italian Peninsula and coastal Croatian river basins for molecular identification (COI, 16S and 28S). Genetic analyses were performed to understand major phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns. Seven species were detected: three Anodonta species (A. anatina, A. cygnea and A. exulcerata), two Unio species (U. mancus and U. elongatulus), Microcondylaea bonellii, and the invasive Sinanodonta woodiana. The presence of three endemic species (A. exulcerata, U. elongatulus and M. bonellii) confirms the importance of the region as a centre of endemism for freshwater mussels. The Apennine Mountains act as an important biogeographic barrier.     

Genetic Analysis of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Indri</Emphasis> Reveals No Evidence of Distinct Subspecies

Subspecies were traditionally defined by identifying gaps between phenotypes across the geographic range of a species, and may represent important units in the development of conservation strategies focused on preserving genetic diversity. Previous taxonomic research proposed that phenotypic variation between scattered Indri indri populations warranted the naming of two distinct subspecies, I. i. indri and I. i. variegatus. We tested these subspecific designations using mitochondrial sequence data generated from the control region or D-loop (569 bp) and a large section (2362 bp) of multiple genes and tRNAs known as Pastorini’s fragment and nuclear microsatellite markers. This study used 114 samples of I. indri from 12 rainforest sites in eastern Madagascar, encompassing the entire range of the species. These genetic samples represent multiple populations from low- and high-elevation forests from both putative subspecies. Molecular analyses of the mitochondrial sequence data did not support the two proposed subspecies. Furthermore, the microsatellite analyses showed no significant differences across the range beyond population level differentiation. This study demonstrates the utility of incorporating multiple lines of evidence in addition to phenotypic traits to define species or subspecies.     

Nucleotide polymorphisms of candidate genes of adaptive significance in the ural populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix sibirica</Emphasis> Ledeb.

The objectives of conservation and sustainable forest management require in depth study of genomes of woody plants and definition of their intraspecific genetic diversity. In recent years, an approach was developed based on the study of “candidate genes” that can potentially be involved in the formation of adaptive traits. In this study, we investigated nucleotide polymorphism of several adaptive candidate genes in the populations of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) in the Urals. Representatives of this genus are among the most valuable and widely distributed forest tree species in Russia. From ten selected gene loci in the genome of L. sibirica, we isolated and investigated three loci, one of which (ABA-WDS) was sequenced in L. sibirica for the first time. The total length of the analyzed sequence in each individual amounted to 2865 bp. The length of locus alignment was from 360 bp to 1395 bp. In total, we identified 200 polymorphic positions. The most conservative is locus 4CL1-363, and the most polymorphic is locus sSPcDFD040B03103-274. The studied populations of L. sibirica are characterized by a high level of nucleotide polymorphism in comparison with other species and genuses (Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga, Abies) conifers plants (Hd = 0.896; π = 0.007; θ_W = 0.015). The most selectively neutral polymorphism (D _T =–0.997) was attributed to locus 4CL1-363, and polymorphism with high probability of adaptability (D _T =–1.807) was determined for the ABA-WDS locus. We identified 54 SNP markers, only five of which were nonsynonymous (9.26%) replacements. The average frequency of SNPs in the three studied loci of L. sibirica was one SNP in 53 bp. We detected unique SNP markers for eight populations, which could potentially be used to identify populations. Populations that are characterized by the highest number of unique SNP markers can be recommended for selection in order to preserve the gene pool of the species.     

Pollen movement by the bat <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artibeus jamaicensis</Emphasis> (Chiroptera) in an agricultural landscape in the Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

Artibeus jamaicensis is a medium-sized frugivorous microchiropteran bat that complements its diet with nectar and pollen during the dry season. We investigated which species of pollen are carried by A. jamaicensis in order to determine its potential role as a plant pollinator in the northern Yucatan Peninsula. We collected pollen from the fur of 192 individuals throughout the year from April 2004 to March 2005. We recorded pollen from nine plant species of eight families and found five unidentified pollen types, with the highest pollen species richness recorded in June. A. jamaicensis moved pollen of Erythrina standleyana and Mimosa bahamensis, which have not hitherto been reported as visited by this species. The most abundant pollen in the samples was found to be that of three tree species: Ceiba pentandra, C. aesculifolia and Lysiloma latisiliquum. Very few samples contained pollen in the rainy season, when the bats fed mainly on fruits. A. jamaicensis can fly several kilometres among foraging locations and dispersed large amounts of pollen from tree species growing near cenotes as well as those not present at cenotes but occurring in other forest fragments, highlighting its importance as a pollen vector among forest fragments in the largely deforested landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, helping to reduce the negative effects of forest fragmentation. Ceiba appears to benefit from the role of A. jamaicensis as a pollen vector, and the species play an important ecological role in the Yucatán landscape, supplying shade, nectar and fruit for wildlife.     

