黄河裸裂尻鱼群体遗传结构和Cyt b序列变异

测定了来自黄河上游和柴达木盆地托索湖的裸裂尻鱼共16个个体的Cytb基因全序列(1141bp),探讨了种群结构和遗传多样性。用MEGA2.1软件分析了碱基组成和序列变异;以青海湖裸鲤、花斑裸鲤和极边扁咽齿鱼为外类群,用PAUP*4.0b10程序构建了单倍型NJ树;用Arlequin Ver.2000程序计算了群体间遗传变异值(Fst)和Nm值以及群体分化概率值。结果显示,来自柴达木水系托索湖的裸裂尻鱼没有形成单系群,Fst=0.204(P0.05),Nm=1.95。初步判断,黄河和柴达木水系托索湖的裸裂尻鱼未显著分化,支持将柴达木裸裂尻鱼(Schizopygopsis kessleri)归并入黄河裸裂尻鱼(Schizopygopsis pylzovi)的形态学结果。两种群核苷酸多样度()分别为0.0012和0.0026,表现为较低水平。根据校正的分子钟推测,黄河和托索湖裸裂尻鱼群体分歧时间为距今7万年左右的更新世末期,结合地理分布的资料和古地质事件,对黄河裸裂尻鱼群体分布水系间的历史联系进行了分析。       

黄河裸裂尻鱼五种群mtDNA控制区的遗传结构

黄河裸裂尻鱼（Schizopygopsis pylzovi）主要分布于青藏高原东北部兰州以上黄河干支流水系和高原北部柴达木内流水系,由于其对高原特殊生境表现出独特的适应性而受研究者关注。本文采用聚合酶链式反应（PCR）和直接测序的方法获得了一个分布于柴达木内流水系种群和四个黄河支流种群共99条个体的线粒体DNA（mtDNA）控制区（D-100p）821bp核苷酸的序列,探讨了其种群遗传结构和分化。99条个体的序列经比对后,发现77个（9．37％）多态性位点,共定义了53个单倍型,其中有一个单倍型（DT12）为两个种群（大通种群和互助种群）所共享,其余52个单倍型均为某个种群所特有。遗传多样性分析表明,柴达木种群的单倍型多样度（h=0．79±0．06）和核苷酸多样度（π=0．0027±0．0017）均略低于黄河支流各种群。AMOVA分析结果显示,遗传差异主要发生在种群之内,占75．39％,而小同水系的种群间只有24．61％,各种群间成对的Fst及遗传距离均表明种群间出现了一定程度的种群分化,但系统进化树最示出一种混杂的单倍型分布格局,提示青藏高原东北部地质事件所造成的水系间的隔离形成较晚。单倍型歧点分布呈现为单峰以及中性检验Tajima的D（-1．497,P=0．058）和Fu的Fs（-24．741,P=0．001）结果综合表明,黄河裸裂尻鱼在青藏高原隆升过程中曾经历过近期的种群扩张事件[动物学报54（6）：972—980,2008]。     

基于线粒体控制区的嘉陵裸裂尻鱼种群遗传结构分析

嘉陵裸裂尻鱼为青藏高原特有鱼类,近年来随自然地理气候的变迁和人类活动的影响,种群数量急剧减少。为了解嘉陵裸裂尻鱼的遗传背景以便更好的保护其遗传资源,本研究采用线粒体控制区部分序列变异,分析了嘉陵裸裂尻鱼6个地理种群的遗传结构和分布动态。在147尾个体中共发现17个变异位点,定义了14种单倍型,群体总的单倍型多样性较高为0.810,核苷酸多样性低为0.00698。AMOVA分析显示,44.29%的分子差异源于群体间,55.71%的分子差异源于群体内,群体间遗传分化极显著。Fst值统计检验表明,除宕昌群体和舟曲群体之间差异不显著外,其余两两群体之间Fst值统计检验均显著。基因流估计显示各群体间的基因流水平较高,遗传交流较频繁。Mantel test检验表明,嘉陵裸裂尻鱼种群之间遗传分化程度与地理距离存在显著相关。系统树和单倍型网络进化图显示,6个地理群体的单倍型按照嘉陵江水系和渭河水系形成两个大的类群。错配分布和中性检验表明嘉陵裸裂尻鱼群体在近期历史上群体大小保持稳定,未出现显著的种群扩张。根据本文所揭示的嘉陵裸裂尻鱼种群遗传结构特征,建议将分布在嘉陵江水系的嘉陵裸裂尻鱼作为一个整体进行保护,嘉陵裸裂尻鱼渭河种群属高度分化的单倍型类群,且遗传多样性极低,需对该种群进行优先保护。     

