Genetic diversity of invasive populations of the florida crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhithropanopeus harrisii</Emphasis> (Gould, 1841): (Decapoda,Panopidae))

The variability of the mtDNA locus COI in the Florida crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii) of coastal populations of the northern Black Sea is studied. The introduction of this crab species is demonstrated to originate from European populations, most likely the Netherlands. The studied populations experienced a strong decline in the level of genetic variability based on the haplotype diversity, but to a lesser extent based on the nucleotide diversity. Analysis of the structure of decapod community of Crimea makes it possible to discuss the reasons underlying invasive success of the Florida crab in the region.     

Colour polymorphism in common primrose (Primula vulgaris Huds.): many colours–many species?

Primula vulgaris exhibits flower colour polymorphism in the eastern part of its range, especially pronounced on the NE coast of the Black Sea. This polymorphism in the Caucasian populations has been taxonomically described and some segregated species are listed as rare and endangered. We used sequence variation in two chloroplast noncoding regions (trnL–trnF and rpll32–trnL) and the complete nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA region to investigate correspondence between flower colour and geographical distribution of both nuclear and chloroplast haplotypes. It appears that variability in these DNA regions does not correlate with flower colour, being, however, clearly structured geographically. We used nested clade analysis to explore this geographical structure. It seems that the territory of the Colchis refugium on the E coast of the Black Sea contains both the highest flower colour and haplotype diversities. The results suggest that common primroses colonized the NE coast of the Black Sea from this refugium, spreading along the coast westward. At the same time, the analysis of ITS haplotypes indicates that P. vulgaris colonized the Crimea from NW Anatolia. This makes it clear that no segregated species can be recognized within flower colour polymorphic P. vulgaris in the Caucasus region. However, its phylogeography needs further detailed study on a broader scale.     

Spatiotemporal variability of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) growth response to climate across the Iberian Peninsula

Climate warming and increasing aridity have impacted diverse ecosystems in the Mediterranean region since at least the 1970s. Pinus pinea L. has significant environmental and socio-economic importance for the Iberian Peninsula, so a detailed understanding of its response to climate change is necessary to predict its status under future climatic conditions. However, variability of climate and uncertainties in dendroclimatological approach complicate the understanding of forest growth dynamics. We use an ensemble approach to analyze growth-climate responses of P. pinea trees from five sites along a latitudinal gradient in Spain over time. The growth responses to April-June precipitation totals were stronger in the north than in the south. Since the 1950s, the sensitivity of growth to April-June precipitation increased in the north and decreased in the south. Meteorological drought usually started in May in the southern sites, but in June-July in the northern sites. The water deficit in the southern sites is thus greater and more limiting for tree growth, and this likely accounts for the lower growth sensitivity during these months. Our results indicate that P. pinea has a high degree of plasticity, suggesting the species will withstand changing climatic conditions. However, growth response to drought regimes varies among P. pinea populations, suggesting that different populations have different capacities for acclimation to warmer and drier climate, and this may influence future vegetation composition.     

Phylogeographic evidence for the postglacial colonization of the North and Baltic Sea coasts from inland glacial refugia by Triglochin maritima L.

We investigated the geographical distribution of genetic variation in 67 individuals of Triglochin maritima from 38 localities across Europe using AFLP markers. Analysis of genetic variation resulted in the recognition of two major genetic groups. Apart from few geographical outliers, these are distributed (1) along the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain and France and (2) in the North Sea area, the Baltic Sea area, at central European inland localities, the northern Adriatic Sea coast and the Mediterranean coast of southwest France. Considering possible range shifts of T. maritima in reaction to Quaternary climatic changes as deduced from the present-day northern temperature limit of the species, Quaternary changes of coastline in the North Sea area and the very recent origin of the Baltic Sea, we conclude that the coastal populations of T. maritima in the North Sea and Baltic Sea areas originated from inland populations.     

