Comparison of morphological and genetic analyses reveals cryptic divergence and morphological plasticity in Stylophora (Cnidaria, Scleractinia)

A combined morphological and genetic study of the coral genus Stylophora investigated species boundaries in the Gulf of Aden, Yemen. Two mitochondrial regions, including the hypervariable IGS9 spacer and the control region, and a fragment of rDNA were used for phylogenetic analysis. Results were compared by multivariate analysis on the basis of branch morphology and corallite morphometry. Two species were clearly discriminated by both approaches. The first species was characterised by small corallites and a low morphological variability and was ascribed to a new geographical record of Stylophora madagascarensis on the basis of its phylogenetic distinction and its morphological similarity to the type material. The second species was characterised by larger corallite size and greater morphological variability and was ascribed to Stylophora pistillata. The analysis was extended to the intrageneric level for other S. pistillata populations from the Red Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Strong internal divergence was evident in the genus Stylophora. S. pistillata populations were split into two highly divergent Red Sea/Gulf of Aden and western Pacific lineages with significant morphological overlap, which suggests they represent two distinct cryptic species. The combined use of morphological and molecular approaches, so far proved to be a powerful tool for the re-delineation of species boundaries in corals, provided novel evidence of cryptic divergence in this group of marine metazoans.     

MORPHOLOGICAL AND ALLOZYMIC EVIDENCE FOR SABATIA FORMOSA (GENTIANACEAE) IN THE SECTION CAMPESTRIA

An investigation of eleven populations of Sabatia, utilizing twelve morphological traits and fifteen allozymic loci, revealed the presence of three species in the section Campestria. Currently, the section has two recognized species, S. campestris Nutt. and S. arenicola Greenm. A stepwise discriminant analysis of the morphological data indicated the presence of the third previously described species, S. formosa Buckl. Eight of the loci were either monomorphic or there were no allozyme frequency differences among the three species. An analysis of the allozyme frequencies of the seven polymorphic loci substantiated the presence of S. formosa. Ecological and phenological phenomena further separate the three species. A distribution map of the populations analyzed, populations observed, and populations represented in herbarium specimens indicates that the ranges of the three species are separate although sympatry does occur. Thus, the morphological form described and designated S. formosa by Buckley in 1862 is a separate species.     

Alchemilla schmakovii sp. nov. from eastern Europe

A morphological study of specimens collected by the author and a critical revision of the key herbarium collections revealed a new rather peculiar taxon of Alchemilla occurring in almost every region of the Middle Volga basin, Russia. This novelity is here described as A. schmakovii and images of the principal morphological features of this species are provided. The new species is compared with related species in A. sect. Alchemilla (e.g. A. micans) and sect. Plicatae (e.g. A. breviloba) based on morphological characteristics.     

Species boundaries within the<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Acropora humilis</Emphasis> species group (Cnidaria; Scleractinia): a morphological and molecular interpretation of evolution

Species boundaries remain unresolved in many scleractinian corals. In this study, we examine evolutionary boundaries of species in the Acropora humilis species group. Five morphologically discrete units are recognized using principal components and hierarchical cluster analyses of quantitative and qualitative characters, respectively. Maximum parsimony and likelihood analyses of partial 28S rDNA sequences suggest that these morphological units diverged to form two evolutionarily distinct lineages, with A. humilis and A. gemmifera in one lineage and A. digitifera and two morphological types of A. monticulosa in the other. Low levels of sequence divergence but distinct morphologies of A. humilis and A. gemmifera within the former lineage suggest recent divergence or ongoing hybridization between these species. Substantially higher levels of divergence within and between A. digitifera and A. monticulosa suggest a more ancient divergence between these species, with sequence types being shared through occasional introgression without disrupting morphological boundaries. These results suggest that morphology has evolved more rapidly than the 28S rDNA marker, and demonstrate the utility of using morphological and molecular characters as complementary tools for interpreting species boundaries in corals.     

