矛尾复虾虎鱼物种命名有效性探讨

利用形态学和遗传学方法探讨斑尾复虾虎鱼和矛尾复虾虎鱼的亲缘关系及矛尾复虾虎鱼物种有效性.研究结果显示:两种虾虎鱼在量度特征上存在极显著的差异,但分节特征不存在显著差异;与斑尾复虾虎鱼相比,矛尾复虾虎鱼头长相对较小,而尾鳍相对较长.对两种虾虎鱼的线粒体DNA控制区片段序列进行比较分析,得到两种虾虎鱼的遗传距离仅为0.006,与种内距离相当;NJ和MP法构建的系统树也显示两种虾虎鱼间亲缘关系很近,两种间不存在显著差异.综上,矛尾复虾虎鱼并非有效物种,应为斑尾复虾虎鱼的同种异名.     

鼬科动物线粒体DNA控制区结构分析

利用PCR技术获得紫貂(Martes zibellina)和黄喉貂(Martes flavigula)线粒体DNA控制区全序列,并结合从GenBank中下载的9种鼬科动物相应序列,用ClustalX排序后对控制区结构进行分析,识别出延长终止序列区、中央区和保守序列区3个区域,指出了一个终止相关序列ETAS1及8个保守序列(CSB-F、E、D、C、B、1、2和3),并给出了序列通式,在CSB1和CSB2之间发现不同形式的短重复序列.此外,以狼为外类群,应用邻接法构建鼬科线粒体控制区全序列的系统进化树,结果表明:臭鼬亚科最先从鼬科中分化出来,随后剩余类群分为两大支系,即貂属种类与貂熊聚为一支,并与獾亚科的狗獾形成姐妹群;另一支为水獭亚科的物种与鼬属的林鼬形成姐妹群,再与虎鼬聚在一起,狗獾与貂属的紫貂亲缘关系最近,水獭亚科与鼬属亲缘关系最近.     

海陵岛近岸2种虾虎鱼线粒体COⅠ基因和D-loop区序列变异及遗传分析

以海陵岛近岸优势物种舟山缰虾虎鱼(Amoya chusanensis)、纵带鹦虾虎鱼(Exyrias puntang)为研究对象,获取2种虾虎鱼的线粒体COⅠ基因序列45条,控制区(D-loop)序列48条,分析其序列变异情况和遗传特征。结果表明:获得的638 bp COⅠ序列中,舟山缰虾虎鱼存在变异位点20个,纵带鹦虾虎鱼变异位点占18个。467 bp控制区中,舟山缰虾虎鱼变异位点10个,纵带鹦虾虎鱼占19个。碱基组成上,2种虾虎鱼COⅠ基因和控制区序列均存在A+T含量大于C+G含量现象,且COⅠ基因序列中碱基T偏向密码子第一位。最大似然法估算的COⅠ序列转换颠换R比值为2.89,控制区序列R值为2.66。聚类分析揭示舟山缰虾虎鱼在进化上较原始,更接近祖先物种,而纵带鹦虾虎鱼种群分化较晚。单倍型分析指明2种虾虎鱼单倍型多样性均处在较高水平。中性检验的Fu-Li D分析发现,基于COⅠ基因和控制区序列的舟山缰虾虎鱼的检验结果均显著,不符合中性进化假设,纵带鹦虾虎鱼Fu-Li D test的结果均呈现不显著,符合中性进化假设。舟山缰虾虎鱼种群间可能存在群体扩张或持续增长现象。     

黑麂线粒体基因组序列分析

采用PCR产物直接测序方法测定了黑麂线粒体基因组全序列 ,初步分析了其基因组特点并定位了各基因的位置 .结果显示 :黑麂的线粒体基因组全序列长度为 1 6 35 7bp ,可编码 2 2种tRNA、2种rRNA、1 3种蛋白质 ,碱基组成及基因位置与小麂、赤麂和其它哺乳类动物的线粒体基因组相似 ;模拟电子酶切图谱与先前的报道基本一致 ;基于细胞色素b的全基因序列 ,分别以最大简约法、N J法、最大似然数法与其它 1 4种鹿类动物的相应序列进行了聚类分析 ,构建出相似的系统进化树 :初步确定了麂亚科动物在鹿科中处于与鹿亚科、北美鹿亚科并列的进化地位 .在此基础上 ,进一步以黑麂、赤麂、小麂的线粒体编码RNA和编码蛋白质的基因序列构建系统进化树 ,分析了三者的亲缘关系 .结果表明 :黑麂和赤麂亲缘关系较近 ,是较新的物种 ,而小麂是较为原始的物种     