Findings of new and rare fish species in the coastal zone of the Crimea (the Black Sea)

Characteristics of seven Atlantic-Mediterranean fish species are provided. Of them, four (gobies—yellow-headed Gobius xanthocephalus and red-mouthed G. cruentatus, incognito blenny Parablennius incognitus, and greater pipefish Syngnathus acus) were either first found in the Black Sea coastal zone of the Crimea, or their findings were doubted, and three species (thin-lipped grey mullet Liza ramada, European barracuda Sphyraena sphyraena, and Black Sea salmon Salmo trutta labrax) are very rare. Over the last decade, the authors recorded 15 fish species; of them, seven Atlantic-Mediterranean species have dispersed along the Crimean coasts by now, one endemic of the far eastern seas (chameleon goby Tridentiger trigonocephalus) has naturalized in Sevastopol Bay, four invading species, freshwater by origin, permanently occur in the estuary zones of the peninsula; the remaining three species are known from single findings and apparently belong to the category of accidental fish. An increase in the species composition of ichthyofauna off the Black Sea coasts of the Crimea results from the on-going process of mediterranization—the invasion in the estuary of freshwater tolerant species at the expense of accidental species that penetrated here either independently or with ballast waters.     

Tree-ring growth of Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana under different climate conditions throughout western Anatolia

Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (black pine) is one of the most widely grown tree in Turkey. It is the third most widely distributed tree species after Quercus L. and Pinus brutia Ten. Black pine grows in 20% of all forested areas in Turkey. In this dendroecological study, we identified the most important climate factors affecting radial growth of black pine in western Anatolia and classified its responses to climate. Twenty-eight site chronologies developed by different researchers were used in the analysis. Response functions were calculated for each chronology to identify the effect of climate on radial growth. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to sort response functions and to classify the chronologies into groups based on climate responses. The individual responses of these chronologies to temperature and precipitation were classified in four main groups. Climatic and phytogeographic differences were the major factors influencing the formation of clusters. The results suggest that the major limiting factor is drought caused by low precipitation, especially in May, in almost all sites. The drought effect is much stronger in the transition region to the steppe, Central Anatolia and Mediterranean Regions than the Black Sea Region. Black pine trees respond positively to higher temperature at the beginning of growing season in almost all areas except in transition region to the steppe.     

Effect of salinity on vegetative growth and sexual reproduction of algae from the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ardissonea</Emphasis> de Notaris (Bacillariophyta)

Effect of salinity on vegetative growth and sexual reproduction was investigated in laboratory cultures of a benthic diatom Ardissonea crystallina (C. Agardh) Grunow from the Black Sea and vegetative growth of Ardissonea sp. from the coast of Martinique, the Atlantic Ocean. Typical water salinity in the places where the populations inhabit differs two times. It was shown that the clones of both populations have a broad tolerance and great ability to adapt to changes in salinity. Cells of different size (i.e., in different stages of the life cycle) responded differently to desalination. Salinities optimal for vegetative growth of these species were not the same. Ardissonea from the coast of Martinique was more sensitive to low levels of salinity as compared with A. crystallina from the Black Sea. It was surprising that salinity optimal for vegetative growth and sexual reproduction of the Black Sea species did not coincide with the real salinity level of the Black Sea. Position of physiological optimums indicates an oceanic (or Mediterranean) origin of the Black Sea population of A. crystallina.     

Isolated population of the Middle Eastern Phoenicolacerta laevis from the Georgian Black Sea Coast,and its genetic closeness to populations from southern Turkey

The Lebanon Lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis) occurs on the Levantine coast and scattered populations are found in isolated coastal habitats along the southern and south-western coast of Turkey. We found an isolated but dense population of this species at and around the castle of Anaklia on Georgia’s Black Sea Coast, near the mouth of the river Enguri. The analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence suggests closeness of this population to the populations in the provinces of Kahramanmara?, Adana and Içel in southern Turkey, rather than to those in Lebanon and Israel. It is thought that the species was introduced from a Turkish region to Anaklia, which was an important trade location at the eastern Black Sea coast until the late 18^th century. This is the first established location of this species outside the eastern Mediterranean area. Climate and competition with rock lizards of the genus Darevskia are the most likely reasons preventing expansion of the species into the neighboring areas of Western Georgia.     

