Genetic Diversity of the Mongolian Gazelle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Procapra guttorosa</Emphasis> Pallas, 1777

The mitochondrial DNA D-loop hypervariable fragment sequence polymorphism was examined in 27 the Mongolian gazelles from Mongolia, Russia, and China. Intraspecific polymorphism of the D-loop fragment examined was demonstrated. All haplotypes described were unique. The average nucleotide diversity (π) for the mtDNA fragment investigated constituted 5.85 ± 2.92%. A relatively high number of insertions and deletions was observed. In particular, a haplotype with the 77-bp insertion was described. The data obtained point to high genetic diversity of Mongolian populations. There was no correlation between the distribution of haplotypes examined and geographical location of the animal tissue sampling sites.     

Diversification and subspecies patterning of the goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in Iran

Goitered gazelles, Gazella subgutturosa, exist in arid and semiarid regions of Asia from the Middle to the Far East. Although large populations were present over a vast area until recently, a decline of the population as a result of hunting, poaching, and habitat loss led to the IUCN classification of G. subgutturosa as “vulnerable." We examined genetic diversity, structure, and phylogeny of G. subgutturosa using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 18 geographically distant populations in Iran. The median‐joining network of cyt b haplotypes indicated that three clades of goitered gazelles can be distinguished: a Middle Eastern clade west of the Zagros Mountains (and connected to populations in Turkey and Iraq), a Central Iranian clade (with connection to Azerbaijan), and an Asiatic clade in northeastern Iran (with connection to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and other Asian countries as far as northeastern China and Mongolia). Based on our results, we argue that Iran is the center of diversification of goitered gazelles, due to the presence of large mountain ranges and deserts that lead to the separation of populations. In accordance with previous morphological studies, we identified the Asiatic clade as the subspecies G. s. yarkandensis, and the other two clades as the nominate form G. s. subgutturosa. The new genetic information for goitered gazelles in Iran provides the basis for future national conservation programs of this species.     

The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of the Debao pony (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Equus caballus</Emphasis>)

The Debao pony (Equus caballus) is the most important local variety of domestic horses, and is strictly protected by the Chinese government. Their average adult withers height is 94.42 ± 3.76 cm for males and 98.35 ± 4.55 cm for females, respectively. In the present study, the complete sequence of the Debao pony mitochondrial genome was determined (GenBank Accession No. EU939445), and was found to be similar to other equine mitochondrial genomes. However, there were 85 nucleotide substitutions in the 13 protein-coding genes; the percentage of substitution was 0.8 ± 0.1. Polymorphisms of mtDNA control regions were analyzed with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and 19 haplotypes were found, with a genetic diversity of 0.77. Neighbor-Joining (NJ) and Minimum Evolution (ME) trees based on complete control regions of mtDNA were constructed with the Maximum Composite Likelihood (MCL) method. The analysis indicated that the origins of the Debao pony were scattered in the various branches of the phylogenetic tree. The results from the present study suggest that the Debao pony is derived from multi-matrilineal origins of the species.     

A review of the species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Elasmus</Emphasis> Westwood (Hymenoptera,Eulophidae) from Russia and neighboring countries

Five species of Elasmus are described from Russia as new to science (E. altaicus sp. n., E. ekaterinae sp. n. and E. maritimus sp. n.), Turkmenistan (E. turkmenicus sp. n.), and Mongolia (E. emeljanovi sp. n.). E. nikolskayae Myartseva et Dzhanokmen, 1989 is redescribed. Elasmus obesoceratus Trjapitzin, 1979 is downgraded to a synonym to Elasmus rufiventris Ferrière, 1947. Sixteen species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Russia, six for Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, five for Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, four for Ukraine and Mongolia, two for Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, China, and South Korea, and also new single records are given for Poland, Slovakia, Abkhazia, Afghanistan, and Iran. New hosts are recorded for seven species: E. flabellatus Fonsocolombe, E. longiclava Graham, E. nudus (Nees), E. platyedrae Ferrière, E. schmitti Ruschka, E. steffani Viggiani, and E. westwoodi Giraud. A key to twenty-six species of Elasmus is compiled.     

