Intra- and interspecific variation in genome size in Lathyrus (Leguminosae)

2C nuclear DNA amounts for 24 species of Lathyrus (section Lathyrus ) were determined using flow cytometry. A greater than two-fold variation was observed, ranging from 10.2 pg in L. basalticus to 24.2 pg in L. latifolius. In general, the perennial species had greater DNA amounts than the annuals. Significant intraspecific variation was observed in five species of Lathyrus (from 10.1% in L. annuus to 28% in L. tingitanus). A positive correlation was observed between DNA values obtained by flow cytometry and those previously determined by microdensitometry. Finally, the distribution of DNA amounts in species within section Lathyrus appears to be continuous.     

Systematics and biogeography of Lathyrus (Leguminosae) based on internal transcribed spacer and cpDNA sequence data

Lathyrus (Leguminosae; Papilionoideae) is the largest genus in tribe Fabeae and exhibits an intriguing extratropical distribution. We studied the systematics and biogeography of Lathyrus using sequence data, from accessions representing 53 species, for the internal transcribed spacer plus 5.8S-coding region of nuclear ribosomal DNA as well as the trnL-F and trnS-G regions of chloroplast DNA. Our results generally supported recent morphology-based classifications, resolving clades corresponding to sections Lathyrus and Lathyrostylis, but question the monophyly of the large, widespread section Orobus sensu Asmussen and Liston. Sections Orobus, Aphaca, and Pratensis form a predominantly northern Eurasian-New World clade. Within this clade, the North American and eastern Eurasian species, including both Holarctic species (L. palustris and L. japonicus), form a transberingian clade of relatively recent origin and diversification. The South American Notolathyrus group is distant from this transberingian lineage and should be reinstated as a distinct section within the northern Eurasian-New World clade. The Notolathyrus lineage reached the New World most probably through long-distance dispersal from Eurasia. The remaining sections in the genus are centered on the Mediterranean region.     

A new species of Lathyrus L. (section Cicercula; Fabaceae) from Turkey

A new species, Lathyrus egirdiricus H.Genc & A.Sahin (section Cicercula; Fabaceae), is described from Turkey, with illustrations and taxonomic comments. Characteristics of the species are compared with those of the related species Lathyrus hirsutus L., L. stenophyllus Boiss. & Heldr., L. sativus L., L. cassius Boiss. and L. gorgoni Parl., from which it differs mainly in the shape, length, width and venation of leaflets, length and width of the stipule, flower colour, legume and style length. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 301–305.     

Discriminant alleles and discriminant analysis: efficient characters to separate closely related species: the example of Lathyrus latifolius L. and Lathyrus sylvestris L. (Leguminosae)

VALERO, M. & HOSSAERT-MCKEY, M., 1991. Discriminant alleles and discriminant analysis: efficient characters to separate closely related species: the example of Lathyrus latifolius L. and Lathyrus sylvestris L. (Leguminosae). Two species of Lathyrus (L. latifolius and L. sylvestris) were compared using allozymes and quantitative vegetative and reproductive traits. The variation in these characters was analysed in several populations of the two species located in south-western, central and northern France. In a site where the two species are syrapatric, intermediate plants are described. The two species can be identified by discriminant alleles. The genetic structure observed for intermediate plants in the zone of sympatry indicates, paradoxically, the occurrence of a strong reproductive barrier between the two species. The discriminant analysis performed on the quantitative traits readily distinguishes the two species and confirms the reproductive isolation between them. The quantitative character that best discriminates between the species is the number of ovules per ovary, a variable which has non-overlapping distributions in the two species. We discuss how this character, usually ignored, may be better for distinguishing species than some traditionally used reproductive traits such as the number of seeds per fruit. The vegetative traits studied (e.g. degree and intensity of branching) also differ significantly between the two species. Divergent evolution of these traits in the two species is discussed in relation to differences in the original habitats of the two species.     

Chloroplast DNA characters, phylogeny, and classification of Lathyrus (Fabaceae)

Mapped cpDNA restriction site characters were analyzed cladistically and the resulting phylogenetic hypotheses were used to test monophyly and relationships of the infrageneric classification of Lathyrus (Fabaceae) proposed by Kupicha (1983, Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 41: 209-244). The validity of previously proposed classification systems and questions presented by these classification schemes were explored. Two cpDNA regions, rpoC (rpoC1, its intron, part of rpoC2, and their intergenic spacer) and IR- (psbA, trnH-GUG, part of ndhF, and their intergenic spacers), were analyzed for 42 Lathyrus and two Vicia species. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplified rpoC and IR- products digested with 31 and 27 restriction endonucleases, respectively, resulted in 109 potentially informative characters. The strict consensus tree suggests that several of Kupicha's sections may be combined in order to constitute clades. The widespread section Orobus and the South American section Notolathyrus should be combined. Section Lathyrus, characterized by a twisted style, should either include sections Orobon and Orobastrum or be redefined as three sections, one of which is characterized by a 100 base pair deletion in the IR- region. Finally, a weighted parsimony analysis positions sections Clymenum (excluding L. gloeospermus) and Nissolia, both with phyllodic leaves, as sister sections. The affiliation of Lathyrus gloeospermus (section Clymenum) remains problematic.     