野牦牛线粒体基因组序列测定及其系统进化

野牦牛属高寒地区的特有物种,是我国最珍贵的野生动物遗传资源之一,已被列为国家一级重点保护动物。对野牦牛mtDNA进行全序列测定和结构分析,并基于线粒体基因组序列对其系统发生进行了探讨。结果表明:(1)野牦牛线粒体基因组全序列的大小为16 322 bp,整个基因组由37个编码基因和D-loop区组成;22个tRNA基因序列长度为1 524 bp、2个RNA基因序列长度为2 528 bp、13个编码蛋白基因序列长度为11420 bp、D-loop区长度为892 bp。基因组中无间隔序列,基因间排列紧密,基因内无内含子。(2)野牦牛具有较丰富的遗传多样性。(3)分子系统发生关系显示牦牛为牛亚科中的一个独立属,即牦牛属(Poephagus),牦牛属包括家牦牛(Poephagus grunniens)和野牦牛(Poephagus mutus)2个种。野牦牛线粒体基因组全序列的获得和结构解析对研究牦牛的起源、演化和分类,以及野牦牛遗传资源的保护、开发和利用均具有重要的理论和实际意义。     

两种毛蚜线粒体基因组比较分析

【目的】线粒体基因组分析已被应用于昆虫系统发育研究。本研究以蚜科Aphididae重要类群毛蚜亚科物种为代表,测定并比较分析了该类蚜虫的线粒体基因组特征,探讨了基于线粒体基因组信息的蚜虫系统发育关系重建。【方法】以毛蚜亚科三角枫多态毛蚜Periphyllus acerihabitans Zhang和针茅小毛蚜Chaetosiphella stipae Hille Ris Lambers,1947为研究对象,利用长短PCR相结合的方法测定线粒体基因组的序列,分析了基因组的基本特征;基于在线t RNAscan-SE Search Server搜索方法预测了t RNA的二级结构;基于12个物种(本研究获得的2个物种和10个Gen Bank上下载的物种数据)的蛋白编码基因(PCGs)序列,利用最大似然法和贝叶斯法重建了蚜科的系统发育关系。【结果】两种毛蚜均获得了约94%的线粒体基因组数据,P.acerihabitans获得了14 908 bp,控制区为1 205 bp;C.stipae获得了13 893 bp,控制区为609 bp。两种毛蚜同时获得33个基因,包含接近完整的13个蛋白编码基因(PCGs)(nad5不完整),18个tRNA,2个rRNA基因;ka/ks值表明,C.stipae的进化速率更快。从基因组组成、基因排列顺序、核苷酸组成分析、密码子使用情况、t RNA二级结构等特征来分析,两种蚜虫线粒体基因组基本特征相似。系统发育重建结果表明毛蚜亚科、蚜亚科的单系性得到了支持,毛蚜亚科位于蚜科的基部位置。【结论】两种毛蚜线粒体基因组的基本特征相似,符合蚜虫线粒体基因组的一般特征,两种线粒体基因组的长度差异主要来自控制区长度的不同;系统发育重建支持毛蚜亚科与蚜亚科的单系性,毛蚜亚科位于蚜科较为基部的位置。研究结果为蚜虫类系统发育重建提供了参考。     

乌龟线粒体全基因组序列和结构分析

龟鳖类同其它类群脊椎动物的系统进化关系一直存在争论。为进一步从分子水平上探讨这一问题,本文参照近源物种的线粒体基因组,设计了16对特异引物,采用PCR产物直接测序法测得了乌龟线粒体基因组全序列。结果表明:乌龟线粒体基因组序列全长16576bp,包括2个rRNA基因、22个tRNA基因、13个蛋白质编码基因和1个非编码控制区。乌龟线粒体基因组结构和基因排列顺序与其它龟鳖类相同,在“WANCY区”包含一个“stemloop”结构,ND3基因174位点存在一个额外插入的腺苷酸(A)。本文通过比较分析结构基因在主要脊椎动物类群中的排列顺序,探讨了龟鳖类与其它主要脊椎动物类群的系统进化关系     