Patterns of population genetic structure and diversity across bumble bee communities in the Pacific Northwest

Patterns of genetic structure and diversity are largely mediated by a species’ ecological niche and sensitivity to climate variation. Some species with narrow ecological niches have been found to exhibit increased population differentiation, limited gene flow across populations, and reduced population genetic diversity. In this study, we examine patterns of population genetic structure and diversity of four bumble bee species that are broadly sympatric, but do not necessarily inhabit the same ecological niche in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Testing for the effect of isolation by geographic distance (IBD) with linearized F _st and D _est found that Bombus sylvicola and B. mixtus exhibited significant IBD across populations. In contrast, both B. melanopygus and B. flavifrons, two species that are distributed across a broad elevation gradient, exhibited no IBD, a result further corroborated by Bayesian a priori population assignment tests. Furthermore, we discovered that B. sylvicola populations distributed on the Olympic Peninsula have significantly less average allelic diversity than populations distributed in the Cascade Mountains. Our results suggest that populations distributed in the Olympic Mountains represent a distinct genetic cluster relative to the Cascade Mountains, with B. sylvicola and B. mixtus likely experiencing the greatest degree of population genetic differentiation relative to B. flavifrons and B. melanopygus. While bumble bees are known to co-exist across a diversity of habitats, our results demonstrate that underlying population genetic structure and diversity may not necessarily be similar across species, and are largely governed by their respective niches.     

Life history of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gymnotus refugio</Emphasis> (Gymnotiformes; Gymnotidae): an endangered species of weakly electric fish

The present study describes the life history of Gymnotus refugio, a species classified as Endangered in the last published list of threatened species of the Brazilian fauna. The study was conducted at a conservation unity that protect one of the last remaining semideciduous forests in the region. The reproductive period was estimated as occurring from the end of winter to the last summer months. Gymnotus refugio exibited fractional spawning, the lowest relative fecundity registered among the Gymnotifomes species studied at the present, and male parental care behavior. The analyses showed a seasonal pattern on the species diet, associating different food categories to winter, autumn, and spring. According to food items analysis and estimated intestinal quotient, G. refugio was classified as invertivorous, feeding mainly on autochthonous insects. The results obtained herein suggest that the position of G. refugio as an Endangered species might be influenced by its territoriality, habitat specificity, parental care behavior, and low fecundity, reinforcing the importance of swampy forest environment conservation as the only means of the species maintenance.     

Autecology of a new species of carnivorous marsupial,the endangered black-tailed dusky antechinus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Antechinus arktos</Emphasis>), compared to a sympatric congener,the brown antechinus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Antechinus stuartii</Emphasis>)

The carnivorous marsupial Antechinus are one of the few mammal genera known to exhibit the phenomenon of semelparous reproduction, where all males die at the end of a frenetic annual mating period. The genus Antechinus has recently been revised, seeing four new species named and one existing subspecies raised to species status. Here, we present the first ecological assessment of one new species, the endangered black-tailed dusky antechinus (Antechinus arktos), based on a 2-year mark-recapture study of two proximate sites within the cloud forest of Springbrook National Park, south-east Queensland, Australia. We also present comparative ecological data from a sympatric congener, Antechinus stuartii. In total, 103 A. arktos (49 male; 54 female) and 2125 A. stuartii (1229 male; 896 female) captures were made over 16,630 trap nights at the two sites. The occurrence and synchrony of reproductive events observed in A. arktos closely parallel the semelparous reproductive strategy exhibited by all congeners studied to date. The A. arktos populations mate during mid-September, with birth of up to six young occurring during mid-October. The low abundance and fecundity, together with a limited and apparently retracting distribution, suggest A. arktos is under threat of climate-induced extinction in the coming decades.     

