Life history diversity and evolution in the Asterinidae

Asterinid sea stars have the greatest range of life historiesknown for the Asteroidea. Larval form in these sea stars hasbeen modified in association with selection for planktonic,benthic, or intergonadal developmental habitats. Life historydata are available for 31 species and molecular data for 28of these. These data were used to assess life history evolutionand relationships among asterinid clades. Lecithotrophy is prevalentin Asterinidae, with at least 6 independent origins of thisdevelopmental mode. Morphological differences in the attachmentcomplex of brachiolaria larvae were evident among species withplanktonic lecithotrophy. Some features are clade specific whileothers are variable within clades. Benthic brachiolariae aresimilar in Aquilonastra and Parvulastra with tripod-shaped larvae,while the bilobed sole-shaped larvae of Asterina species appearunique to this genus. Multiple transitions and pathways havebeen involved in the evolution of lecithotropy in the Asterinidae.Although several genera have a species with a planktonic feedinglarva in a basal phylogenetic position, relative to specieswith planktonic or benthic lecithotrophy, there is little evidencefor the expected life history transformation series from planktonicfeeding, to planktonic non-feeding, to benthic non-feeding development.Intragonadal development, a life history pattern unique to theAsterinidae, arose three times through ancestors with benthicor pelagic lecithotrophy. Evolution of lecithotrophy appearsmore prevalent in the Asterinidae than other asteroid families.As diverse modes of development are discerned in cryptic speciescomplexes, new insights into life history evolution in the Asterinidaeare being generated.     

Evidence for an outcrossing reproductive strategy in the hermaphroditic heterobranch gastropod Valvata utahensis (valvatidae), with notes on the genetic differentiation of V. utahensis and V. humeralis

The hermaphroditic aquatic heterobranch Valvata utahensis isa federally endangered snail endemic to the Snake River corridorin southern Idaho, USA. Although an appreciable understandingof molluscan taxonomic diversity has been established withinthis ecosystem, little is currently known about the ecologyand life history of many individual species (V. utahensis included).In this study, we used a combined analysis of mitochondrialand nuclear genetic variation within V. utahensis to infer thepredominant mode of reproduction (selfing vs outcrossing) withinnatural populations of this species. Results of this analysisindicated that outcrossing is likely a common reproductive strategy.We discuss our results in the context of conservation and managementefforts for this endangered species. Furthermore, in the courseof performing our investigations, we frequently collected specimensthat were tentatively identified as V. humeralis. Given thatlittle genetic work has previously been performed within thegenus Valvata, we compared genetic data from V. utahensis withdata from V. humeralis to determine whether molecular data supportedmorphological evidence that these two taxa are distinct evolutionaryentities. Results of our analyses clearly revealed strong patternsof genetic differentiation between these two taxa and confirmedthe presence of two sympatric Valvata species within the SnakeRiver system. (Received 25 January 2006; accepted 20 April 2006)     

ANNUAL ACTIVITY CYCLES OF THE LAND SNAIL HELIX ASPERSA MULLER IN NATURAL POPULATIONS IN NORTH-WESTERN SPAIN

Activity and inactivity (dormancy) periods of the land snailHelix aspena MÜller were monitored at monthly intervalsduring two years in two natural populations in Galicia (NW-Spain),one m an area of Mediterranean climatic influence and anotherin an Atlantic -climate area The annual activity cycles of Haspena in Galicia are consistent with latitudinal adjustmentsof the life cycle of this species which shows a very wide distributionrange, but also showed some special features related to theparticular microclimate of each locality (Received 4 December 1995; accepted 6 May 1996)     

LIFE HISTORIES, DENSITY AND BIOMASS IN A WOODLAND SNAIL COMMUNITY

Data, based on 8 monthly sets of random samples, are presentedon the life histories, densities and biomass of snail populationsin a mixed deciduous wood with moderately rich soil. Discus rotundatus, Oxychilus helveticus, O. cellarius and Trichiahispida have approximately annual life cycles, with rather littlepost-reproductive survival. Aegopinella nitiduta and Cochlodinalaminata take two years to reach maturity, and adults of thelatter may survive for several years. Breeding seasons are prolonged,but annual species peak in the autumn. Density does not vary much with season. Mean annual densityof all species combined (37.m^–2) is much lower than thoserecorded for similar woods elsewhere, but the estimate of meanannual standing crop (175 mg ashfree dry weight m^–2) doesnot show the same discrepancy. Comparisons reveal that the maincause of low density is the absence or rarity of several verysmall litter-dwelling species which have little effect on overallbiomass, and reasons for this are discussed. (Received 27 January 1981;     