鹿科动物线粒体控制区序列分析与系统进化

通过测定鹿科麂亚科中的小麂、赤麂和黑麂的线粒体全基因组,从而定位它们的控制区,并从GenBank获得鹿科另外3个亚科9种动物的线粒体控制区全序列。利用MEGA软件计算了各物种控制区序列的碱基组成、遗传距离和遗传相似度,通过比较序列同源性,以羊线粒体控制区序列为外群,构建NJ分子系统树,探讨了鹿科4个亚科12种动物的系统进化关系。序列分析表明,鹿科12种动物控制区序列的碱基长度在909～1049bp之间,A T含量约占62．06％,其中363个核苷酸位点存在变异(约占34％)。系统进化关系结果表明：(1)以线粒体控制区构建的鹿科12种动物分子系统树基本与NCBI分类一致;(2)美洲鹿亚科驼鹿属驼鹿在鹿科这12种动物中处于最为原始的地位;(3)小麂比赤麂和黑麂更为原始;(4)獐亚科獐属的獐与美洲鹿亚科狍鹿属的狍鹿和美洲狍鹿聚为一支。     

枣食芽象甲线粒体基因组全序列测定与系统发育分析

【目的】从线粒体基因组水平上探讨枣食芽象甲Scythropus yasumatsui与近缘种的系统发育关系。【方法】利用Illumina MiSeq测序平台对枣食芽象甲线粒体基因组进行测序,对基因组序列进行拼装、注释和特征分析;利用贝叶斯法和最大似然法构建基于象甲科13个物种的线粒体基因组13个蛋白质编码基因核苷酸序列的系统发育树。【结果】结果表明,枣食芽象甲线粒体基因组全长为16 472 bp (GenBank登录号: MF807224),包含13个蛋白质编码基因、22个tRNA基因、2个rRNA基因和2个非编码控制区,37个基因的排列顺序与祖先昆虫的线粒体基因排列顺序一致。13个蛋白质编码基因的起始密码子为ATN,其中除了cob和nad1基因的完全终止密码子为TAG外,其余11个基因的完全终止密码子为TA(A)。22个tRNA基因中除了trnS1缺少DHU臂,反密码子由GCT变为TCT外,其余均能形成典型的三叶草结构。基于13个蛋白质编码基因序列构建的系统发育树结果显示,象甲科8个亚科系统发育关系为：(((隐喙象亚科(Cryptorhynchinae)+(象虫亚科(Curculioninae)+魔喙象亚科(Molytinae)))+长小蠹亚科(Platypodinae))+(粗喙象亚科(Entiminae)+Cyclominae亚科))+隐颏象亚科(Dryophthorinae)+小蠹亚科(Scolytinae))。【结论】在13种象甲科昆虫物种中,同属于粗喙象亚科的枣食芽象甲与南美果树象甲Naupactus xanthographus在系统发育树中聚为同一分支,表明基于线粒体基因组全序列的分子系统发育结果与传统的形态分类结果是一致的。     

异尾次目寄居蟹总科线粒体基因组比较分析及系统发育研究

为厘清异尾次目(Anomura)寄居蟹总科(Paguroidea)分类及系统发育关系,研究测定分析了活额寄居蟹科(Diogenidae)刺足真寄居蟹(Dardanus hessii)的线粒体基因组全序列,并与其他已公布的16种寄居蟹总科线粒体基因组进行了比较分析。所有寄居蟹总科种类线粒体基因组均包含37个基因和1段长的非编码控制区。线粒体基因组相似性及共线性分析显示所有17种寄居蟹总科的线粒体基因组均经历了基因重排。重排可分为7种类型,其中寄居蟹科(Paguridae)占4种,活额寄居蟹科2种,门螯寄居蟹科(Pylochelidae)1种。遗传距离、序列相似性及系统发育树均显示长腕寄居蟹(Pagurus filholi)与日本寄居蟹(Pagurus japonicus)为同一物种,暗示其中至少有一个物种鉴定有误。系统发育树显示活额寄居蟹科物种并未聚为一支,其中下齿细螯寄居蟹(Clibanarius infraspinatus)与整个陆寄居蟹科(Coenobitidae)聚为一支,表明活额寄居蟹科为并系群。研究结果不仅有助于更好地理解寄居蟹总科的线粒体基因重排和系统发育,并为线粒体基因重...     