Experimental hybridization and an evaluation of the fertility of some forms of the house mouse supraspecies complex <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mus musculus</Emphasis> (Rodentia,Muridae)

The degree of development of the mechanisms of postcopulatory isolation was evaluated on the basis of experimental hybridization of representatives of three subspecies of M. musculus (M. m. musculus, M. m. wagneri, and M. m. gansuensis) and remote populations of the subspecies M. m. musculus. Experimental crosses between the different subspecies and populations indicated the presence of initial stages of postcopulatory reproductive isolation between some forms of house mice. In a number of crosses conducted between different populations and subspecies of M. musculus, asymmetry was observed. In one variant of mating, M. m. musculus (male) × M. m. wagneri (female), a reduced intensity of breeding and nonviability of pups were observed. A decrease in the intensity of reproduction was found in all variants of crosses that used male M. m. musculus from the city of Ishim. These data are assumed to confirm the previous assumption about the hybrid origin of mice inhabiting that city. The results confirm a significant level of divergence of the subspecies M. m. musculus and M. m. wagneri. Thus, initial stages both of post- and precopulatory isolation mechanisms between M. m. wagneri and M. m. musculus were shown.     

How Many Species,Taxa, or Lineages of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cebus albifrons</Emphasis> (Platyrrhini,Primates) Inhabit Ecuador? Insights from Mitogenomics

A first step in protecting groups of similarly structured organisms is to place them into discrete taxa. Molecular genetics and phylogeny allow us to rebuild the evolutionary history of these taxa. The Neotropics has roughly 34% of Earth’s primate diversity. However, the systematics of Neotropical primates is complex and controversial. The untufted (gracile) capuchins are traditionally classified as four species: Cebus albifrons, C. capucinus, C. olivaceus, and C. kaapori. Of these, Cebus albifrons has confusing intraspecific systematics with a large number of fragmented and isolated populations throughout its geographical distribution, and up to 13 morphological subspecies. The number of taxa of this species in Ecuador, some areas of northern and eastern Colombia, and Trinidad Island is particularly debated. Primatologists have defined two taxa of C. albifrons in Ecuador: a trans-Andean population: C. a. aequatorialis (or C. aequatorialis) and a cis-Andean population: C. a. yuracus (or C. yuracus). To better understand the systematics of this species, we sequenced the mitogenomes of 136 Cebus albifrons, two Cebus olivaceus, and one Cebus kaapori. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed at least nine significantly different haplogroups of C. albifrons in Ecuador, four of which contained exemplars from both the trans-Andean Pacific Ecuador and the cis-Andean Ecuadorian Amazon. The splits of these Ecuadorian haplogroups, and the initial diversification within them, occurred during the Middle to Late Pliocene and the beginning of the Pleistocene. Individuals we analyzed from Vichada Department in eastern Colombia were genetically distinct from other groups of C. albifrons, agreeing with morphological studies which consider it a full subspecies (C. a. albifrons). Phylogenetic analyses showed two different gracile capuchin taxa on Trinidad Island: C. a. trininatis and C. o. brunneus. We conclude that a large portion of the gracile capuchin taxa form a unique species with a complex of populations and subspecies. The species has conserved its reproductive integrity by repeated episodes of reticulation and high levels of gene flow.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the carnivorous plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Genlisea aurea</Emphasis> (Lentibulariaceae) using genomics data of NGS

Genlisea aurea A.St.-Hil. is a carnivorous plant endemic species to Brazil in the Lentibulariaceae family. Very few studies have addressed the genetic structure and conservation status of G. aurea and the Lentibulariaceae. Microsatellites markers are advantageous tools that can be employed to predict the vulnerability of Lentibulariaceae species. Therefore, the development of molecular markers focusing the population analyses of Genlisea for future genetic studies and conservation actions are essential. Thus, we developed simple sequence repeats (SSRs) based on in silico analyses of G. aurea draft genome assembly. We characterized 40 individuals from several populations and identified 12 loci that were polymorphic, with heterozygosity between 0.123 and 0.650. We demonstrated that the G. aurea SSR markers work cross-species in Genlisea filiformis, G. repens, G. tuberosa and G. violacea. These markers will be important for future population, phylogeographic and conservation studies in G. aurea and other Genlisea species.     