Integrative taxonomy reveals too extensive lumping and a new species in the moss genus Amphidium (Bryophyta)

An integrative taxonomic approach, including molecular phylogenetic reconstructions based on plastid rps4-trnF and nuclear ITS sequences, statistical analysis of morphological-anatomical characters, and classical taxonomy, indicates that the reduction of 13 Amphidium species to three in a recent morphological revision represents a case of too extensive lumping. Instead, six Amphidium species can be distinguished based on molecular and morphological data, the widespread Amphidium lapponicum, A. mougeotii, and A. tortuosum, as well as the Macaronesian endemic A. curvipes, the North American endemic A. californicum, and a newly discovered species from Central Asia (southern Siberia and northern Mongolia), A. asiaticum sp. nov. Diagnostic morphological characters for all six species are discussed. The present data confirm that species diversity of Amphidium is highest in the Holarctic, where all six species occur.     

Morphology and habitat use by fishes of the Rio das Velhas basin in southeastern Brazil

We analyzed the morphology and habitat use of 16 small-sized fish species that are abundant in the Rio das Velhas basin using 17 morphological attributes. Habitat use was characterized in terms of the species mean density considering three hydraulic factors: substrate, water depth and mean water velocity. The distribution of species within the morphological space demonstrated congruence between the morphological attributes of a species, and their occupation of vertical microhabitats. Based on this data, the species could be classified as benthic A, benthic B or nektonic zone-dwelling species. Benthic A and B species differed mainly in relation to their body shapes, which were fusiform or depressed, respectively. Generally, habitat selection by each species was related to certain hydraulic factors, water velocity in particular. Siluriformes generally had morphological or behavioral adaptations to live in fast flowing habitats, and they were found more frequently than Characiformes in microhabitats with greater water velocities. Benthic species were the most selective with respect to substrate type. Between congener species, the habitat use of Serrapinnus heterodon and Serrapinnus piaba greatly overlapped, but these species were separated in morphological space. In contrast, Characidium species were closely related in morphological space but had great habitat segregation. Fish requirements and habitat use are poorly understood but are important to species management and habitat restoration.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of selected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia</Emphasis> species from Rawalakot,Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Artemisia is an important genus of Asteraceae and has a high number of taxa, ecological and economic importance. Its natural classification has not been achieved and the taxonomists are trying to solve the problem of its classification over the last two decades. The genus Artemisia can be divided into five large sections namely: Absinthium DC, Artemisia L., Dracunculus Besser, Seriphidium Besser and Tridentatae (Rybd.). In the present study, three species (A. vulgaris, A. roxburghiana and A. absinthium) belonging to groups Artemisia (A. vulgaris and A. roxburghiana) and Absinthium (A. absinthium) were collected from Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The species were analyzed for the assessment of morphological and genetic diversity and relationship was estimated among and within the different species of Artemisia. The morphological and molecular data were analyzed using software NTSYS (Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System) pc version 2.01. For molecular study, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to detect genetic variations among the species. Out of the ten random primers used, nine have given amplification profiles. A total 611 bands were produced by all the primers, of which 419 were polymorphic and level of polymorphism was detected to be 68% across all the samples of studied species. Based on the results obtained, it has been observed that there is a wide range of diversity both at morphological and molecular level among and within the species. Further, mixed pattern of grouping in cluster analysis was found, indicating the close affinities of species with each other.     

Phenetic investigation of non-nodulating African species ofAcacia (Leguminosae) using morphological and molecular markers

Morphological and RAPD markers were used to assess the relationships among nodulating and non-nodulating species of AfricanAcacia. Non-nodulating species of AfricanAcacia are only found within subg.Aculeiferum sect.Monacanthea. African species of sect.Monacanthea examined were found to form a group distinct from the other African species examined on a morphological and molecular basis. All lack the ability to nodulate, suggesting that non-nodulation may be used as a taxonomic tool. The species of sect.Aculeiferum were separated by RAPD and morphological analysis into two groups depending on whether they were armed with prickles in pairs and/or prickles in threes, or solitary. A third group of species was identified within sect.Acacia: further subdivision of this group was achieved into subsectt.Pluriseriae andUniseriae. The position ofA. albida relative to other AfricanAcacia species was found to be distinct but not totally independent of the genus. The partitioning and distribution of the genetic variability within the genus is further elucidated by the RAPD analysis of populations ofAcacia species. A population analysis ofA. polyacantha demonstrated geographical and site-specific variation.     