The evolutionary analysis of the Tnt1 retrotransposon in Nicotiana species reveals the high variability of its regulatory sequences

We studied the evolution of the tobacco Tnt1 retrotransposon by analyzing Tnt1 partial sequences containing both coding domains and U3 regulatory sequences obtained from a number of Nicotiana species. We detected three different subfamilies of Tnt1 elements, Tnt1A, Tnt1B, and Tnt1C, that differ completely in their U3 regions but share conserved flanking coding and LTR regions. U3 divergence between the three subfamilies is found in the region that contains the regulatory sequences that control the expression of the well-characterized Tnt1-94 element. This suggests that expression of the three Tnt1 subfamilies might be differently regulated. The three Tnt1 subfamilies were present in the Nicotiana genome at the time of species divergence, but have evolved independently since then in the different genomes. Each Tnt1 subfamily seems to have conserved its ability to transpose in a limited and different number of Nicotiana species. Our results illustrate the high variability of Tnt1 regulatory sequences. We propose that this high sequence variability could allow these elements to evolve regulatory mechanisms in order to optimize their coexistence with their host genome.      

Round and pointed-head grenadier fishes (Actinopterygii: Gadiformes) represent a single sister group: evidence from the complete mitochondrial genome sequences

The gene order of mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) has been employed as a useful phylogenetic marker in various metazoan animals, because it may represent uniquely derived characters shared by members of monophyletic groups. During the course of molecular phylogenetic studies of the order Gadiformes (cods and their relatives) based on whole mitogenome sequences, we found that two deep-sea grenadiers (Squalogadus modificatus and Trachyrincus murrayi: family Macrouridae) revealed a unusually identical gene order (translocation of the tRNA(Leu (UUR))). Both are members of the same family, although their external morphologies differed so greatly (e.g., round vs. pointed head) that they have been placed in different subfamilies Macrouroidinae and Trachyrincinae, respectively. Additionally, we determined the whole mitogenome sequences of two other species, Bathygadus antrodes and Ventrifossa garmani, representing a total of four subfamilies currently recognized within Macrouridae. The latter two species also exhibited gene rearrangements, resulting in a total of three different patterns of unique gene order being observed in the four subfamilies. Partitioned Bayesian analysis was conducted using available whole mitogenome sequences from five macrourids plus five outgroups. The resultant trees clearly indicated that S. modificatus and T. murrayi formed a monophyletic group, having a sister relationship to other macrourids. Thus, monophyly of the two species with disparate head morphologies was corroborated by two different lines of evidence (nucleotide sequences and gene order). The overall topology of the present tree differed from any of the previously proposed, morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses.     

Molecular characterization of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene of Oestridae species causing obligate myiasis

A 688-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene was sequenced from larvae of 18 species of Oestridae causing obligate myiasis. Larvae belonged to the four Oestridae subfamilies (Cuterebrinae, Gasterophilinae, Hypodermatinae and Oestrinae), which are commonly found throughout the world. Analysis of both nucleotide and amino acid data was performed. Nucleotide sequences included 385 conserved sites and 303 variable sites; mean nucleotide variation between all species was 18.1% and variation within each subfamily ranged from 5.3% to 13.34%. Intraspecific pairwise divergences ranged from 0.14% to 1.59%, and interspecific variation ranged from 0.7% to 27%. Of the 229 amino acids, 76 were variable (60 of which were phylogenetically informative), with some highly conserved residues identified within each subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis showed a strong divergence among the four subfamilies, concordant with classical taxonomy based on morphological and biological features. This study provides the first molecular data set for myiasis-causing Oestridae species, providing an essential database for the molecular identification of these parasites and the assessment of phylogenetic relationships within family Oestridae.     