中国长斑蚜属研究及新种记述(同翅目：斑蚜科)

该文系统研究了中国长斑蚜属Tinocallis Matsumura的15种蚜虫,其中包括:1个新种,短节长斑蚜T. microtylodes sp.nov.和2个中国新记录种,斑长斑蚜T.platani(Kaltenbach,1943)和木兰长斑蚜T. magnoliae Ghosh & Raychaudhuri,1972。同时提供了该属中国分布种类的检索表,每种提供有详细的寄主植物和地理分布资料,新种还提供了重要的形态特征图。所有标本包括模式标本均保存在中国科学院动物研究所。     

DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTION OF THREE HYDROBIA SPECIES (GASTROPODA: HYDROBIIDAE) IN A SHALLOW COASTAL LAGOON IN THE BAY OF CADIZ, SPAIN

The abundance, life span, growth and production of the mud snailsHydrobia minoricensis, H. ulvae and H. ventrosa in a semi-naturallagoon system were studied by taking monthly samples at threesites during 1991 and 1992. The most abundant species, H. minoricensisoccurred at mean densities of 12834 to 26264 snails m^–2(10.7 to 25.8g dry weigh m^–2), depending on the site.The least abundant species, H. ulvae, occurred at mean densitiesof 185 to 353 snails m^–2 (3.2 to 2.2g dry weight m^–2).The numerical abundance and biomass of the three Hydrobia specieswere positively related to the biomass of benthic macroalgae(P<0.01). Although H. ulvae egg capsules were recorded throughoutthe year, newly hatched snailsof this species were not observed,in contrast to the other two species. The early spring and summercohorts of H. minoricensis and H. ventrosa seemed to be themost numerous. The average life spans of these two species wereestimated to be about 18 and 13 months respectively. Annualproduction estimates for the whole lagoon system were 29.0 (6.3),5.5 (0.8) and 5.2 (1.0)g dry weight (ash-free dry weight) m^–2yr^–1 for H. minoricensis, H. ulvae and H. ventrosa respectively.The annual P/B ratio was about 2 for H. minoricensis and H.ventrosa. (Received 5 July 1994; accepted 5 October 1994)     

PLASTICITY OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF XEROPICTA DERBENTINA (KRYNICKI, 1836), A RECENTLY INTRODUCED SNAIL IN MEDITERRANEAN FRANCE

Xeropicta derbentina (Krynicki, 1836), a native of Eastern MediterraneanEurope, was introduced to southeastern France during the 1940sand is now widely spread across Provence. In summer it aggregateson plants, making its populations clearly visible. However,its life cycle within the Mediterranean basin is poorly documented.While X. derbentina in its native area exhibits an annual lifecycle, this species has been found in Provence to have a bienniallife cycle. Moreover, in southeastern France, field studieswithin a restricted area show variations in demographic structure.In consequence, the life cycle of X. derbentina and the demographicpatterns observed require clarification. Five populations withvarious demographic structures were studied over 1 year in thesame location, i.e. under the same climatic conditions. Thefield study was complemented by laboratory observations on mating,egg-laying and hatching. Xeropicta derbentina appears to bea semelparous species, with an annual life cycle being foundon four plots. The reproductive period begins at the end ofsummer and lasts until the beginning of winter. First egg-layingoccurs within 1 week after mating and lasts up to 30 days. Hatchingtakes place 15–20 days after egg-laying. Xeropicta derbentinapossesses multiple mating and egg-laying sessions, involvingsuccessive hatching. Populations are mainly characterized bytwo growth stages, the first in spring when newly-hatched snailsevolve into juveniles, and the second in late summer when theyreach maturity. However, on the highest density plot, a bienniallife cycle is observed for some newly-hatched snails that showan interrupted growth during summer and evolve into juvenilesonly in the second autumn. Moreover, this life cycle not onlyvaries among plots but also at a 1-year interval within plots.Hence, the life span of X. derbentina is between 12 and 20 months,but can be extended up to 30 months according to whether hatchingoccurs early or late and whether they survive the first andsecond winters. Xeropicta derbentina is thus able to have variousgrowth speeds and life spans, and appears to switch from anannual life cycle to a biennial cycle in response to populationdensity or climatic conditions. (Received 8 October 2004; accepted 15 December 2004)     