A species of sea anemone Sagartia elegans (Dalyell, 1848) (Anthozoa, Actiniaria, Sagartiidae) that is new for the Black Sea and is capable of clonal reproduction

In the Black Sea, the sea anemone Sagartia elegans (Dalyell, 1848) has been found for the first time in the Gulf of Odessa (46°31′60 N, 30°48′ E) and karst caves and grottos of the Western Crimea (45°21′ N, 32°30′ E). Previously, S. elegans was known to inhabit coastal waters of Iceland, the British Isles, and continental Europe from Scandinavia to the Adriatic Sea. According to the available data, this gonochoristic species tends to asexual somatic reproduction through laceration: juvenile polyps develop from separated fragments of the pedal disc. A rich color polymorphism is observed. The numerous clonal populations that are found in caves consist of variously sized and similarly colored polyps. All of them descended from one parental individual.     

Description of two new species of the genus Gobio (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Black Sea coast of Turkey

Thesystematics of the genus Gobio, especially of the populations on the southern Black Sea coast, seems to be still far from being resolved. Seven species were rec-orded from the northern Black Sea coast while three species were recognized from the southern Black Sea coast. We examined in total 43 specimens from K?z?l?rmak River (southern Black Sea basin), 80 specimens from Çoruh River (the Western Cau-casus of the Black Sea basin), 14 specimens from Rioni River (the Western Caucasus of the Black Sea basin), and 6 specimens from Kherota and Shakhe Rivers (the Western Caucasus of the Black Sea basin). Based on an analysis of 32 metric and 5 meristic data as well as the number of vertebrae, we concluded that the K?z?l?rmak and Coruh populations are two distinct, unnamed species, and we describe them here as Gobio kizilirmakensis from the K?z?l?rmak River and G. artvinicus from the Çoruh River.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1ED54FB1-588F-4412-B376-4BE4E4516EB1     

Topographic,latitudinal and climatic distribution of Pinus coulteri: geographic range limits are not at the edge of the climate envelope

With changing climate, many species are projected to move poleward or to higher elevations to track suitable climates. The prediction that species will move poleward assumes that geographically marginal populations are at the edge of the species' climatic range. We studied Pinus coulteri from the center to the northern (poleward) edge of its range, and examined three scenarios regarding the relationship between the geographic and climatic margins of a species' range. We used herbarium and iNaturalist.org records to identify P. coulteri sites, generated a species distribution model based on temperature, precipitation, climatic water deficit, and actual evapotranspiration, and projected suitability under future climate scenarios. In fourteen populations from the central to northern portions of the range, we conducted field studies and recorded elevation, slope and aspect (to estimate solar insolation) to examine relationships between local and regional distributions. We found that northern populations of P. coulteri do not occupy the cold or wet edge of the species' climatic range; mid‐latitude, high elevation populations occupy the cold margin. Aspect and insolation of P. coulteri populations changed significantly across latitudes and elevations. Unexpectedly, northern, low‐elevation stands occupy north‐facing aspects and receive low insolation, while central, high‐elevation stands grow on more south‐facing aspects that receive higher insolation. Modeled future climate suitability is projected to be highest in the central, high elevation portion of the species range, and in low‐lying coastal regions under some scenarios, with declining suitability in northern areas under most future scenarios. For P. coulteri, the lack of high elevation habitat combined with a major dispersal barrier may limit northward movement in response to a warming climate. Our analyses demonstrate the importance of distinguishing geographically vs. climatically marginal populations, and the importance of quantitative analysis of the realized climate space to understand species range limits.     