The validation of specific status of the sakhalin sturgeon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser mikadoi</Emphasis> (Acipenseridae) in the light of recent genetic and morphological data

The comparative morphological study in different Acipenseriform species demonstrates that there are only two morphological features combining the kaluga and the great sturgeon and separating them from other sturgeons, namely the shape of a mouth and the manner attaching of gill membranes to isthmus in adult specimens; whereas many morphological characters are different in these species. The relations of morphological similarity/distinction among different sturgeon species and polyphyletic origin of genus Huso revealed by both molecular and cytogenetic studies presume the restoration of initial taxonomic states for the great sturgeon and kaluga as members of the same genus Acipenser, namely A. huso and A. dauricus.     

A SYNOPSIS OF NORTH AMERICAN ASTERS: THE SUBGENERA,SECTIONS AND SUBSECTIONS OF ASTER AND LASALLEA

Traditional treatments of Aster were found unsatisfactory in predicting cytological and morphological characteristics of members of various subgenera, sections and subsections of different authors. A realignment of species into these infrageneric categories is presented and is based on sets of shared morphological characteristics of roots or rhizomes, leaves, and phyllaries. Eight subgenera are recognised in Aster. Subgenus Aster is divided into five sections on morphological characteristics: three have X = 9, one has X = 8 and one has X = 7. Subgenus Aster section Dumosi has been redefined and contains all the X = 8 species. Ten X = 5 species and one X = 4 species previously classified in up to six sections of subgenus Aster were found to be morphologically and cytologically related to each other, but unrelated to the other species of Aster. These eleven species have been assigned to the genus Lasallea sensu Semple & Brouillet. Lasallea has been divided in sections and subsections with new combinations presented in this paper.     

Analysis of allozyme variability in three Plantago species and a comparison to morphological variability

Summary The level of electrophoretic variability in three Plantago species, P. major, P. coronopus, and P. lanceolata, was analyzed in relation to their breeding systems and compared with their morphological variability. From each species several populations were analyzed. The outcrossing P. lanceolata had the highest level of electrophoretic variability and the lowest population differentiation. The inbreeding P. major showed the opposite: a low level of electrophoretic variability and a high population differentiation. P. coronopus, with an intermediate breeding system, had an intermediate level of variability and differentiation. In comparing the species, it appeared that P. coronopus and P. major showed good concordance in the distribution of both kinds of variability, each having only a slightly higher morphological than electrophoretic differentiation between populations. P. lanceolata showed a higher morphological than electrophoretic differentiation between populations. A comparison of populations, within species, revealed good concordance of electrophoretic and morphological variability only within P. coronopus, while some populations of the other two species had relatively lower morphological variability compared with electrophoretic variability.Grassland Species Research Group Publication No. 182     

Molecular study of the genus Astraeus

The aim of the present work was to determine phylogenetic relationships among Astraeus species and to support macroscopic and microscopic characters of Astraeus with analysis of the ITS rDNA region. Collections of Astraeus basidiomes were made from different geographical areas in Thailand and compared with existing collections made worldwide. The marriage of observations on morphological features, including basidiospore ornamentation and molecular data demonstrated the presence of several Astraeus species. Sequences for 41 Astraeus collections were compared and the phylogenetic analyses grouped Thai Astraeus collections into two distinct groups. One contained A. odoratus and an Asian species described herein as A. asiaticus. There are at least two additional species: A. pteridis, and one so far un-named from North America. Our results show that molecular data can be used in combination with traditional morphological characteristics to resolve taxonomic uncertainties in the genus Astraeus.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium svalbardense</Emphasis>, a new species from Arctic glacial ice

