Scapania paraphyllia,a new synonym of Scapania koponenii (Marchantiophyta,Scapaniaceae) with special reference to paraphyllia,pseudoparaphyllia, and paraphyses

Scapania paraphyllia T.Cao, C.Gao, J.Sun & B.R.Zuo and S. koponenii Potemkin are both endemic to China. They share considerable morphological similarities except that the former species has pseudoparaphyllia. In order to elucidate the taxonomic status of the two species, we investigated morphological characters possessed by their type specimens and additional collections, and reconstructed a species phylogeny for S. koponenii, S. paraphyllia, and closely related species. The phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on the nuclear marker nrITS and the plastid markers trnL-F region and atpB-rbcL spacer. Both morphological and molecular evidence contradicted the hypothesis that S. paraphyllia and S. koponenii are separate species. The pseudoparaphyllia reported for S. paraphyllia are confirmed as paraphyses. The paraphyllia, paraphyses, and pseudoparaphyllia in Scapania are discussed.     

Evolution and speciation in Pellia,with special reference to the Pellia megaspora-endiviifolia complex (Metzgeriales), I. Taxonomy and distribution

Abstract

The genus Pellia, with three currently recognised species, includes a relatively primitive taxon, P. endiviifolia, in which the perichaetium is high and incised, with an enclosed calyptra. It is dioecious, produces anthocyanin wall pigments in exposed sites, reproduces asexually by repeatedly furcate, narrow fragmenting ‘autumnal innovations’, is freely branched and has relatively small spores. A species previously confused with this taxon, and here described as P. megaspora, is an endemic boreal American species, found from New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts north to Newfoundland and west to Minnesota. The plant has a tall perichaetium that is strikingly incised-ciliate to lacerate. It is dioecious but does not produce wall pigments and autumnal innovations, is simple or oncefurcate and has extremely large spores. Cytological and biochemical data support the specific recognition of P. megaspora. Biochemical data also suggest that Japanese populations currently assigned to P. endiviifolia are distinct and field observation suggests that these plants may represent an autonomous subspecies.     

Bryophytes of St Helena,South Atlantic Ocean. 6. Cheilolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (Jungermanniales: Lejeuneaceae), including C. microscypha (Hook.f. & Taylor) M.Wigginton,comb. nov. and C. rotalis (Hook.f. & Taylor) M.Wigginton,comb. nov.

Abstract

Two little known species of Cheilolejeunea, C. microscypha (Hook.f. & Taylor) M.Wigginton, comb. nov. (a reinstated St Helena liverwort), and C. rotalis (Hook.f. & Taylor) M.Wigginton comb. nov., endemic to St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean, are described and illustrated, and oil bodies of C. ascensionis (Hook.f. & Taylor) Grolle are newly described and illustrated.     

Drepanolejeunea vandenberghenii (Jungermanniopsida: Lejeuneaceae), a previously overlooked new species from Rwanda including comments on D. physaefolia and Harpalejeunea fischeri

Abstract

A new species of the genus Drepanolejeunea is described from Rwanda, Drepanolejeunea vandenberghenii Buchbender & Eb. Fisch., and its differences from related species are discussed. The oil bodies and ocelli of D. physaefolia are described, and the differences between D. vandenberghenii and Harpalejeunea fischeri are listed.     

Floral ontogeny in Scirpus, Eriophorum and Dulichium (Cyperaceae), with special reference to the perianth

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, it has been suggested recently that the Cyperaceae comprises only two subfamilies: the Mapanioideae and the Cyperoideae. In most flowers of the Cyperoideae, the whorl of inner stamens is reduced, resulting in tetracyclic flowers. In the more primitive (scirpoid) genera within the Cyperoideae, the perianth consists of two polysymmetric whorls, whereas the perianth parts in the more derived genera have been subject to modifications and/or reduction. Comparative studies of the many silky hairs of Eriophorum and of the eight bristles of Dulichium have given rise to much discussion about their homology. METHODS: The spikelet and floral ontogeny in freshly collected inflorescences was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS: Complete floral ontogenies are presented for Scirpus sylvaticus L., Eriophorum latifolium Hoppe and Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britton, with special reference to the perianth. The results in S. sylvaticus confirm the trimerous monocot-like organization of the flower. It is used as a model for floral development in Cyperoideae. In the early developmental stages, the androecium of E. latifolium is surrounded by a massive perigonial primordium, from which the many hair-like bristles originate. Consequently, the stamens develop among the hair primordia, more or less simultaneously. The hairs are arranged in whorls, which develop centripetally. The development of the perianth in D. arundinaceum starts with the formation of three initial perianth primordia opposite the stamens. Subsequently, two more abaxial bristle primordia, alternating with the stamens, originate simultaneously with the appearance of three adaxial bristle primordia in the zone where an adaxial inner perianth primordium is expected. CONCLUSIONS: The floral development in E. latifolium and D. arundinaceum can be considered as variations upon the scirpoid floral ontogenetic theme.     