Systematics and Ecology of Shell-Boring Polychaetes from New England

In a survey of shell-boring polychaeles of New England, representativesof five families were found: Spionidae, Cirratulidae, Capitellidae,Terebellidae, and Sabellidae. The five spionid species were studied extensively. These includePolydora commensalis Andrews, found only in shells occupiedby hermit crabs, P. concharum Verrill, P. socialis (Schmarda), P. websleri Hartman, and Boccardia hamata (Webster) , foundin various types of shell. Breeding periods were defined andthe larval development described for each species. Polydoraconcharum deposits egg capsules inwinter months, while the oilierpolydorids spawn in spring or summer. Morphology of planktoniclarvae is distinct in each species, although P. websteri larvaemay be confused with non-boring species such as P. ligni Webster.Polydora socialis adults are found in both shells and sedimentand have a unique grinding apparatus, a gizzard, between theesophagus and intestine. The cirratulid, Dodecaceria sp., follows an asexual mode ofreproduction. The syslematics of Dodecaceria is complex owingto multiple modes of reproduction. No sexually mature individualswere observed during the course of this study. Asexual budswerefound in the Fall. A sabellid, Pseudopolamilla reniformis (Miiller), is commonlyfound in theshells of Placopeclen magellanicits (Gmelin) inMaine waters. Its reproductionis unknown.     

栖息地质量对两种网蛱蝶集合种群结构和分布的影响

在河北省赤城县研究了栖息地质量对大网蛱蝶Melitaea phoebe和金堇蛱蝶Euphydryas aurinia两种网蛱蝶集合种群结构和分布的影响。这两种网蛱蝶在约10 km_²的区域内共存,成虫期的蜜源植物几乎相同,大网蛱蝶的发生峰期比金堇蛱蝶晚约一个月,两者只有不到一周左右的时间重叠。大网蛱蝶和金堇蛱蝶幼虫的寄主植物分别是: 祁州漏芦（菊科）和华北蓝盆花（川续断科）。蜜源植物的丰度与两种网蛱蝶的局域种群大小呈正相关;祁州漏芦的密度对大网蛱蝶的局域种群大小影响很大,金堇蛱蝶的局域种群大小则与其寄主植物华北蓝盆花的高度正相关;斑块内平均植被高度与两种网蛱蝶的局域种群大小均呈正相关,植物多样性、植物均匀性和植被盖度均与金堇蛱蝶的局域种群大小负相关,与大网蛱蝶的关系不大。同时分析了其他因子如斑块的坡向、坡度等的影响。主要结论是：1）幼虫寄主植物的不同和成蝶飞行峰期的分离允许两种网蛱蝶在这样一个小的斑块区域内共存;2）蜜源是重要的限制因子,并且受气候随机性的影响很大,蜜源的波动可以很好地解释网蛱蝶集合种群在年度间的动态变化;3）大网蛱蝶和金堇蛱蝶的飞行、食物搜寻能力的不同以及各自寄主植物的生物学特性、空间分布的不同决定了它们具有不同的集合种群结构： 金堇蛱蝶是经典的集合种群,大网蛱蝶是源-汇集合种群;4）斑块质量和昆虫行为共同决定了两种网蛱蝶的集合种群结构和分布。     

A NEW SPECIES OF THE AEOLID GENUS FLABELLINA (NUDIBRANCHIA) FROM THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR

A new species of nudibranch, Flabellina insolita, is describedfrom specimens from the Strait of Gibraltar. The new speciesis assigned to the genus Flabellina on the basis of the jaws,radula and reproductive system, despite the shape of the rhinophoresand oral tentacles and the presence of small papillae flankingthe pericardium and small laminar enlargements on the dorsalsurface of the body. These features separate this species fromother aeolids. (Received 14 June 1988; accepted 19 August 1988)     

A new poecilogonous species of sea slug (Opisthobranchia: Sacoglossa) from California: comparison with the planktotrophic congener Alderia modesta (Loven, 1844)