Non-congruent geographic patterns of genetic divergence across European species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Branchinecta</Emphasis> (Anostraca: Branchinectidae)

Three of the five European species of Branchinecta have a disjunct distribution. In this study, we analyze populations of B. ferox and B. orientalis for mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) molecular markers. We compare intraspecific genetic divergences between geographically distant populations of B. orientalis, from its only known Spanish population (originally described as B. cervantesi) and from a Hungarian population (assigned to B. orientalis since its discovery), with data from two relatively close Iberian populations of B. ferox. Results indicate that isolation between B. ferox and B. orientalis clades is ancient, and that the clade including the two Iberian populations of B. ferox is geographically structured. Conversely, Iberian and Hungarian populations of B. orientalis do not show geographical structure for the mitochondrial fragment. Lack of geographic structure coupled with very low genetic distances indicates that current Iberian and Hungarian populations of B. orientalis originated from a common population stock, and that the time elapsed since their separation has not been long enough to render the clades reciprocally monophyletic. We hypothesize that colonization of the Iberian Peninsula by B. orientalis is probably the consequence of a single recent dispersal event, and consequently we confirm the synonymy between B. cervantesi and B. orientalis.     

Molecular genetic diversification of the lizard complex <Emphasis Type="Italic">Darevskia raddei</Emphasis> (Sauria: Lacertidae): Early stages of speciation

To characterize the molecular genetic diversity of the genus Darevskia, several populations were examined by the inter-SINE-PCR method, reporting the number and sizes of the spacers between individual copies of SINE-like interspersed repeats. Examination of 17 D. raddei geographical populations and several reference species revealed unequal genetic differences, measured as Nei and Li’s genetic distances (D_NL), for different groups of samples. The highest homogeneity was observed for the apparently panmictic D. raddei nairensis population from the basin of the Hrazdan River: genetic differences within each of the five samples and between them were similarly low (less than 0.1). The difference between ten samples of D. raddei raddei from Armenia and Karabakh (0.2–0.3) was somewhat higher than the interindividual difference within each sample (0.1–0.2), indicating that the samples belonged to different populations. The assumption was supported by the phylogenetic tree topology and multidimensional scaling. The differences between samples from the morphological subspecies D. raddei raddei and D. raddei nairensis ranged 0.3–0.4. The difference of two D. raddei raddei samples of Talysh (Azerbaijan) from other samples of the same subspecies corresponded to the subspecific level. The genetic distances between the good species D. raddei and D. rudis was 0.6–0.7. In terms of D_NL, a questionable population from northwestern Turkey (“D. tristis”) was closer to D. rudis (D_NL = 0.45), probably representing its subspecies. The phylogeography of D. raddei is discussed.     

A new subspecies of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Centaurea cassia</Emphasis> (Asteraceae) from Turkey

A new subspecies in sect. Jacea (Mill.) DC., Centaurea cassia Boiss. subsp. dumanii M. Dinç, A. Duran &; B. Bilgili subsp. nov., collected by the authors from South Anatolia, is described and illustrated. The new subspecies is restricted to Abies cilicica (Ant. &; Kotschy) Carr. subsp. cilicica forest above Göller Yaylas? (C6 Adana-Kozan). Diagnostic morphological characters from C. cassia subsp. cassia are discussed. The ecology, biogeography and conservation status of the new taxon are also presented.     

Phylogenetic relationships in southern African Bryde’s whales inferred from mitochondrial DNA: further support for subspecies delineation between the two allopatric populations

Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) are medium-sized balaenopterids with tropical and subtropical distribution. There is confusion about the number of species, subspecies and populations of Bryde’s whale found globally. Two eco-types occur off South Africa, the inshore and offshore forms, but with unknown relationship between them. Using the mtDNA control region we investigated the phylogenetic relationship of these populations to each other and other Bryde’s whale populations. Skin, baleen and bone samples were collected from biopsy-sampled individuals, strandings and museum collections. 97 sequences of 674 bp (bp) length were compared with published sequences of Bryde’s whales (n?=?6) and two similar species, Omura’s (B. omurai) and sei (B. borealis) whales (n?=?3). We found eight haplotypes from the study samples: H1–H4 formed a distinct, sister clade to pelagic populations of Bryde’s whales (B. brydei) from the South Pacific, North Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean. H5–H8 were included in the pelagic clade. H1–H4 represented samples from within the distributional range of the inshore form. Pairwise comparisons of the percentage of nucleotide differences between sequences revealed that inshore haplotypes differed from published sequences of B. edeni by 4.7–5.5% and from B. brydei by 1.8–2.1%. Ten fixed differences between inshore and offshore sequences supported 100% diagnosability as subspecies. Phylogenetic analyses grouped the South African populations within the Bryde’s-sei whale clade and excluded B. edeni. Our data, combined with morphological and ecological evidence from previous studies, support subspecific classification of both South African forms under B. brydei and complete separation from B. edeni.