基于mtDNA D-loop部分序列的软刺裸裂尻鱼遗传多样性分析

软刺裸裂尻鱼Schizopygopsis malacanthus是青藏高原特有鱼类。本研究测定了青海省玉树藏族自治州3个软刺裸裂尻鱼野生群体（隆宝滩国家级自然保护区、巴塘河上游、巴塘河下游）共72尾的mtDNA D-loop的部分序列（610 bp）,分析了其遗传多样性和种群遗传结构,旨在为玉树软刺裸裂尻鱼野生资源保护和合理开发提供理论依据。共发现29个多态位点,定义了16个单倍型。3个种群的单倍型多样性为0.438±0.121～0.676±0.076,核苷酸多样性为0.003 4±0.000 5～0.008 6±0.001 3。群体遗传分化指数统计检验表明,两两群体之间的差异均极显著。基因流分析结果表明,巴塘河上、下游种群之间的基因流水平较高,个体交流频繁。AMOVA分析结果显示,79.49%的遗传变异来自于种群间,20.51%的遗传变异来自于种群内,群体间遗传分化极显著。系统发育树和单倍型进化网络结果显示,3个种群的单倍型按照隆宝滩国家级自然保护区和巴塘河水系形成2大类群。中性检验结果表明,软刺裸裂尻鱼近期未出现显著的种群扩张事件。建议将分布在隆宝滩国家级自然保护区和巴塘河水系的软...     

黄河裸裂尻鱼细胞色素C氧化酶Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ亚基基因的克隆及序列特征分析

采用RT-PCR技术克隆获得了黄河裸裂尻鱼(Schizopygopsis pylzovi)CO Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ基因的编码序列,并对此进行了初步分析.结果表明,黄河裸裂尻鱼CO I基因全长为1 551 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)由基因全长组成,编码516个氨基酸;COⅡ基因全长为691 bp,开放阅读框为690 bp,编码2...     

青藏高原裸裂尻属鱼类两个疑难种的分子系统学

裸裂尻鱼属[Schizopygopsis（Steindachner）]鱼类广泛分布于青藏高原各河流上游干支流及其湖泊之中,由于其广泛的分布域和特殊的生态环境而被生物学家视为青藏高原隆升过程中淡水鱼类物种起源、进化的模式物种。然而,该属鱼类种间具有非常相似的形态特征,致使大渡软刺裸裂尻鱼（Sp．malacanthus chengi）和前腹裸裂尻鱼（Sp．anteroventris）的分类学地位一直存在争议。本文采用聚合酶链式反应（PCR）和直接测序的方法,获得了裸裂尻鱼属两个分类疑难种和5个指名种（n=17）以及5个近缘种（n=5）共23个个体的细胞色素b（Cytb）基因的全序列（1140bp）,并以同亚科的齐口裂腹鱼（Schizothorax cprenanti）作为外群构建了ML、MP和Bayesian进化树。序列差异和分子系统学分析表明,Sp．malacanthus schengi和软刺裸裂尻鱼（Sp．malacanthus）间存在较大的差异（2．06％）,两者并不聚在同一枝上;Sp．anteroventris独立成一枝,与其它指名裸裂尻鱼间显示出较大差异（4．38％-5．53％）,综合其它形态差异共同提示,Sp．mnlacanthus chengi应提升为独立种,沿用Sp．chengi的种名,而Sp．anteroventris应该是裸裂尻鱼属的一个独立种。     