Genetic diversity in mitochondrial 12S rDNA of western Palearctic water frogs (Anura, Ranidae) and implications for their systematics

The nucleotide sequence of a part of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene of eight western Palearctic water frog species was analysed. The results are consistent with the species status of Rana bedriagae, Rana bergeri, Rana epeirotica, Rana lessonae, Rana perezi, Rana ridibunda, Rana saharica and Rana shqiperica . The obtained DNA data suggest that lake frogs from Greece and Yugoslavia on the one hand and lake frogs from Georgia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on the other hand represent two distinct species. However, it is not yet clear whether lake frogs from Georgia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan belong to R. ridibunda or represent a new species. The very high similarity between the analysed 12S rDNA segments of German R. ridibunda and R. lessonae confirm the finding that mtDNA of R. lessonae was transmitted into the mitochondrial gene pool of R. ridibunda probably as a result of backcrosses with the hybridogenetic hybrid R. kl. esculenta . The results of parsimony analyses speak in favour of very close phylogenetic relations between R. perezi and R. saharica ; with a high probability these species represent an adelphotaxon. Furthermore, the clades ( R. lessonae + R. shqiperica + R. bergeri ) and ( R. ridibunda + R. bedriagae ) are considered to be sister groups. According to the mt 12S rDNA data R. epeirotica seems to be more closely related to the supraspecific taxon ( R. ridibunda + R. bedriagae ) than to ( R. lessonae + R. shqiperica + R. bergeri ). Thus, it can be excluded that R. shqiperica and R. epeirotica represent sister species.     

Genetic differentiation in eastern European and western Asian populations of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, as revealed by mitochondrial nad1 and cox1 genes

Partial sequences of mitochondrial genes nad1 (316 bp) and cox1 (429 bp) were analyzed to estimate the variability of the liver fluke samples collected in 20 localities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and China. The sequences had 4.1% (nad1) and 2.3% (cox1) of variable sites, and 13 and 10 haplotypes were identified among nad1 and cox1 genes, respectively. Spatial analysis of genetic and nucleotide diversity indicated little or no structuring of genetic variation between hosts or regions. The analysis of distribution of both separate and combined (nad1 + cox1) haplotypes revealed the existence of 2 well-defined lineages with 2 main haplotypes and a number of shared divergent haplotypes. Our study showed that the first lineage included the main N1-C1 haplotype, which was found in Australia, China, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and in all European populations (from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria). The second lineage was found in all European populations and in populations from Armenia and Azerbaijan. It was suggested that one of the lineages (I) has an Asian origin. The possible source of mtDNA variability and associations between lineage divergence of parasite and its definitive hosts (cattle and sheep) are discussed.     

Genetic diversity of Mongolian gazelle Procapra guttorosa Pallas, 1777

The mitochondrial DNA D-loop hypervariable fragment sequence polymorphism was examined in 27 Mongolian gazelles from Mongolia, Russia, and China. Intraspecific polymorphism of the D-loop fragment examined was demonstrated. All haplotypes described were unique. The average nucleotide diversity (pi) for the mtDNA fragment investigated constituted 5.85 +/- 2.92%. A relatively high number of insertions and deletions was observed. In particular, a haplotype with the 77-bp insertion was described. The data obtained point to high genetic diversity of Mongolian populations. There was no correlation between the distribution of haplotypes examined and geographical location of the animal tissue sampling sites.     

New and little-known species of the weevil subfamily Ceutorhynchinae (Coleoptera,Curculionidae) from the Palaearctic region

Thirteen new species of the weevil subfamily Ceutorhynchinae are described from the Russian Far East, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Nepal. A new subgen. n. is erected in Oprohinus for O. oxyanus sp. n. (type species) and O. maior sp. n. from Tadzhikistan and Turkmenistan. Ceutorhynchus neophytus Fst. is resurrected from synonymy with C. arator Gyll. Ceutorhynchus gandoni Hoffm. is transferred to Sirocalodes Voss. Rhinoncus fukienensis Wagn. is recorded for the first time from Taiwan, and Oprohinus libanoticus (Schze.)—from Syria.     

Three reciprocally monophyletic mtDNA lineages elucidate the taxonomic status of Grant’s gazelles

The intraspecific phylogeography of Grant’s gazelles Nanger granti was assessed with mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. Samples of 177 individuals from 17 Kenyan and Tanzanian populations were analysed. Three highly divergent, reciprocally monophyletic lineages were found, with among group net nucleotide distances of 8–12%. The three lineages—notata, granti and petersii—grouped populations according to their geographic origin, encompassing populations in the north, southwest, and east, respectively. The mtDNA lineages reflected distinct evolutionary trajectories, and the data are discussed in reference to the four currently recognised subspecies. We suggest Grant’s gazelles be raised to the superspecies Nanger (granti) comprising three taxonomic units corresponding to the three mtDNA lineages. There was no evidence of gene flow between the notata and granti lineages, despite their geographic proximity, suggesting reproductive isolation. These constitute evolutionary significant units within the adaptive evolutionary framework. Due to its restricted geographic distribution and genetic and morphological distinctiveness, we suggest the petersii lineage be raised to the species Nanger (granti) petersii within the Grant’s gazelles superspecies.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of wintering Western Sandpipers from the Sinaloa coast,Mexico

