Assessment of conservation units for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)

An assessment of conservation units for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was conducted using a population aggregation analysis (PAA) of mitochondrial DNA site substitutions. Populations were defined as the three geographically separated regions of West Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. The intent of this assessment was to explore management options for this highly endangered lineage rather than conduct a traditional taxonomic revision. Individual DNA positions were not diagnostic for any population. A single haplotype provided a character as support for diagnosing the West Malaysian and Bornean population. The haplotypes on West Malaysia and Sumatra were more similar to each other than either was to the one on Borneo. These data, and a review of the morphological characters, support the option of treating Sumatran rhinos as a single conservation unit, providing managers with greater flexibility in managing the unique Dicerorhine lineage. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Phylogeography of the Western Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus): testing aridland biogeographical hypotheses across the Nearctic-Neotropical transition

The Western Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus) is a widespread, polytypic taxon inhabiting arid regions from the warm deserts of the southwestern United States southward along the Pacific versant of Mexico to the tropical deciduous forests of Mesoamerica. This broadly distributed species provides a unique opportunity to evaluate a priori biogeographical hypotheses spanning two major distinct biogeographical realms (the Nearctic and Neotropical) that are usually treated separately in phylogeographical analyses. I investigated the phylogeography of T. biscutatus using maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from across this species' range. Phylogenetic analyses recovered five well-supported clades whose boundaries are concordant with existing geographical barriers, a pattern consistent with a model of vicariant allopatric divergence. Assuming a vicariance model, divergence times between mitochondrial lineages were estimated using Bayesian relaxed molecular clock methods calibrated using geological information from putative vicariant events. Divergence time point estimates were bounded by broad confidence intervals, and thus these highly conservative estimates should be considered tentative hypotheses at best. Comparison of mtDNA lineages and taxa traditionally recognized as subspecies based on morphology suggest this taxon is comprised of multiple independent lineages at various stages of divergence, ranging from putative secondary contact and hybridization to sympatry of 'subspecies'.     

Mitochondrial DNA variation suggests river capture as a source of vicariance in Gadopsis bispinosus (Pisces: Gadopsidae)

Gadopsis bispinosus from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) were genetically similar to a population in north-east Victoria, but highly divergent from another population in central Victoria. Upper tributary populations from the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers were similar probably due to river capture.     

Chloroplast DNA‐based studies in molecular ecology may be compromised by nuclear‐encoded plastid sequence

Ongoing genetic transfer from mitochondria and plastids into the nucleus is a well‐documented fact. While in metazoan molecular ecology the need for surveillance against pseudogene‐mediated artefacts when analysing mtDNA sequences is commonly accepted, no comparable measurements have been established for plastid‐based studies. We highlight the impact and management of nuclear mitochondrial insertions, argue that nuclear plastid sequences represent an underestimated but major factor in plant molecular ecology, and discuss potential avenues of remedy in chloroplast studies.     

A review of Cyclidiinae from China (Lepidoptera,Drepanidae)

The subfamily Cyclidiinae from China is reviewed: two genera and seven species are reported from China. One new subspecies, Cyclidiafractifasciataindistinctasubsp. n., is described. Two new synonyms are established: Cyclidiasubstigmaria (Hübner, 1831) (= Cyclidiasubstigmariabrunna Chu & Wang, 1987, syn. n. = Cyclidiatetraspota Chu & Wang, 1987, syn. n.). One misidentification in Chu & Wang (1987) is corrected. Identification keys and diagnoses for all discussed Chinese species are provided. External features and genitalia are depicted. In addition, results of DNA barcoding for five taxa of Cyclidia are briefly discussed.