青海湖裸鲤和黄河裸裂尻鱼感染多子小瓜虫的病理学比较研究

为探讨不同裂腹鱼类感染多子小瓜虫后的病理学差异, 利用多子小瓜虫对青海湖裸鲤指名亚种(Gymnocypris przewalskii przewalskii)和黄河裸裂尻鱼(Schizopygopsis pylzovi Kessler)实施感染实验, 并对2种鱼进行了深入的病理学研究。研究结果显示: (1) 2种鱼的死亡量均呈现先激增后明显回落的趋势, 青海湖裸鲤死亡高峰在感染后第3至第4天, 黄河裸裂尻鱼死亡高峰在第3至第5天, 青海湖裸鲤的死亡比黄河裸裂尻鱼急剧。(2)感染后2种鱼体表均出现大量肉眼可见的白点。青海湖裸鲤皮肤黏液分泌量明显增加, 体表形成胶状黏液层, 黏液层中见不同细胞期小瓜虫包囊。黄河裸裂尻鱼鳍出现蛀鳍现象, 皮肤出现细菌感染样溃烂。(3)解剖发现, 感染组青海湖裸鲤和黄河裸裂尻鱼肝脏发生病理改变呈淡黄色, 胆有不同程度肿大。(4)组织切片和电镜观察显示, 小瓜虫在鳃部位的寄生导致青海湖裸鲤和黄河裸裂尻鱼鳃丝黏连, 鳃小片和鳃丝上皮细胞萎缩、脱落, 鳃丝结构被严重破坏。小瓜虫在2种鱼皮肤的寄生使寄生部位组织突起, 周围组织塌陷。青海湖裸鲤表皮下层出现空隙, 表皮结构被严重破坏。黄河裸裂尻鱼皮肤表皮细胞出现空泡化病理改变, 失去原有紧密结构, 表皮层和固有层间界限变模糊。综上所述, 小瓜虫的感染对青海湖裸鲤和黄河裸裂尻鱼的鳃和皮肤组织造成严重损伤, 但2种鱼表现的症状和造成的组织损伤类型有明显差异, 这与2种鱼长期适应不同水体环境密切相关。     

黄河裸裂尻鱼肌酸激酶M-CK cDNA的克隆及组织表达分析

肌酸激酶(CK)能够催化磷酸基在二磷酸腺苷(ADP)和磷酸肌酸之间的可逆性转移,在细胞能量代谢过程中发挥重要作用。本研究利用RT-PCR和RACE方法克隆了黄河裸裂尻鱼(Schizopygopsis pylzovi)肌酸激酶基因全长c DNA序列,并进行了生物信息学分析和系统发育关系研究。黄河裸裂尻鱼肌酸激酶c DNA全长1 599 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)1 143 bp,编码380个氨基酸,具有典型的N-端结构域和C-端催化结构域。氨基酸序列同源性分析表明,黄河裸裂尻鱼肌酸激酶与斑马鱼(Danio rerio)和鲤(Cyprinus carpio)M3-CK有较高的同源性,其序列一致度达94%以上。系统发育分析显示,黄河裸裂尻鱼肌酸激酶与斑马鱼和鲤的M3-CK聚在一支,形成一个单系群,初步判定克隆获得的黄河裸裂尻鱼肌酸激酶基因可能与鲤和斑马鱼M3-CK是直系同源基因。利用Real-time PCR方法检测和分析了黄河裸裂尻鱼主要组织肌酸激酶m RNA表达水平,肌肉、肠、眼、心中肌酸激酶转录本表达较高,在肝胰脏和脑中表达微弱。肌酸激酶在肌肉、肠、和心中高表达与其能量代谢功能相适应,而在眼组织中的高表达是否与肌酸激酶的其他功能相关,有待于进一步研究。     