During investigations of mycobiota in the coastal Arctic polythermal glaciers, different species of the ubiquitous genus Penicillium were isolated from the extreme subglacial environment. A group of Penicillium strains was obtained that did not belong to any known Penicillium species. This species was isolated in high numbers from the Kongsvegen subglacial ice and was not detected in the surrounding environment. A detailed analysis of secondary metabolite profiles, physiological and morphological characteristics, and partial β-tubulin gene sequences showed that the proposed new species Penicillium svalbardense is closely related but not identical to Penicillium piscarium and Penicillium simplicissimum. It differs in the production of secondary metabolites and in the morphological features of conidia and penicilli, and it is therefore described as a new species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia cattienensis</Emphasis>: a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia</Emphasis> (sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Archaecamellia</Emphasis>: Theaceae) from Vietnam

A new species of the genus Camellia L. (Theaceae, Theoideae) is described and illustrated under the name C. cattienensis. This species occurs in the rainforest vegetation of Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. A discussion of the morphological characters distinguishing this new species from related Camellia species is presented. Morphological evidence supports a transitional taxonomic placement in Camellia sect. Archaecamellia Sealy. This placement is justified by C. cattienensis exhibiting some morphological characteristics also found in sects Stereocarpus (Pierre) Sealy and Piquetia (Pierre) Sealy.     

AMPHIDINIUM REVISITED. II. RESOLVING SPECIES BOUNDARIES IN THE AMPHIDINIUM OPERCULATUM SPECIES COMPLEX (DINOPHYCEAE), INCLUDING THE DESCRIPTIONS OF AMPHIDINIUM TRULLA SP. NOV. AND AMPHIDINIUM GIBBOSUM. COMB. NOV.1

Amphidinium operculatum Claparède et Lachmann, the type species of the dinoflagellate genus Amphidinium, has long had an uncertain identity. It has been considered to be either difficult to distinguish from other similar species or a morphologically variable species itself. This has led to the hypothesis that A. operculatum represents a “species complex.” Recently, the problem of distinguishing A. operculatum from similar species has become particularly acute, because several morphologically similar species have been found to produce bioactive compounds of potential interest to the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, we cultured and examined existing cultures of several species of Amphidinium, most of which have been previously identified as A. operculatum or as species considered by some to be synonyms or varieties of A. operculatum. Thirty strains were examined using comparative LM, SEM, and partial large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequence data. Through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, six distinct species were identified, including Amphidinium trulla sp. nov. and Amphidinium gibbosum comb. nov. Amphidinium operculatum was redescribed based on four cultures. Genetic variability within the examined Amphidinium species varied greatly. There was little difference among strains in partial LSU rDNA for most species, but strains of A. carterae and A. massartii Biencheler differed by as much as 4%. In both A. carterae and A. massartii, three distinct genotypes based on partial LSU rDNA were found, but no morphological differences among strains could be observed using LM or SEM. In the case of A. carterae, no biogeographically related molecular differences were found.     

Phylogenetic relationships between Synodontis species: some preliminary results

The aim of this study was to identify genetic markers and morphological characters to distinguish Synodontis species, because certain species are extremely difficult to identify due to the taxonomically unreliable nature of prominent morphological features. Fixed allele mobility differences were obtained at eight of the 17 loci studied. Unique alleles were found at EST(B) in S. zambezensis and LGG(B) in S. nigromaculatus, whereas the outgroup species Parauchenoglanis ngamensis had private alleles at SDH(A), MPI(C) and LGG(A). The species boundaries were tested using controlled breeding studies between S. nigromaculatus and S. zambezensis. A preliminary DNA sequence (781 base pairs) analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was done. Synodontis zambezensis, S. nigromaculatus, S. njassae and S. petricola, all with convex humeral processes, were grouped in one clade. The species S. macrostoma, S. macrostigma, S. woosnami and S. leopardinus were grouped together, but with poor resolution. Morphological characters to identify southern African Synodontis species are listed. A more detailed study is required to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of some of the species studied.