ABSTRACT Although Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) are one of the best‐studied shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway, their genetic identity and population structure is poorly known. We studied the genetic population structure of nonbreeding Western Sandpipers at Bahia Santa María in Sinaloa, northwestern Mexico. A 685‐bp fragment of the mtDNA control region was sequenced for 162 individuals, resulting in 29 variable positions that defined 41 haplotypes. The most common haplotype (WESA01) occurred in 44% of all individuals, whereas 15 were unique to single individuals. Nucleotide diversity was low (π= 0.0030 ± 0.0019 [SE]), but haplotype diversity was moderately high (h= 0.802 ± 0.033 [SE]). The main two maternal lineages exhibited a slightly different local scale distribution that appeared to be related to migratory chronology. Lineage A represented 71% of the haplotypes and was evenly distributed across the nonbreeding season and habitat types, whereas Lineage B represented only 29% of the haplotypes and was disproportionately represented in January in some habitat types. Overall, the low level of nucleotide diversity, the star‐shape of the haplotype tree, the mismatch distribution, and the significantly negative Tajima's D values suggest that Western Sandpipers underwent a recent demographic expansion. Although our results are based on a small sample size from one of several wintering sites along the Pacific Flyway, Santa María likely contains a relatively high proportion of the species genetic variability because it is the wintering ground of nearly 10% of the global population.     

Comparative Phylogeography of the Atlantic Forest Endemic Sloth (Bradypus torquatus) and the Widespread Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) (Bradypodidae, Xenarthra)

The comparative phylogeographic study of the maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus) and the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) was performed using a segment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. We examined 19 B. torquatus from two regions and 47 B. variegatus from three distant regions of Atlantic forest. This first characterization of molecular diversity indicates a great diversity (B. torquatus: h = 0.901 ± 0.039 and π = 0.012 ± 0.007; B. variegatus: h = 0.699 ± 0.039 and π = 0.010 ± 0.006) and very divergent mitochondrial lineages within each sloth species. The different sampled regions carry distinct and non-overlapping sets of mtDNA haplotypes and are genetically divergent. This phylogeographic pattern may be characteristic of sloth species. In addition, we infer that two main phylogeographic groups exist in the Atlantic forest representing a north and south distinct divergence.     

Bees of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rophites</Emphasis> Spinola (Hymenoptera,Halictidae, Rophitinae) of Russia and adjacent territories

An illustrated key to Rophites species and an annotated list of 9 species from Russia and adjacent territories are given. Rophites clypealis stepposus subsp. n. and the female of R. schoenitzeri Dubitzky, 2004 are described. Lectotypes of Rhophites caucasicus Morawitz, 1876 and Rh. mandibularis Morawitz, 1891 are designated. Rophites algirus is recorded for the first time from Armenia; R. caucasicus, from Azerbaijan; R. clypealis, from Bulgaria, Russia, and Kazakhstan; R. foveolatus, from Georgia; R. quinquespinosus, from Armenia and Uzbekistan; R. schoenitzeri, from Azerbaijan and Iran.     

Genetic polymorphism of commander islands polar foxes <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alopex lagopus semenovi</Emphasis> Ognev, 1931 and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alopex lagopus beringiensis</Emphasis> Merriam, 1902

The polymorphism of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence was examined in 30 polar foxes from Bering Island and 30 polar foxes from Mednyi Island. Seven haplotypes were revealed in polar foxes from Bering Island, and one, in polar foxes from Mednyi Island. The age of divergence of these populations (12 000 ± 6 000 years) was calculated based on a fragment of the D-loop. In Bering polar foxes, the sequence nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.003 (S.D. = 0.002), the haplotype diversity h in Bering polar foxes was 0.835 (S.D. = 0.037). The effective number of females n the Bering Island population was estimated as 105 animals.     

Genetic differentiation and geographical Relationship of Asian barley landraces using SSRs

Genetic diversity in 403 morphologically distinct landraces of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare) originating from seven geographical zones of Asia was studied using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from regions of medium to high recombination in the barley genome. The seven polymorphic SSR markers representing each of the chromosomes chosen for the study revealed a high level of allelic diversity among the landraces. Genetic richness was highest in those from India, followed by Pakistan while it was lowest for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Out of the 50 alleles detected, 15 were unique to a geographic region. Genetic diversity was highest for landraces from Pakistan (0.70 ± 0.06) and lowest for those from Uzbekistan (0.18 ± 0.17). Likewise, polymorphic information content (PIC) was highest for Pakistan (0.67 ± 0.06) and lowest for Uzbekistan (0.15 ± 0.17). Diversity among groups was 40% compared to 60% within groups. Principal component analysis clustered the barley landraces into three groups to predict their domestication patterns. In total 51.58% of the variation was explained by the first two principal components of the barley germplasm. Pakistan landraces were clustered separately from those of India, Iran, Nepal and Iraq, whereas those from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were clustered together into a separate group.     