Palynological characters of Glycyrrhiza,Glycyrrhizopsis,and Meristotropis(Leguminosae),with special reference to their taxonomic significance

Li X-Y.1992.Studies on germplasm of Glycyrrhiza by using different taxonomic methods.Advances in Plant Taxonomy in Northwest China 1:7-24.

Li X-Y.1993.A study of the system and new taxa of genus Glycyrrhiza L.Bulletin of Botanical Research 13(1):14-43.

Turrill WB.1937.Glycyrrhizopsis syriaca Turrill.Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information 2:79.

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Evolution and speciation in Pellia,with special reference to the Pellia megaspora-endiviifolia complex (Metzgeriales), II. Cytology

Abstract

A unique karyotype within the genus Pellia, both in terms of chromosome structure and in the distribution of heterochromatin as defined by Giemsa C-banding, supports the taxonomic recognition of P. megaspora. Resembling P. endiviifolia more closely than P. epiphylla or P. neesiana in its heterochromatin content, the species differs significantly in karyotype symmetry and the absence of an m-chromosome. Comparison of P. endiviifolia from Britain, Japan and Canada has identified clear and extensive evidence of cytological polymorphism.     

Evaluation of morphological and molecular variation in Plantago asiatica var. densiuscula, with special reference to the systematic treatment of Plantago asiatica var. yakusimensis

Morphological and molecular variations in Plantago asiatica L. var. densiuscula Pilg. were analyzed to evaluate the genetic basis for recognizing the dwarf variety P. asiatica var. yakusimensis (Masam.) Ohwi. Considerable variation in the leaf size of P. asiatica var. densiuscula was observed, and no morphological discontinuities were found between the dwarf types of P. asiatica var. densiuscula and P. asiatica var. yakusimensis. Morphological analysis of plants grown under standardized conditions revealed that both environmental plasticity and genetic differentiation contributed to the dwarfisms. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the SUC1 locus encoding a sucrose transporter revealed that P. asiatica var. yakusimensis was genetically unique although the differentiation level was low. From the above results, we concluded that P. asiatica var. yakusimensis should be reduced to a form of P. asiatica var. densiuscula. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of the SUC1 genotype suggested multiple origins of dwarves, and possible hypotheses for the origins of dwarves are discussed.     

湖南楼梯草属(荨麻科)二个新异名

将具钙楼梯草Elatostema calciferum W.T.Wang和裂序楼梯草Eschizocephalum、W．T.Wang处理为新异名。     

Morphology of the arctic, planktonic Navicula pelagica (Bacillariophyceae), with special reference to the setae

The arctic, marine, planktonic diatom Navicula pelagica Cleve (Bacillariophyceae) forms colonies slightly similar to those of Chaetoceros. The structures resembling setae are dislocated bands of the epithecae, attached by their ligula area to the central mucilage pad that keeps the cells together in colonies.     

Phytogeographical significance of Wadi Wateer (Sinai), Egypt, with special reference to Cocculus hirsutus (L.) W.Theob.

The botanical survey of Wadi Wateer, located in the southeastern Sinai, revealed the presence of a plant that provides an important new record to the Flora of Egypt: Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Theob. This plant has not been recorded previously as existing in its wild form in the Flora of Egypt. The plant cover in Wadi Wateer is dominated by plant taxa belonging to the Saharo-Sindian phytogeographical element. However, many plants in the wadi have been attributed to the Sudanian chorotype, such as Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan, Chrozophora brocchiana Vis., Lycium shawii Roem & Schult., Moricandia sinaica (Boiss.) Boiss., Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Theob. and Cocculus pendulus (J.R. & G. Forst.) Diels. The presence of Sudanian chorotype plant taxa [including the newly recorded Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Theob.] provides evidence that Wadi Wateer and Aqaba Gulf functioned as migratory tracks for these African plants, assisting their penetration into the Saharo-Sindian, Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian phytogeographical regions in the Sinai and Asia. This study suggests that Wadi Wateer should be declared a protected area for its habitat and climatic diversity as well as for its phytogeographical significance.     