Phylogenetic relationships among anchovies, sardines, herrings and their relatives (Clupeiformes), inferred from whole mitogenome sequences

The relationships among and within the main lineages of the order Clupeiformes have been explored in few morphological studies and still remain poorly understood. Using whole mitogenome sequences, we inferred the relationships among 25 clupeiform species, sampled from each clupeiform family and subfamily, and a large selection of non-clupeiform teleosts. Our character sets, including unambiguously aligned, concatenated mitogenome sequences that we have divided into four (1st and 2nd codon positions, tRNA genes, and rRNA genes) or five partitions (same as before plus the transversions at 3rd codon positions, using 'RY' coding), were analyzed by the partitioned Bayesian method. The result strongly supported the monophyly of the Clupeiformes within the Otocephala, with Denticeps clupeoides as the sister group of a clade comprising all the remaining clupeiforms species (= suborder Clupeoidei). Within the Clupeoidei, the family Engraulidae was the sister group of the remaining taxa, comprising members of Sundasalangidae, Pristigasteridae, Clupeidae and Chirocentridae. Relationships among the latter four families remained ambiguous. In particular, the position of the Chirocentridae was difficult to estimate possibly owing to its higher molecular evolutionary rate. Of the five subfamilies in the family Clupeidae, monophylies of three (Alosinae, Clupeinae and Dorosomatinae) were statistically rejected. Instead, our mitogenomic data provide strong support for new clades within the Clupeidae, some of which are composed of members of more than one of the previously accepted subfamilies.     

基于28S rDNA 的叩甲科分子系统发育关系研究

【目的】通过对叩甲科（Elateridae）昆虫核糖体28S rDNA基因片段序列进行比较,从分子水平研究叩甲科昆虫的系统发育关系,并和传统分类结果相比较,为我国叩甲科分类系统的论证和进一步修订奠定基础。【方法】将自测的我国9种（含两个地理种群）共10个叩甲科昆虫样品的28S rDNA基因片段序列与GenBank报道的32种叩甲科昆虫进行同一性比较,用DNAStar Lasergene v 7.1.0和MEGA4.0（NJ法、MP法和ME法）构建分子系统发育树。【结果】在获得的890 bp的序列中,保守位点477个,占全部位点的56.1％;简约位点291个,占全部位点的34.2％;G+C的平均含量为63.9％,明显高于A+T的平均含量,碱基组成偏向G和C;转换（transition）稍高于颠换（transversion）。遗传距离分析表明叩甲科昆虫各亚科内各种间遗传距离在0.000～0.130之间变动,明显小于各亚科之间的遗传距离。不同的系统发育树都支持叩甲科为一单系群,并将10个亚科聚为4个聚类簇:聚类簇Ⅰ为梳爪叩甲亚科（Melanotinae）＋叩甲亚科（Elaterinae）,聚类簇Ⅱ为槽缝叩甲亚科（Agrypninae）＋萤叩甲亚科（Pyrophorinae）＋单叶叩甲亚科（Conoderinae）,聚类簇Ⅲ为小叩甲亚科（Negastriinae）＋心盾叩甲亚科（Cardiophorinae）,聚类簇Ⅳ为齿胸叩甲亚科（Denticollinae）＋尖鞘叩甲亚科（Oxynopterinae）和异角叩甲亚科（Pityobiinae）。它们来源于2个支系,支系1包含聚类簇Ⅰ,支系2包含聚类簇Ⅱ、聚类簇Ⅲ和聚类簇Ⅳ,而Senodonia quadricollis总是单独作为一支与其他叩甲分开。【结论】本研究证实了过去基于成虫和幼虫形态为基础的分类系统的基本合理性,一是叩甲科为一单系类群;二是叩甲科可明显地分为4个簇群;三是心盾叩甲亚科（Cardiophorinae）为一单系类群,但其他许多亚科存在并系的情况,特别是Senodonia quadricollis的归属还需进一步论证。28S rDNA 序列分析是一种很好的研究叩甲科从种级到科级各类群间的系统发育关系的方法。     

基于线粒体CO 1基因序列的DNA条形码在鲤科鲌属鱼类物种鉴定中的应用

本研究探讨了线粒体CO1基因作为DNA条形码对鲌属鱼类进行物种鉴定的可行性。研究中获得了鲌属4种鱼类共32个个体长度为816bp的CO1基因序列。利用MEGA软件计算鲌属鱼类种间及种内遗传距离,利用邻接法、最大简约法、最大似然法和Bayesian方法分别构建分子系统树。结果显示,鲌属鱼类的种间遗传距离显著大于种内遗传距离。在系统树中,鲌属鱼类每一物种的个体分别形成各自独立的分支。基于CO1基因的DNA条形码在识别鲌属鱼类物种方面和传统形态学基本一致,而且该基因可以探讨鲌属鱼类种间的系统发育关系。本研究表明以CO1基因作为鲌属鱼类DNA条形码进行物种鉴定具有一定的可行性。     

The complete mitogenome of Rhodeus uyekii (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae).

