Mesozoic rissoid gastropods: History of the study,systematics, and diversity

The history of the study and review of generic and species diversity of Mesozoic rissoid gastropods are provided. The generic composition of Jurassic rissoid gastropods is revised, so that it is proposed to regard them as the family Rissoidae, comprising the genera Bralitzia, Buvignieria, Palaeoceratia, and Palaeorissoina. It is tentatively proposed to assign the genus Hudlestoniella to Rissoidae; this is caused by insufficient morphological knowledge of this genus. The family Palaeorissoidae is regarded as a synonym of Rissoidae. Stratigraphical and geographical distribution of Rissoidae genera is reviewed. From the Jurassic of European Russia, the following species of the genus Buvignieria are described: B. calloviana Gründel, B. imminuera Gründel, B. paucicostata Gründel, B. eichwaldiana (Rouillier), B. choroshovensis Gerasimov, and B. gruendeli sp. nov. The morphological characteristics and stratigraphical distribution of these species are provided. Based on extensive material, the taxonomic significance of particular conchological characters for the establishment of species is discussed.     

Redescription of a fossil loach <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triplophysa opinata</Emphasis> (Yakowlew, 1959) from the Miocene of Kirgizia (Balitoridae: Nemacheilinae)

The only known fossil representative of the genus Triplophysa, T. opinata from the middle-upper Miocene of Kirgizia is redescribed. It is suggested that this species is closest to the species groups “dorsalis” and “labiata” (sensu Prokofiev, 2002, 2004a). The fossil finding clearly suggests that Triplophysa developed no later than in the middle of the Neogene.     

High-throughput sequencing of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus ferganensis</Emphasis> indicates that it is a geographical population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. persica</Emphasis>

Peach belongs to the genus Prunus, which includes Prunus persica and its relative species, P. mira, P. davidiana, P. kansuensis, and P. ferganensis. Of these, P. ferganensis have been classified as a species, subspecies, or geographical population of P. persica. To explore the genetic difference between P. ferganensis and P. persica, high-throughput sequencing was used in different peach accessions belonging to different species. First, low-depth sequencing data of peach accessions belonging to four categories revealed that similarity between P. ferganensis and P. persica was similar to that between P. persica accessions from different geographical populations. Then, to further detect the genomic variation in P. ferganensis, the P. ferganensis accession “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” and the P. persica accession “Xia Miao 1” were sequenced with high depth, and sequence reads were assembled. The results showed that the collinearity of “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” with the reference genome “Lovell” was higher than that of “Xia Miao 1” and “Lovell” peach. Additionally, the number of genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), structural variations (SVs), and the specific genes annotated from unmapped sequence in “Xia Miao 1” was higher than that in “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” peach. The data showed that there was a close distance between “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” (P. ferganensis) and reference genome which belong to P. persica, comparing “Xia Miao 1” (P. persica) and reference ones. The results accompany with phylogenetic tree and structure analysis confirmed that P. ferganensis should be considered as a geographic population of P. persica rather than a subspecies or a distinct species. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis was performed using the gene comprising large-effect variation to understand the phenotypic difference between two accessions. The result revealed that the pathways of gene function affected by SVs but SNPs and insertion-deletions markedly differed between the two peach accessions.     

Hesperozygis pusilla (Labiatae), a new species from Mexico

Hesperozygis pusilla Irving, a rare and apparently endemic species from Galeana, Nuevo León, is described. It is closely allied toH. ciliolata Epling. BothH. ciliolata andH. pusilla have chromosome numbers of 2n = 36.     

Revision of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melamphaes</Emphasis> (Melamphaidae): 6. oligo-raker species: <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. papavereus,M. simus,M. hubbsi</Emphasis>

Three oligo-raker species (≤19 rakers on the first gill arch) of the genus Melamphaes have been considered. A new species, M. papavereus, out of the group “M. typhlops” has been described from the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean. M. simus and M. hubbsi out of the group “M. simus” have been revised. M. simus inhabits all oceans between 40° N and 40° S. M. hubbsi has been known from single specimens caught in the central part of the South Atlantic between 11° and 19° S.     

A new Oryzopsis from Idaho

A new species of ricegrass,Oryzopsis swallenii, from the sagebrush hills at the east end of the Lost River and Lemhi ranges in east central Idaho is described. The plant combines features ofStipa andOryzopsis, but is set apart fromStipa by virtue of a quickly deciduous awn and a blunt callus, and from other species inOryzopsis by its relatively long glumes and its chromosome number, 2n = 34. The chromosome number forO. exigua Thurb., 2n = 22, is also reported. A key is provided to separate this new species from others in the genus most similar to it.     