甘肃省鱼类资源现状及DNA条形码在鱼类物种鉴定中的应用

为了摸清甘肃省土著鱼类资源与分布现状, 探索DNA条形码在鱼类辅助物种鉴定中的适用性, 2012年6-9月对甘肃境内黄河水系、嘉陵江水系和河西内陆河水系进行了较全面的鱼类调查。共采集鱼类标本3,087尾, 隶属于5目10科38属64种, 以鲤科种类最多, 为30种, 占总种数的46.88%。物种多样性分析表明, 在黄河水系的夏河和庄浪河多样性指数是所有调查点中最低的, 分别为1.38和1.09。嘉陵江水系各河段的多样性指数较高(H = 2.15-3.27), 其次为河西内陆河水系(H = 2.01-2.83)。在河西内陆河水系中, 疏勒河的均匀度指数最高, 为1.10, 黑河最低(0.68)。庄浪河的优势度指数最高, 为0.34, 而嘉陵江干流两当段的优势度指数在所有调查点中最低, 为0.04。利用DNA条形码分析了49种662尾标本的COI基因部分序列, 大部分种类在neighbor-joining系统树中形成各自的单系, 种内平均遗传距离0.88%, 种间平均遗传距离为9.99%, 在种内和种间COI序列遗传距离之间形成明显的条形码间隙, 斯氏高原鳅(Triplophysa stoliczkae)与达里湖高原鳅(T. dalaica), 甘肃高原鳅(T. robusta)与似鲇高原鳅(T. siluroides), 嘉陵裸裂尻鱼(Schizopygopsis kialingensis)与黄河裸裂尻鱼(S. pylzovi)之间的遗传距离低于2%, 甘肃高原鳅与似鲇高原鳅不能通过COI基因片段区分开, 其他两对物种可以采用核苷酸诊断法来进一步区分。斯氏高原鳅和拉氏鱼岁(Phoxinus lagowskii)种内遗传分歧较大, 揭示种内可能存在隐存种。结果表明, 对某些近缘种和不同地理种群差异较大的物种, 要将分子、形态和地理分布特点结合起来才能准确鉴定。     

南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类形态相似种的分类学地位——形态趋同进化实例

受高原抬升所致的水系变迁及人类活动的影响,分布于南门峡河流的裂腹鱼亚科鱼类与黄河干支流种群间的基因交流受到长期限制。作为孤立小群体,探讨其分类学地位及其在小生境中的进化机制对了解青藏高原鱼类多样性和物种的形成、进化具有重要意义。本文采用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)和直接测序方法获得了南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类(n=29)及其近缘种(n=19)共48个个体的线粒体DNA(mtDNA)细胞色素b(cytb)基因的全序列(1140bp),并以厚唇裸重鱼和尖裸鲤为外群构建了MP和Bayesian系统进化树。南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类29个个体的序列经排序后,发现有100个(8·77%)多态性位点,共定义了16个单倍型,在系统进化树上分布于截然不同的两个族群中。其中5个单倍型(NMX3、6、7、13、15)与其近缘种花斑裸鲤和青海湖裸鲤形成单系群(MP99%,Bayesian98%),而其余11个单倍型(NMX1、2、4、5、8、9、10、11、12、14、16)与黄河干支流的黄河裸裂尻鱼形成另一个单系群(MP99%,Bayesian99%)。序列差异分析显示,分布于不同族群的南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类之间存在较大的碱基差异(平均为7·42%),显示出种间差异水平,表明分布于南门峡河流的裂腹鱼亚科鱼类可能是花斑裸鲤和黄河裸裂尻鱼形态相似种的复合体。结合青藏高原隆升所致的气候环境变化和高原北部水系变迁的事件,推断形态趋同进化可能导致了南门峡河流裂腹鱼亚科鱼类形态相似种的共存,而小生境自然选择压力是引发适应性形态趋同进化的主要原因。     

Taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of Lethenteron lampreys in eastern Eurasia