Cryptic species are increasingly recognized as commonplace amongmarine gastropods, especially in taxa such as shell-less opisthobranchsthat lack many discrete taxonomic characters. Most cases ofpoecilogony, the presence of variable larval development withina single species, have historically turned out to representcryptic species, with each possessing a single canalized typeof development. One well-characterized example of poecilogonywas attributed to the sacoglossan opisthobranch Alderia modesta;in southern California, slugs resembling this member of a monotypicgenus produce both long-lived, planktotrophic and short-lived,lecithotrophic larvae. Paradoxically, however, A. modesta isexclusively planktotrophic everywhere else in the northern Pacificand Atlantic Oceans. A recently completed molecular study foundthat slugs from poecilogonous populations south of Bodega Harbor,California, comprise an evolutionarily distinct lineage separatefrom northern, strictly planktotrophic slugs. We now describethe southern species as A. willowi n. sp., based on differencesin morphology of the dorsum and radula, characteristics of theegg mass, larval development mode and nuclear and mitochondrialgenetic markers. A DNA barcode is provided, based on 27 fixeddifferences in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene thatcan reliably differentiate Pacific specimens of Alderia species.Genetic and morphological data are concordant with developmentalevidence, confirming that A. willowi is a true case of poecilogony.An improved understanding of the ecological differences betweenthese sister taxa may shed light on the selective pressuresthat drove the evolution of lecithotrophy in the southern species. (Received 1 November 2005; accepted 20 September 2006)     

Casparian Strips in the Leaf Intrastelar Canals of Isoetes duriei Bory, a Mediterranean Terrestrial Species

Anatomical observations, using light and fluorescence microscopy,were made on leaves of Isoetes duriei to verify the presenceof casparian bands around the intrastelar canals. This peculiaranatomical feature, previously reported for some Isoetes species,is confirmed. The possible role of this endodermis-like structure,in the transport of water due to root pressure or in the accumulationof certain metabolites, is discussed in relation to the ecologicaland anatomical features of the species. Copyright 2000 Annalsof Botany Company Isoetes duriei, Lycopsida, Mediterranean, leaf anatomy, endodermis, casparian strips, fluorescence microscopy     

Preference polymorphism for coloration but no speciation in a population of Lake Victoria cichlids

Female mating preference based on male nuptial coloration hasbeen suggested to be an important source of diversifying selectionin the radiation of Lake Victoria cichlid fish. Initial variationin female preference is a prerequisite for diversifying selection;however, it is rarely studied in natural populations. In clearwater areas of Lake Victoria, the sibling species Pundamiliapundamilia with blue males and Pundamilia nyererei with redmales coexist, intermediate phenotypes are rare, and most femaleshave species-assortative mating preferences. Here, we studya population of Pundamilia that inhabits turbid water wheremale coloration is variable from reddish to blue with most malesintermediate. We investigated male phenotype distribution andfemale mating preferences. Male phenotype was unimodally distributedwith a mode on intermediate color in 1 year and more blue-shiftedin 2 other years. In mate choice experiments with females ofthe turbid water population and males from a clearer water population,we found females with a significant and consistent preferencefor P. pundamilia (blue) males, females with such preferencesfor P. nyererei (red) males, and many females without a preference.Hence, female mating preferences in this population could causedisruptive selection on male coloration that is probably constrainedby the low signal transduction of the turbid water environment.We suggest that if environmental signal transduction was improvedand the preference/color polymorphism was stabilized by negativefrequency-dependent selection, divergent sexual selection mightseparate the 2 morphs into reproductively isolated species resemblingthe clear water species P. pundamilia and P. nyererei.     

Resource depression in Daphnia galeata, Daphnia cucullata and their interspecific hybrid: life history consequences

In this study, the effect of the food concentration on severallife history parameters of Daphnia galeata, Daphnia cucullataand the hybrid between these two species was examined. The foodconcentration had a significant effect on both growth and reproductionof all three taxa. Mortality was highly species specific, andto a lesser extent dependent on the food concentration. Changesin life history parameters resulted in changes in the intrinsicrate of population increase (r). The food dependence of thedifferent species was found to be different. Daphnia cucullatahad a relatively constant and low r. The r values for the hybridvaried most, with low values compared with the parental specieswhen grown at low food levels and relatively high values athigher food concentrations. Our results suggest that when foodconcentrations are high the hybrid will have a selective advantageover both parental species, but that at lower food levels D.galeatawill have an advantage over both D.cucullata and the hybrid.     