Jurassic Scaphopoda from the Russian platform: Pulsellidae and Gadilidae

The scaphopod families Pulsellidae and Gadilidae from sandy and clayey beds of the Jurassic (Callovian?Volgian) of European Russia are investigated. In Pulsellidae, the following taxa are described: Annulipulsellum with two subgenera, Annulipulsellum (species A. ambiguum sp. nov., A. rugosum sp. nov.) and Mesopulsellum subgen. nov. (A. alternoides sp. nov., A. calloviense sp. nov., A. hirtistriatum sp. nov., A. medium sp. nov.), Gracilipulsellum gen. nov. (G. iodaense sp. nov.), Gardneridentalium gen. nov. (G. primitivum sp. nov., G. reticulatum sp. nov.), and Mesoentalina gen. nov. (M. fabulosa sp. nov.). New taxa of the family Gadilidae include the genus Mesoantalis gen. nov. with the species M. clava sp. nov., M. expolitum sp. nov., and M. volgense sp. nov.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paulogramma hydarnis</Emphasis> (n. comb.) (Nymphalidae: Biblidinae): Distribution,Systematic Position,and Conservation Status of a Rare and Endangered Butterfly

The nymphalid Paulogramma hydarnis (Godart) (n. comb., previously in the genus Callicore) is an endangered butterfly present in a few montane sites in the Atlantic Forest in the Southeastern Brazil. The precise systematic position of P. hydarnis was previously unknown. Based on molecular data, we find that it is sister to Paulogramma pygas (Godart) (n. comb., also previously in Callicore), a common and widespread species in the Neotropics. In addition, we find that Callicore is not monophyletic and that “Callicore” hydarnis (along with other species) is more related to the genus Paulogramma, and should thus be placed in that genus. The genus Paulogramma is now composed by the following species: Paulogramma pyracmon (Godart), Paulogramma eunomia (Hewitson) n. comb., Paulogramma hydarnis (Godart) n. comb., Paulogramma hystaspes (Fabricius) n. comb., Paulogramma pygas (Godart) n. comb., and Paulogramma tolima (Hewitson, 1852) n. comb. Museum specimens and field data report P. hydarnis in four sites in Southeastern Brazil. Recently, P. hydarnis was recorded for the first time at Parque Nacional do Caparaó, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, expanding its distribution about 200 km northward of the previously known limit. Although regularly recorded in some sites, most records are historic, before the 1960s, and the current conservation situation of this species is delicate, deserving attention.     

Genetic Diversity,Genotype Discrimination,and Population Structure of Mexican <Emphasis Type="Italic">Opuntia</Emphasis> sp., Determined by SSR Markers

The Opuntia (prickly pear) genus, an important horticultural crop in Mexico, is essentially a fruit crop with two variants: sweet (“tunas”) or acid (“xoconostles”) fruits; it is also a source of vegetables “nopalitos” or fodder for livestock, among other uses. Its taxonomical classification has been reported as complex, although few studies on the genetic structure of Mexican Opuntia are available, and genetic differences between the two types of fruits are unknown. Opuntia genotype identification and classification are still mainly based on morphological characters. In this study, the genetic diversity of Mexican Opuntia germplasm with agronomic and economic importance was revealed, using 88 accessions and 13 SSR markers, in an attempt to explore the genetic relationships among them. A total of 159 alleles were detected ranging from 7 to 23 per locus with an average of 12.2. The SSR markers generated unique fingerprints for each Opuntia accession confirming their usefulness for genetic analysis. The accessions’ grouping was defined by several complementary clustering methods, and the moderate incongruences between the different methods did not influence the overall clustering. DAPC and STRUCTURE analyses grouped the accessions into five groups, thus confirming the incorrect delimitation of species in this genus. The following species had no clear boundaries: Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia albicarpa, Opuntia megacantha, Opuntia streptacantha, Opuntia lasiacantha, and Opuntia hyptiacantha. However, Opuntia robusta was separated from the rest of the species. Opuntia joconostle and Opuntia matudae, which produce acid fruits, tended to differ from the others. Median-joining simulation classified all genotypes into a complex network, and both linear and reticular ties between Mexican Opuntia genotypes were revealed. The genetic distance revealed in the present study shows the importance of Mexican accessions for conservation and use in breeding programs.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Origanum</Emphasis> spp.: an update of their chemical and biological profiles

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of most recent studies about potential pharmaceutical applications of plants belonging to Origanum genus. Oregano is one of the most famous and economically important culinary herbs in the world. The genus Origanum includes more than 70 species mainly distributed around the Mediterranean region. The vernacular name “oregano” is attributed to a vast number of species. O. vulgare L. is the most variable species of the genus and the most commonly known as oregano in most countries. Today, it is generally accepted that oregano is a characteristic flavour produced by a number of plant species that yield carvacrol-rich essential oils. The genus Origanum is characterised by a large morphological and chemical diversity. Because of their several biological activities, such as antimicrobial, expectorant, antispasmodic and carminative, Origanum species have been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The botany and chemotaxonomy of the species are thoroughly reported, along with chemical constituents. The in vitro and in vivo effects of Origanum extracts are presented and discussed.     