Allozyme analyses of lampreys (genus Lethenteron ) in eastern Eurasia showed that samples of L. reissneri from the upper Amur River, Russia, possessed the diagnostic alleles of L. kessleri ( MDH‐3 *‐ 93 ). These samples were closely related to L. kessleri samples in the Ob, Lena and middle Amur Rivers and on Sakhalin and Hokkaido Islands. On the other hand, they were distantly related to samples of the northern and southern forms of L. reissneri in the Japanese Archipelago and the southern Korean Peninsula. The number of trunk myomeres in L. reissneri from the upper Amur (63–76) strongly overlapped the number in L. kessleri (64–73), but were markedly displaced from those of the northern (51–66) and southern forms (49–62). These results suggest that L. reissneri in the upper Amur basin is likely to be the same taxonomic entity as L. kessleri reported from eastern Eurasia. The genetic and morphological divergences from L. reissneri in the type locality make it appropriate to regard the northern and southern forms as distinct species, L . sp. N and sp. S. Despite the close relationships found among L. japonicum , the L. reissneri complex and L . sp. N, L . sp. S was highly divergent from other species of Lethenteron , Lampetra and Entosphenus . In the monophyletic group comprising L. japonicum , the L. reissneri complex and L . sp. N, the direction of life‐history evolution presumed from the most parsimonious character reconstruction on the molecular tree was inconsistent with the previous hypothesis that nonparasitic species arise from parasitic species, indicating the necessity of detailed assessment of characteristics. On the other hand, L . sp. S may be a relict species of the coancestor of Lethenteron , Lampetra and Entosphenus .     

Genetic diversity and historical population structure of Schizopygopsis pylzovi (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

1. Complete sequences of 1140 base pair of the cytochrome b gene from 133 specimens were obtained from nine localities including the inflow drainage system, isolated lakes and outflow drainage system in Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau to assess genetic diversity and to infer population histories of the freshwater fish Schizopygopsis pylzovi. 2. Nucleotide diversities (π) were moderate (0.0024–0.0045) in populations from the outflow drainage system and Tuosuo Lake, but low (0.0018–0.0021) in populations from Qiadam Basin. It is probable that the low intra‐population variability is related with the paleoenvironmental fluctuation in Qiadam Basin, suggesting that the populations from Qiadam Basin have experienced severe bottleneck events in history. 3. Phylogenetic tree topologies indicate that the individuals from different populations did not form reciprocal monophyly, but the populations from the adjacent drainages cluster geographically. Most population pairwise F_ST tests were significant, with non‐significant pairwise tests between Tuosu Lake and Tuosuo Lake in the north‐west of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Analysis of molecular variance (amova ) indicates that the significant genetic variation was explained at the levels of catchments within and among, not among specific boundaries or inflow and outflow drainage systems. 4. The nested clade phylogeographical analysis indicates that historical processes are very important in the observed geographical structuring of S. pylzovi, and the contemporary population structure and differentiation of S. pylzovi may be consistent with the historical tectonic events occurred in the course of uplifts of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Fluctuations of the ecogeographical environment and major hydrographic formation might have promoted contiguous range expansion of freshwater fish populations, whereas the geological barriers among drainages have resulted in the fragmentation of population and restricted the gene flow among populations. 5. The significantly large negative F_s‐value (−24.91, P < 0.01) of Fu's F_s‐test and the unimodal mismatch distribution indicate that the species S. pylzovi underwent a sudden population expansion after the historical tectonic event of the Gonghe Movement. 6. The results of this study indicate that each population from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau should be managed and conserved separately and that efforts should be directed towards preserving the genetic integrity of each group.     