Recent bivalve molluscs of the genus Calyptogena (Vesicomyidae)

The genus Calyptogena (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) comprises highlyspecialized bivalves living in symbiosis with sulphur-oxidizingbacteria in reducing habitats. In this study, the genus is revisedusing shell and anatomical features. The work is based on typematerial, as well as on the extensive collection of vesicomyidsobtained during twelve expeditions to the Pacific and IndianOceans. Nine Recent species are ascribed to the genus Calyptogena,four of which are new: C. pacifica Dall, 1891, C. fausta Okutani,Fujikura & Hashimoto, 1993, C. rectimargo Scarlato, 1981,C. valdiviae (Thiele & Jaeckel, 1931), C. gallardoi Sellanes& Krylova, 2005, C. goffrediae n. sp., C. starobogatovin. sp., C. makranensis n. sp. and C. costaricana n. sp. Thecharacteristic features of Calyptogena are: shell up to 90 mmin length, elongate-elliptical or elongate; presence of escutcheon;presence of broad posterior ramus (3b) of right subumbonal cardinaltooth as well as right posterior nymphal ridge; absence of pallialsinus as a result of attachment of intersiphonal septal retractorimmediately adjacent to ventral surface of posterior adductor;absence of processes on inner vulva of inhalant siphon; presenceof inner demibranch only, with descending and ascending lamellaewith interlamellar septa not divided into separate tubes. Themost closely related taxa to Calyptogena are probably the genusIsorropodon Sturany, 1896, and the group of species representedby ‘Calyptogena’ phaseoliformis Métivier,Okutani & Ohta, 1986. These groups have several charactersin common, namely absence of pallial sinus, presence of singleinner pair of demibranchs and absence of processes on innervulva of inhalant siphon. The worldwide distribution of thegenus Calyptogena suggests that methane seeps at continentalmargins are the major dispersal routes and that speciation waspromoted by geographical isolation. Recent species diversityand fossil records indicate that the genus originated in thePacific Ocean. Sufficient data to discuss the distribution atspecies level exist only for C. pacifica, which has a remarkablynarrow bathymetric range. Published studies on the physiologyof C. pacifica suggest that adaptation to a specific geochemicalenvironment has led to coexisting vesicomyid genera. The bacteria-containinggill of C. pacifica and other Calyptogena species is one ofthe most specialized in the family Vesicomyidae and may reflectthese ecological adaptations. (Received 23 December 2005; accepted 3 April 2006)     

Biological observations on small cyclopoid copepods in the Red Sea

The breeding activity, sex ratio and variation in body lengthof a number of cyclopoid copepod species from the upper 450mof the Red Sea were analyzed. In most species the body lengthof adult specimens was in the lower range or less than thosereported from other pelagic regions. In the central Red Seamost species had some individuals actively breeding, duringboth autumn and winter. To the north, breeding was observedin fewer species. Only two species, Paroithona sp. and Agetuslimbatus, however, seemed to find conditions for reproductionbetter in the north than in the central area. The sex ratioswere quite consistent for all species within the families Sapphirinidaeand Corycaeidae (high percentage of males) and Oithonidae (lowpercentage of males). Within the Oncaeidae, the percentage ofmales varied from a few percent to >60% of adults. Thereappears to be a relationship between sex ratio and size. Populationsof the very small Oncaea species, O.ivlevi, O.prendeli and O.zernovi,include far fewer males than those of their larger congeners.The available information on the biology of Oncaea is summarized.Peculiarities in their life histories and reproduction are discussed.     

Life table responses and population dynamics of four cladoceran zooplankton during a reservoir flood

The life table responses and population dynamics of four cladocerans(Ceriodaphnia lacustris, Daphnia parvula, Diaphonosoma leuchtenbergianumand Moina micrura) were measured during a flood of a large turbidreservoir (Lake Texoma, Oklahoma-Texas). Mean recruitment andlongevity of Ceriodaphnia and Daphnia in life table experimentswere reduced during the flood when abundant silt particles andpicoplankton (<2 µm) replaced algal particles in thewater column. Individual growth rates measured in the life tableexperiments were slower for Ceriodaphnia during the flood. Fieldcollections revealed that Ceriodaphnia and Daphnia populationsdeclined immediately after the arrival of turbid water, andremaining females carried fewer eggs. Populations of Moina andDiaphanosoma increased during the flood, and life table experimentsshowed that these species were able to grow well in silt-ladenwater.