Post-Glacial Expansion and Population Genetic Divergence of Mangrove Species Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn and Rhizophora mangle L. along the Mexican Coast

Mangrove forests in the Gulf of California, Mexico represent the northernmost populations along the Pacific coast and thus they are likely to be source populations for colonization at higher latitudes as climate becomes more favorable. Today, these populations are relatively small and fragmented and prior research has indicated that they are poor in genetic diversity. Here we set out to investigate whether the low diversity in this region was a result of recent colonization, or fragmentation and genetic drift of once more extensive mangroves due to climatic changes in the recent past. By sampling the two major mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans, along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Mexico, we set out to test whether concordant genetic signals could elucidate recent evolution of the ecosystem. Genetic diversity of both mangrove species showed a decreasing trend toward northern latitudes along the Pacific coast. The lowest levels of genetic diversity were found at the range limits around the Gulf of California and the outer Baja California peninsula. Lack of a strong spatial genetic structure in this area and recent northern gene flow in A. germinans suggest recent colonization by this species. On the other hand, lack of a signal of recent northern dispersal in R. mangle, despite the higher dispersal capability of this species, indicates a longer presence of populations, at least in the southern Gulf of California. We suggest that the longer history, together with higher genetic diversity of R. mangle at the range limits, likely provides a gene pool better able to colonize northwards under climate change than A. germinans.     

Drought signal in the tree rings of three conifer species from Northern Pakistan

Anthropogenic and climatic stressors have affected the forests of northern Pakistan in recent decades. Several studies have been conducted to understand forest growth and its relation to the changing climate in this region, but more work needs to be done to understand this complex environment. In this study, we have collected tree core samples of three conifer species (Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, and Abies pindrow) from three different sites in northern Pakistan to understand their radial growth pattern with the goal of finding a relationship between ring-width and climatic parameters (temperature, precipitation, and drought). A 610-year (AD 1406–2015), a 538-year (AD 1478–2015), and a 306-year (AD 1710–2015) long tree-ring width chronology of Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, and Abies pindrow were developed, respectively, using living trees. The ring-width chronologies of these three species showed a strong positive link with the self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) rather than precipitation or temperature alone, indicating that soil moisture is the primary limiting climatic factor for the growth of these species in the sampling locations. The chronologies of Pinus wallichiana and Picea smithiana exhibited growth suppressions during AD 1570–1610 and the second half of 17th century while their growth was heightened from AD 1540–1560. We have found the lowest growth in Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana from AD 1900–1920, suggesting dry conditions. All three chronologies have exhibited the most rapid increase in growth during the recent decades, suggesting that this region is experiencing climate change with a strong trend towards wetter conditions.     

Stable isotope analyses of mammal skeletal remains of Holocene age from European Russia: A way to trace dietary and environmental changes

Fifty-five samples of human and animal fossil skeletal remains (sheep, cattle, horse and deer) collected at six different sites in European Russia were measured for the oxygen isotopic composition of bone phosphate (δ¹⁸Op) and for the carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotopic composition of bone collagen. The age of these samples ranges from 10 500 to 200 BP covering a time period of about 10 000 years. The samples come from the steppe area of southern European Russia, from the northern Black Sea coast and from an area near Moscow. From the results obtained it can be suggested that the steppe tribes were nomads, at least after 4000 BP, and that they probably moved from east to west and vice-versa (i.e. from the Volga area to the Black Sea coast). C₄ plants were present in the steppe area since 5000 BP. On the contrary, in the area near Moscow and on the Black Sea coast no C₄ species are documented at least until 5000 and 6000 BP respectively. Arid environmental conditions dominate the steppe area even though the N isotope values suggest a climatic improvement-taking place from 5000 BP towards present in terms of more humid conditions. As regards diet, it seems that the subsistence of the steppe populations was based mainly on terrestrial food and in particular on sheep with a minor contribution of fish. The populations from the Moscow area probably had a permanent economy mainly based on fishing.     

Dendroecological analysis of relict pine forests in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula

Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii is found in the east and centre of the Iberian Peninsula, in the south of France and in North Africa. This subspecies occupies the westernmost position of the species’ general range. The persistence on the Iberian Peninsula of very long-lived specimens of Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii, along with their sensitivity to climate, has drawn the attention of many researchers, but to date the importance of dendroecological studies relating to conservation of biodiversity or the genetic resources of this taxon had not been stressed. In the present paper we use dendroecological methods to analyse the relict pine forest in Navalacruz, an interesting and endangered genetic forestry resource on the northern slopes of the Gredos mountains (in Spain’s Central System Range) at the subspecies’ south-western global limit. This forest provides a prime example for demonstrating the potential application of dendroecology for studying the origin, dynamics, local variability, relationships with climate and anthropogenic disturbances of relict forest populations. We dated 93 growth sequences from 47 trees ranging from 1809 to 2006 and we have determined that interspecific competition is the most relevant factor as regards differences in the diameter growth of these trees. Moreover, we detected great variability and numerous common growth disturbances unrelated to climatic oscillations. These quasi-periodic disturbances alternate between suppression and release suggesting continuous management cycles of different intensities. Despite its high level of disturbance, the pine forest presents a certain degree of climatic sensitivity. Comparing with others Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii populations, we denoted a temporal grading of the growth response to precipitation that is indicative of differences in the start and length of the vegetative period. Furthermore, we compiled different dendroecological and palaeobiogeographical data to demonstrate that this dense, homogeneous and relatively younger P. nigra population is of an indigenous nature. This study aims to provide data for improved management and conservation of this exceptional and highly endangered bastion of biodiversity.     

First records of an East Asian seed beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Megabruchidius dorsalis</Emphasis> Fåhraeus (Coleoptera,Bruchidae) from Germany and the Black Sea Coast of Crimea and Caucasus

The East Asian seed beetle Megabruchidius dorsalis Fåhraeus is recorded for the first time from Germany (Frankfurt on Main) and the Russian Black Sea coast in Crimea (Saki) and Krasnodar Territory (Gelendzhik).     

Recent advance of white spruce (Picea glauca) in the coastal tundra of the eastern shore of Hudson Bay (Québec, Canada)

Aim The species‐specific response of tree‐line species to climatic forcing is a crucial topic in modelling climate‐driven ecosystem dynamics. In northern Québec, Canada, black spruce (Picea mariana) is the dominant species at the tree line, but white spruce (Picea glauca) also occurs along the maritime coast of Hudson Bay, and is expanding along the coast and on lands that have recently emerged because of isostatic uplift. Here we outline the present distribution, structure, dynamics and recent spread of white spruce from the tree line up to its northernmost position in the shrub tundra along the Hudson Bay coast. We aimed to obtain a minimum date of the arrival of the species in the area and to evaluate its dynamics relative to recent climate changes. Location White spruce populations and individuals were sampled along a latitudinal transect from the tree line to the northernmost individual in the shrub tundra along the Hudson Bay coast and in the Nastapoka archipelago in northern Québec and Nunavut, Canada (56°06′–56°32′ N). Methods White spruce populations were mapped, and the position, dimension, growth form and origin (seed or layering) of every individual recorded. Tree‐ring analyses of living and dead trees allowed an estimation of the population structure, past recruitment, growth trends and growth rate of the species. A macrofossil analysis was performed of the organic horizon of the northernmost white spruce stands and individuals. Radiocarbon dates of white spruce remains and organic matter were obtained. The rate of isostatic uplift was assessed by radiocarbon dating of drifted wood fragments. Results The first recorded establishment of white spruce was almost synchronous at all sites and occurred around ad 1660. Spruce recruitment was rather continuous at the tree line, while it showed a gap in the northern shrub tundra during the first decades of the 19th century. A vigorous, recent establishment of seedlings was observed in the shrub tundra; only wind‐exposed, low krummholz (stunted individuals) did not show any sexual regeneration. A period of suppressed growth occurred from the 1810s to the 1850s in most sites. A growth increase was evident from the second half of the 19th century and peaked in the 1880s and the 20th century. A shift from stunted to tree growth form has occurred since the mid‐19th century. No sample associated with white spruce remains gave a date older than 300 ¹⁴C years bp [calibrated age (cal.) ad 1430–1690]. Main conclusions White spruce probably arrived recently in the coastal tundra of Hudson Bay due to a delayed post‐glacial spread. The arrival of the species probably occurred during the Little Ice Age. The established individuals survived by layering during unfavourable periods, but acted as nuclei for sexual recruitment almost continuously, except in the northernmost and most exposed sites. Warmer periods were marked by strong seedling recruitment and a shift to tree growth form. Unlike white spruce, black spruce showed no evidence of an ongoing change in growth form and sexual recruitment. Ecological requirements and recent history of tree‐line species should be taken into account in order to understand the present dynamics of high‐latitude ecosystems.     