The biogeography and phylogeny of schizothoracine fishes (Schizopygopsis) in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau

Freshwater fish belonging to the genus Schizopygopsis are widespread in drainages throughout the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and, thus, a model group with which to investigate how paleo‐drainage changes linked to historical uplifting within the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau influence speciation. To date, the phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships within Schizopygopsis remain controversial. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Schizopygopsis based on six mitochondrial gene sequences. We compared the taxonomic relationships revealed by this phylogeny with those obtained from morphological data. We also used this phylogeny to assess the extent to which the evolution of Schizopygopsis has been driven by paleo‐drainage changes linked to uplifting of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. Results indicated that all Schizopygopsis taxa formed a monophyletic group comprising five major clades, which were inconsistent with the taxonomic relationships based on morphology for this group. Our results also strongly supported the validity of S. anteroventris and S. microcephalus as distinct species within Schizopygopsis. Molecular calibrations showed that species within the middle Yangtze species diverged earlier (~4.5 Mya) than species within the Indus River (~3.0 Mya), the Mekong River (~2.8 Mya) and the Tsangpo + Salween rivers (~2.5 Mya). The most recent evolutionary splits occurred among species from the upper and lower Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Qiadam Basin at about 1.8 to 0.3 Mya. Our molecular evidence and use of the molecular clock calibration have allowed us to associate speciation events within the genus Schizopygopsis to the formation and separation of paleo‐drainage connections caused by tectonic events during the uplifting of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (~4.5 Mya). This work underlines the dominant role of vicariance in shaping the evolutionary history of the genus Schizopygopsis. Further research using multiple loci and more extensive sampling will reveal a more complete picture of the phylogenetic relationships and biogeography of Schizopygopsis fishes.     

基于着生藻类的太子河流域水生态系统健康评价

本研究以辽宁省太子河流域为研究范例,调查了全流域范围内69个样点的着生藻类群落和水环境理化特征,并在此基础上应用硅藻生物评价指数(DBI)和生物完整性评价指数(P-IBI),同时结合栖息地环境质量评价指数(QHEI),对太子河流域水生态系统进行健康评价。结果表明,太子河流域着生藻类群落结构具有明显的空间异质性,CCA结果显示驱动着生藻类群落结构形成的水环境因子为电导率、总溶解固体和总氮。虽然DBI、P-IBI和QHEI在太子河流域某些河段上的评价结果有较大出入,但从全流域尺度上看,DBI、P-IBI和QHEI的评价结果基本一致,表现为太子河上游健康状况较好,中游健康状况一般,而下游健康状况较差。文中讨论了水环境理化因子与着生藻类群落结构的相互关系,并对比分析了DBI、P-IBI和QHEI这三种河流健康评价方法。     

Phylogeographic Analyses Suggest Multiple Lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae)

The crystal darter, Crystallaria asprella, exists in geographically isolated populations that may be glacial relicts from its former, wide distribution in the Eastern U.S. An initial phylogeographic survey of C. asprella based upon the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene indicated that there were at least four distinct populations within the species: Ohio River basin, Upper Mississippi River, Gulf coast, and lower Mississippi River. In particular, the most divergent population was the most recently discovered, from the Elk River, WV, in the Ohio River basin, and it was postulated that this population represents an undescribed, potentially threatened species. However, differentiation observed at a single gene region is generally not considered sufficient evidence to establish taxonomic status. In the present study, nucleotide variation at the mitochondrial control region and a nuclear S7 ribosomal gene intron were compared to provide independent verification of phylogeographic results between individuals collected from the same five disjunct populations previously surveyed. Variation between populations at the control region was substantial (except between Gulf drainages) and was concordant with patterns of sequence divergence from cyt b. Only the Elk River population was resolved as monophyletic based upon nuclear S7, but significant differences based upon Φ_ST statistics were observed between most populations. Morphometric data were consistent with molecular data regarding the distinctiveness of the Elk River population. It is proposed that populations of C. asprella consist of at least four distinct population segments, and that the Elk River group likely constitutes a distinct species.     