Revision of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melamphaes</Emphasis> (Melamphaidae): 7. oligo-raker species: <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. danae</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. pumilis</Emphasis>

Two species, M. danae Ebeling and M. pumilis Ebeling, belonging to the species group “M. simus” are described in the final part of the revision of oligo-raker species of the genus Melamphaes (Melamphaidae) (≤19 gill rakers on the first gill arch). The species M. danae is distributed in the Indian and Pacific oceans between 30° N and 30° S. In the Pacific Ocean, it is known up to 112° W. The species M. pumilis is distributed in the North Atlantic between 17° and 45° N, and the main catches have been conducted in the western part of the ocean. In the eastern part of the ocean, the catches are registered up to 28° W. A key for the identification of 21 oligo-raker species of the genus Melamphaes is presented.     

Revision of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melamphaes</Emphasis> (Melamphaidae). 5. Oligo-raker species: <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. indicus</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. eurous</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. typhlops</Emphasis>

Three oligo-raker species (?19 rakers on the first gill arch) of the genus Melamphaes out of the “M. typhlops” group are considered. The validity of M. indicus Ebeling is restored. This species inhabits equatorial and tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western part of the Pacific Ocean. M. eurous sp. n., which is related to M. indicus, is described from equatorial waters of the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. M. typhlops (Lowe) inhabiting the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, from the equatorial zone about to 45° N, is redescribed.     

Review of geometrid moths of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthorhoe incursata</Emphasis> (Hübner, 1813 [“1796”]) group (Lepidoptera,Geometridae, Larentiinae) from the Asian part of Russia,with description of a new species

The species of the genus Xanthorhoe (Hübner, 1813 [“1796”]) of the incursata group from the Asian part of Russia are considered: X. pseudoannotinata Vasilenko, 2007, X. uralensis Choi, 2003, X. elenae Vasilenko sp. n., X. sajanaria (Prout, 1914), and X. derzhavini (Djakonov, 1931). The species status of X. pseudoannotinata stat. resurr. is restored. The taxon X. sajanaria djakonovi Vasilenko, 1995 is synonymized with the nominative subspecies X. sajanaria sajanaria (Prout, 1914). The scope and diagnosis of the subspecies X. derzhavini jakuta Vasilenko, 1995 are reconsidered. The diagnostic features of and an identification key to the species based on the male and female genitalia are given. Peculiarities of the distribution and biology of the Palaearctic species are reviewed. Morphological species subgroups within this group and the probable centers of the origin of species are discussed.     

The uses of Kenyan aloes: an analysis of implications for names,distribution and conservation

Background

The genus Aloe is renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic properties and long history of use. Sixty-three Aloe species occur in Kenya, of which around 50 % are endemic. Several species of aloes are threatened with extinction and knowledge about their use is of major importance for sound conservation strategies. The main aims of this study were to assess the biocultural value of Aloe in Kenya by documenting local uses of aloes and evaluating how the vernacular names reflect the relative importance in different ethnic groups.

Methods

Ethnobotanical and ethnotaxonomical data were collected using field observations and semi-structured interviews. Information was collected by interviewing 63 respondents from nine different ethnic groups, representing different ages, gender and occupations. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 3.1.2.

Results

A total of 19 species of Aloe were found in the study area, of which 16 were used. On the generic level Aloe was easily distinguished. At species level, the local and scientific delimitation were almost identical for frequently used taxa. Aloe secundiflora, with 57 unique use records was the most important species. The two most frequently mentioned Aloe treatments, were malaria and poultry diseases. In our study area neither age nor gender had a significant influence on the level of knowledge of Aloe use. Finally, no correlation was found between extent of use and people’s perception of decrease in local aloe populations. The aloes are highly appreciated and are therefore propagated and transported over large areas when people relocate.

Conclusion

Biocultural value is reflected in the ethnotaxonomy of Aloe in Kenya. Different ethnic groups recognise their most-valued Aloe at the genus level as “the aloe” and add explanatory names for the other species, such as the “spotted aloe” and the “one-legged aloe”. Widespread species of Aloe have the highest number of uses. There is no obvious correlation with high use and decrease in abundance of aloes locally, and we found no compelling evidence for local uses causing devastating damage to populations of the 19 species in use, whereas habitat loss and commercial harvesting appear to be of urgent concern for these important plants.