Introgression of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers of Mus musculus musculus to aboriginal populations of wild mice from Central Asia (M. m. wagneri) and South Siberia (M. m. gansuensis)

Variability of the nucleotide sequences of the second intron of the b1-chain of hemoglobin (Hbb-b1) and complete control region of mitochondrial DNA (D-loop) was studied in aboriginal and synanthropic populations of M. m. wagneri from Central Asia and M. m. gansuensis from South Siberia. A difference in the frequency of the Hbb^w1 hemoglobin variant for natural and urban populations of mice was shown. All mice from natural habitats of studied areas have musculus type of mtDNA. Apparently, the substitution of taxon-specific mitochondrial haplotypes of wagneri, and gansuensis might occur due to the absorbing hybridization with nominate subspecies musculus, which is consistent with the results on nuclear DNA (Hbb-b1 gene) obtained in this work. Two differentiated haplogroups among aboriginal subspecies wagneri (d = 0.01), one of which included house mice from Turkmenistan, were discovered for the first time. This may indicate mtDNA introgression from synanthropic forms of Turkmenistan into natural populations of Kazakhstan mice. The type of mtDNA typical for the castaneus subspecies was detected in two individuals from the natural habitat of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan; it had not been encountered in Central Asia before. It has been suggested that the gene flow of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in microevolution processes in M. musculus is directed from the synanthropic forms towards wild populations.     

Population genetic structure and comparative diversity of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu: congruent patterns from two genomes

Genetic diversity and divergence patterns of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu spawning groups are analysed across its northern native range with mtDNA cytochrome b gene sequences and eight unlinked nuclear DNA microsatellite loci. Results reveal high levels of genetic variability and significant differences in allelic representation among populations (mtDNA: mean ± s.e ., H_D = 0·50 ± 0·06, mean ± s.e ., θ_ST = 0·41 ± 0·02 and microsatellites: mean ± s.e . H_O = 0·46 ± 0·03, mean ± s.e . θ_ST = 0·25 ± 0·01). The distributions of 28 variant mtDNA haplotypes, which differ by an average of 3·94 nucleotides (range = 1–8), denote divergent representation among geographic areas. Microsatellite data support nine primary population groups, whose high self‐assignment probabilities likewise display marked divergence. Genetic patterns demonstrate: (1) high genetic diversity in both genomes, (2) significant divergence among populations, probably resulting from natal site homing and low lifetime migration, (3) support for three post‐glacial refugia that variously contributed to the current northern populations, which remain evident today despite waterway connectivity and (4) a weak yet significant genetic isolation by geographic distance pattern, indicating that other processes affect the differences among populations, such as territoriality and site fidelity.     

Polymorphisms of Mitochondrial ATPASE 8/6 Genes and Association with Milk Production Traits in Holstein Cows

The maternal effect has been widely proposed to affect the production traits in domestic animals. However, the sequence polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and association with milk production traits in Holstein cows have remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of mtDNA ATPase 8/6 genes and association with four milk production traits of interest in 303 Holstein cows. A total of 18 SNPs were detected among the 842 bp fragment of ATPase 8/6 genes, which determined six haplotypes of B. taurus (H1-H4) and B. indicus (H5-H6). The mixed model analysis revealed that there was significant association between haplotype and 305-day milk yield (MY). The highest MY was observed in haplotype H4. However, we did not detect statistically significant differences among haplotypes for the traits of milk fat (MF), milk protein (MP), and somatic cell count (SC). The overall haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of ATPase 8/6 genes were 0.563 ± 0.030 and 0.00609 ± 0.00043, respectively. The results suggested that mitochondrial ATPase 8/6 genes could be potentially used as molecular marker to genetically improve milk production in Holstein cows.     

Polymorphism of hordein-coding loci in barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum vulgare</Emphasis> L.) populations of Iran and Central Asian countries

Starch gel electrophoresis was performed to study polymorphism of hordeins encoded by the Hrd A, Hrd B, and Hrd F loci in 366 local old barley accessions from Iran and Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan (Mountain Badahsan), and Kirgizia. In total, 60 alleles with frequencies of 0.0003–0.2818 were observed for the Hrd A locus, 106 alleles with frequencies of 0.0003–0.1603 were observed for the Hrd B locus, and five alleles with frequencies of 0.0164–0.4131 were observed for the Hrd F locus. The alleles and allele frequencies displayed irregular distributions in barley populations of the above countries. Cluster analysis of the matrix of allele frequencies in populations from known collection sites revealed a cluster structure of local barley populations within each country. Local populations formed five differently sized clusters in Iran, six in Turkmenistan, three in Uzbekistan, and three in Kirgizia. The variation and allele frequency distribution of the hordein-coding loci in Iran and Central Asian countries were assumed to result from the introduction and spreading of barley forms via migrations of husbandmen.