Testing Species Delimitations in Four Italian Sympatric Leuciscine Fishes in the Tiber River: A Combined Morphological and Molecular Approach

Leuciscine fishes represent an important component of freshwater ichthyofauna endemic to northern Mediterranean areas. This lineage shows high intra-specific morphological variability and exhibits high levels of hybridization, two characteristics that contribute to systematic uncertainties, misclassification of taxa and, potentially, the mismanagement of biodiversity. This study focused on brook chub, Squalius lucumonis, an endemic taxon of Central Italy. The taxonomic status of this species has long been questioned, and a hybrid origin from sympatric leusciscines (S. squalus x Rutilus rubilio, or S. squalus x Telestes muticellus) has been hypothesised. A phenotypic (evaluating shape and meristic counts) and genetic (using mitochondrial and nuclear markers) investigation of these four taxa was conducted to test species delimitation in sympatric areas and to evaluate the taxonomic status of S. lucumonis. One hundred and forty-five individuals of all four taxa were collected within streams of the lowest portion of the Tiber River basin and analysed; this region encompasses a large portion of the S. lucumonis distribution. The different morphological and genetic approaches were individually examined, compared, and then combined in a quantitative model to both investigate the limits of each approach and to identify cases of misclassification. The results obtained confirm the cladogenetic non-hybrid origin of S. lucumonis, highlight the need for immediate conservation actions and emphasise the value of an integrated approach in the study of leuciscines evolution.     

Genetic connectivity between sympatric populations of closely related char species,Dolly Varden <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus malma</Emphasis> and white char <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus albus</Emphasis>

The closely related chars Salvelinus malma and Salvelinus albus, which sympatrically inhabit the Kamchatka River basin and Kronotsky Lake (Kamchatka), attract the attention of the researchers because of their debated origin and taxonomic status. Previous studies of sympatric populations of these chars revealed small but statistically significant genetic differences between these species at a number of molecular markers, suggesting the presence of the genetic exchange and hybridization. In this study, based on genotypic characterization of nine microsatellite loci, a considerable level of historical and contemporary genetic migration between sympatric populations of these chars was demonstrated. At the individual level, a high degree of hybridization was observed, mainly among the Dolly Varden individuals from the studied populations. The obtained evidences on the genetic connectivity between sympatric S. malma and S. albus do not support the separate species status of S. albus.     

Voles of the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alexandromys</Emphasis> from the Verkhnebureinskaya Depression

Voles of an unclear taxonomic status have been found in the Bureya River depression (Khabarovsk krai) for the first time. An analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the control region in two individuals revealed their greatest similarity with species of the “maximowiczii” group. The minimum p-distance (0.0217 ± 0.0044) was observed between individuals from the Bureya River depression and Alexandromys evoronensis studied earlier. The karyotype of one individual studied had a chromosomal aberration distinguished at the heterozygous state (2n = 37; NF = 55). A similar karyotype was described in the polymorphic A. maximowiczii population from the Khentii Mountains in Mongolia.     

Molecular phylogeny of the genus Gobio Cuvier, 1816 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) and its contribution to taxonomy

The phylogenetic relationships among gudgeons that represent most nominal taxa within Gobio gobio sensu lato were examined by mitochondrial and nuclear genome sequencing. The molecular analyses confirmed the separate generic status of Gobio as a monophyletic group and revealed 15 Eurasian lineages divided into two main clades, the Northern European and the Ponto-Caspian. The validity of eleven nominal taxa as distinct species was confirmed, gudgeons from the Volga River basin were described as a new species G. volgensis, and three revealed phylogenetic lineages were submitted for a comprehensive revision as "species-in-waiting". The species G. gobio showed a wide range extending from the British Isles to the Black Sea coast and overlapped the areas of several other species. Four pure lineages were detected in the middle Danube River basin. The Crimean Peninsula was found to be a region with the occurrence of individuals of hybrid origin. This region will require special investigation to define species participating in hybridization events, and to establish further steps for the conservation of endemic native gudgeon species. A simple diagnostic method, based on different lengths of the PCR products, called "S7indel diagnostics" is presented for further taxonomic investigations in the genus Gobio.