The enamel of Creodonta, Arctocyonidae, and Mesonychidae (Mammalia), with special reference to the appearance of Hunter-Schreger-Bands

The enamel structure of 16 creodont genera was examined by light microscopy and for 3 by scanning electron microscopy. All creodonts have prismatic enamel where prisms decussate in layers forming Hunter-Schreger-Bands (HSB). As only limited material was accessible to sectioning, the main emphasis is given to the appearance of HSB. As in other carnivorous mammals three types of HSB can be distinguished: undulating HSB, acute-angled HSB and zigzag HSB, which differ in their waviness in the horizontal course. Within the evolution of creodonts the amount of zigzag HSB in the teeth increased in hyaenodontids and oxyaenids respectively. This can be attributed to different loading conditions of the teeth due to various food types and the resulting bite forces. Tendencies to ossiphagous feeding habits correlate with zigzag HSB. The same general trends can be seen in 5 examined genera of the Arctocyonidae and Mesonychidae.     

Nest re-use and communal nesting inMicrothurge corumbae (Hymenoptera,Megachilidae), with special reference to nest defense

Summary Observations on the nesting activities ofMicrothurge corumbae, carried out at the University Campus of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, from 1977 to 1981, indicated that 61.9 % of nests were re-used by succeeding generations. Re-use by one generation was more frequent than by two generations, and re-use by a third was observed only once. Nests were re-used by one or several females. Single females were more frequently in the first re-use. In these cases nest re-use did not differ essentially from the solitary foundation of a new nest, except for the adoption of a pre-existing nest without excavation. In multifemale nests, analysis of relative age (wing wear), ovarian and spermathecal conditions of associated females and the content of nests at excavation indicated that the social pattern in such colonies is communal. There is some evidence that the associated females are relatives. The chalcidoid waspLeucospis was the principal nest parasite, and ants of the genusCrematogaster were nest predators. In multifemale nests, the rate of parasitism was significantly lower than in solitary nests, indicating that nest-sharing resulted in improved nest defense. On the other hand, the absence of predation on immatures of the first generation of M.commbae in multifemale nests suggests that such nests are also more resistant to attack by predators.     

15. Three Rumanian Mallomonas species (Synurophyceae), with special distribution patterns

Mallomonas is the largest genus of the Synurophyceae (chrysophytes) and includes more than 120 species. Most of them are cosmopolitan, living in freshwater habitats. The Rumanian taxa occur usually in spring or early summer at water temperatures ranging between 4 ° and 10 °C. They are most frequent in neutral or slightly acid, clear-watered, aquatic habitats of various types. However, Mallomonas paludosa Fott appears mostly in brown watered peatbog pools of low mineral contents, having a particular geographical area, with its southernmost limit in the Rumanian Eastern Carpathians. Its distribution, like that of other boreal elements, is strictly connected with the occurrence of genuine ombrogenic Sphagnum-bogs, which have their southern limit also in Romania. The other two species dealt with — M. cyathellata Wujek & Asmund and M. portae-ferreae Péterfi & Asmund —, occurring in circumneutral or moderately alkaline waters of eutrophic character, are apparently warm water forms, mostly distributed in tropical, subtropical or mediterranean zones. The Rumanian localities (in the Danube Delta and at Eşelniţa near the Danube, up stream Drobeta Turnu-Severin) might be the northern limits of M. portae-ferreae in Eastern Europe. The Danube Delta is the only locality of M. cyathellata in Europe, and its northernmost occurrence as well. The occurrence of both species in Rumania is presumably due to migratory waterfowl.     

Redescription and distribution of Boeckella gibbosa (Brehm, 1935) (Copepoda,Calanoida, Centropagidae)

Thirty-five species of the family Lecanidae are examined from Tripura state in North-Eastern India. Of these, Lecane levistyla and L. scutata are interesting cold-water forms; L. batillifer is an Australasian element; L. acanthinula and L. sinuata are Oriental endemics and L. braumi, L. lateralis and L. simonneae are palaeotropical species. The lecanid fauna also includes the pantropical L. thienemanni and L. sola while the remainder are cosmopolitan and tropicopolitan elements. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Year-round local movements of the japanese fluvial sculpin,Cottus pollux (large egg type), with special reference to the distribution of spawning nests

Year-round local movements of adult Japanese fluvial sculpin.Cottus pollux (large egg type), were investigated by a capture-mark-and-recapture method from July 1989 to July 1990 in the upper reaches of the Inabe River, central Japan. In the pre-breeding (July to January) and post-breeding seasons (June to July), the mean distance of movements in males and females was less than 20 m, and there was no apparent tendency to move into a particular channel-unit habitat, suggesting residential tendency in both sexes. In the breeding season (February to May), males tended to move into the raceways where most of the spawning nests were found, but females did not do likewise, indicating a sexual difference in movements in that season. Such sexual difference in movements was also confirmed by the records of individuals captured and recaptured more than three times: six (42.9%) of 14 males moved into the raceways in the breeding season, whereas only one (7.1%) of 14 females did so in that season. The reason behind this sexual difference in movements observed in the breeding season is discussed from the viewpoint of the patterns of spatial distribution between sexes during the pre-breeding and breeding seasons.