Evolutionary melting pots: a biodiversity hotspot shaped by ring diversifications around the Black Sea in the Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis)

Hotspots of intraspecific genetic diversity, which are of primary importance for the conservation of species, have been associated with glacial refugia, that is areas where species survived the Quaternary climatic oscillations. However, the proximate mechanisms generating these hotspots remain an open issue. Hotspots may reflect the long‐term persistence of large refugial populations; alternatively, they may result from allopatric differentiation between small and isolated populations, that later admixed. Here, we test these two scenarios in a widely distributed species of tree frog, Hyla orientalis, which inhabits Asia Minor and southeastern Europe. We apply a fine‐scale phylogeographic survey, combining fast‐evolving mitochondrial and nuclear markers, with a dense sampling throughout the range, as well as ecological niche modelling, to understand what shaped the genetic variation of this species. We documented an important diversity centre around the Black Sea, composed of multiple allopatric and/or parapatric diversifications, likely driven by a combination of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and complex regional topography. Remarkably, this diversification forms a ring around the Black Sea, from the Caucasus through Anatolia and eastern Europe, with terminal forms coming into contact and partially admixing in Crimea. Our results support the view that glacial refugia generate rather than host genetic diversity and can also function as evolutionary melting pots of biodiversity. Moreover, we report a new case of ring diversification, triggered by a large, yet cohesive dispersal barrier, a very rare situation in nature. Finally, we emphasize the Black Sea region as an important centre of intraspecific diversity in the Palearctic with implications for conservation.     

Genetic variation of the mtDNA <Emphasis Type="Italic">cyt b</Emphasis> locus in topmouth gudgeon introduced into water bodies in the northern part of the Black Sea region

The up-to-date phylogeographical distribution of the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva Temminck et Schlegel 1846 in water bodies of the Northern Black Sea region is considered. Genetic variation of mtDNA cyt b gene is analyzed. It is established that topmouth gudgeon penetrated and spread in the basins of the Dnieper and Don rivers and in water bodies of Crimea from the secondary center of its dispersion— water bodies of Central Europe. It is demonstrated that haplotypes of topmouth gudgeon in the Danube delta are the most homologous to the haplotypes in the native range of the species in China. A considerable decrease in the level of genetic variation in the populations in the Black Sea region is reported.     

Morphometric and genetic structure of the edible dormouse (Glis glis): a consequence of forest fragmentation in Turkey

Past climatic fluctuations influenced forest habitats and impacted heavily the distribution of forest species, such as the edible dormouse, by changing the distribution and composition of forests themselves. Such effects may be valid for ongoing climate change as well. To improve our understanding of the edible dormouse's history and how it responded to changes in its environment, we investigated its variation across the understudied zone of Northern Turkey using two complementary markers of differentiation: the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for genetics, and size and shape of the first upper molar for phenotypic differences. Genetic and morphometric results were strongly discrepant. Genetic analyses evidenced an amazing homogeneity throughout the Eurasian range of the edible dormouse, whereas morphometrics pointed to a complex, step‐wise differentiation along the Black Sea coast, the main signal being an opposition between Easternmost and Westernmost Turkish dormice. The genetic homogeneity suggests that this phenotypic differentiation is not the inheritance of glacial refuges, but the consequence of a more recent post‐glacial isolation. The transition between the European and Asian groups is located eastwards from the Marmara straits, undermining its claimed role as an efficient barrier but stressing the importance of climatic and vegetational factors. A secondary differentiation between populations from the Central Black Sea coast and Easternmost regions was evidenced, attributed to a complex interplay of climatic, topographic, anthropogenic, and ecological factors. Turkey, at the crossroad of European and Asian species, heavily impacted by the current global change including climatic and anthropogenic factors, appears of importance for understanding the historical dynamics of differentiation and exchanges between populations that shaped the current distribution of Eurasian species and their future survival. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 107 , 611–623.