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome from the R. uyekii with a total size of 16,817 bp has been determined by long PCR technology. Mitogenome of R. uyekii encoding 13 putative proteins, two ribosomal RNAs and 22 tRNAs shows typical teleost mitogenome structure. Nucleotide composition, amino acid composition and codon usage are in the range of values estimated from other teleost mitogenomes. In the AT rich region of R. uyekii, several conserved blocks which are identified from vertebrates are observed in the genome. R. uyekii, the Korean endemic species, belongs to cyprinid fish from which the information of nine mitogenomes is available. To understand the phylogenetic relationships of Cypriniformes from the known mitogenome information, we analysed Cypriniformes mitogenome based on protein coding gene sequences. In spite of more resolved picture of phylogenetic interrelationships in cyprinid fish in this study, the further study with comprehensive taxon sampling for mitogenome information is strongly needed.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of Calicogorgia granulosa (Anthozoa: Octocorallia): potential gene novelty in unidentified ORFs formed by repeat expansion and segmental duplication

Mitochondrial genomes of many nonbilaterian animals show high diversity of genome size and gene content, revealing many intergenic regions (IGRs), diverse repeats and additional genes. Here we present a new complete mitogenome of the cnidarian sea fan species, Calicogorgia granulosa (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) and its novel genomic features. The 20,246 bp of the complete mitogenome, which is the largest among the nine octocorals sequenced to date, contains 13 protein coding genes, 2 rRNAs and a tRNA within its circular form of mitochondrial DNA. We found an identical segmental duplication (S1 and S2, 913 bp) composed of an ORF (672 bp) coding for a hypothetical protein within which Direct Variant Repeat (DVR) expansions reside in-frame to the coding sequence. Additionally, the duplicated segmental DNA showed no variation in nucleotide sequences both between S1 and S2 and across multiple individual samples. Upon these observations, we discuss plausible causes for the intramitochondrial segmental duplication and the absence of sequence variation, and a need for further investigation of the novel ORF as well. In conclusion the present mitogenome of C. granulosa adds more information to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of mitogenomes of nonbilaterian animals.     

The complete set of genes encoding major intrinsic proteins in Arabidopsis provides a framework for a new nomenclature for major intrinsic proteins in plants

Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) facilitate the passive transport of small polar molecules across membranes. MIPs constitute a very old family of proteins and different forms have been found in all kinds of living organisms, including bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants. In the genomic sequence of Arabidopsis, we have identified 35 different MIP-encoding genes. Based on sequence similarity, these 35 proteins are divided into four different subfamilies: plasma membrane intrinsic proteins, tonoplast intrinsic proteins, NOD26-like intrinsic proteins also called NOD26-like MIPs, and the recently discovered small basic intrinsic proteins. In Arabidopsis, there are 13 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins, 10 tonoplast intrinsic proteins, nine NOD26-like intrinsic proteins, and three small basic intrinsic proteins. The gene structure in general is conserved within each subfamily, although there is a tendency to lose introns. Based on phylogenetic comparisons of maize (Zea mays) and Arabidopsis MIPs (AtMIPs), it is argued that the general intron patterns in the subfamilies were formed before the split of monocotyledons and dicotyledons. Although the gene structure is unique for each subfamily, there is a common pattern in how transmembrane helices are encoded on the exons in three of the subfamilies. The nomenclature for plant MIPs varies widely between different species but also between subfamilies in the same species. Based on the phylogeny of all AtMIPs, a new and more consistent nomenclature is proposed. The complete set of AtMIPs, together with the new nomenclature, will facilitate the isolation, classification, and labeling of plant MIPs from other species.