Molecular characterization of Lathyrus species using chloroplast DNA trnH-psbA

Lathyrus L. is an important genus contributing in human food, animal feed and fodder. The genetic variation is studied among and within six species sampled over a large geographical area: Lathyrus cicera, Lathyrus sativus, Lathyrus sylvestris, Lathyrus tuberosus, Lathyrus ochrus and Lathyrus aphaca. The phylogenetic relationship among these species was assessed using sequences of chloroplast DNA trnH-psbA (intergenic spacer). The highly polymorphic spacer' length was 330 bp. The phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Parsimony and Genetic Distances, agreed with the universal taxonomy of Kupicha. L. sativus and L. cicera could be considered as sister species, sharing a common ancestor.     

Molecular phylogenetics and delimitation of species in Cortinarius section Calochroi (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in Europe

Cortinarius is the most species rich genus of mushroom forming fungi with an estimated 2000 spp. worldwide. However, species delimitation within the genus is often controversial. This is particularly true in the section Calochroi (incl. section Fulvi), where the number of accepted taxa in Europe ranges between c.60 and c.170 according to different taxonomic schools. Here, we evaluated species delimitation within this taxonomically difficult group of species and estimated their phylogenetic relationships. Species were delimited by phylogenetic inference and by comparison of ITS sequence data in combination with morphological characters. A total of 421 ITS sequences were analyzed, including data from 53 type specimens. The phylogenetic relationships of the identified species were estimated by analyzing ITS data in combination with sequence data from the two largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2). Seventy-nine species were identified, which are believed to constitute the bulk of the diversity of this group in Europe. The delimitation of species based on ITS sequences is more consistent with a conservative morphological species concept for most groups. ITS sequence data from 30 of the 53 types were identical to other taxa, and most of these can be readily treated as synonyms. This emphasizes the importance of critical analysis of collections before describing new taxa. The phylogenetic separation of species was, in general, unambiguous and there is considerable potential for using ITS sequence data as a barcode for the group. A high level of homoplasy and phenotypic plasticity was observed for morphological and ecological characters. Whereas most species and several minor lineages can be recognized by morphological and ecological character states, these same states are poor indicators at higher levels.     

Lizards from the end of the world: phylogenetic relationships of the Liolaemus lineomaculatus section (Squamata: Iguania: Liolaemini)

The Liolaemus lineomaculatus section is a geographically widely distributed group of lizards from the Patagonian region of southern South America, and includes 18 described species representing the most southerly distributed Liolaemus taxa (the genus includes 228 species and extends from Tierra del Fuego north to south-central Peru). Despite high species diversity, the phylogenetic relationships of this section are unknown. In the present work we sampled all described species in the L. lineomaculatus section as well as currently undescribed candidate species to reconstruct the first complete phylogenetic hypothesis for the clade. Our data set included four anonymous nuclear loci, three nuclear protein-coding loci, and two mitochondrial genes. We compared results obtained with three different phylogenetic methods for the concatenated data set (Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference) with a coalescent-based species tree approach (BEST), and recovered congruent, strongly-supported topological arrangements across all methods. We identified four main clades within the L. lineomaculatus section: the lineomaculatus, magellanicus, somuncurae, and kingii+archeforus groups, for which we estimated divergence times. We discuss the taxonomic implications of these results and how the future integration of phylogeographic, niche modeling and morphological approaches will allow testing biogeographical hypotheses in this clade.     

Evidence for the hybrid origin of Lathyrus plitmannii (Leguminosae)

ABSTRACT

The hypothesis that Lathyrus plitmannii may be of hybrid origin was tested on a morphological data set, derived from measurements of 50 herbarium specimens, by employing the computer program HYWIN. Results showed that all the specimens of L. plitmannii were putative hybrids and that the highest ranked pair of specimens that best matches the morphologies of its parents was L. gorgonei and L. pseudocicera. Examination of the distribution patterns of the three species shows that L. plitmannii is confined to regions common to both putative parents and that hybrids could be formed, assuming that genetic barriers were overcome. Additional supporting evidence includes overlaps in the edaphic requirements and the habitats of the three species. Lathyrus plitmannii is recognised as a distinct species that should be regarded as derivative of hybridisation between L. gorgonei and L. pseudocicera.     

Morphological and ultrastructural features in selected species of Licea (Myxomycetes)

Ultrastructural studies of selected species of Licea were made in order to elucidate relationships among species. Based on structural studies, species may be grouped as representing different stages of morphological complexity. The majority of species possess protoplasmodia and form sporangia. The two plasmodiocarpous species L. retiformis and L. variabilis possess more highly differentiated plasmodia and are an anomaly among Licea species. Processes along the margin of peridial lobes in several species of the genus are probably homologous with the capillitium in Listerella . The latter genus is morphologically and structurally very similar to species of the Licea pusilla group, but its plasmodium is still unknown. The sole species of Listerella agrees with Licea operculata in the structure of spore ornamentation, the processes consisting of densely packed granules of high electron density. This structure is quite different from that of L. pusilla and L. minima , where the processes have an internal structure of alternating layers different in electron transparency. Presence of spore-like bodies, different in size and ornamentation from normal spores, have been demonstrated in the border region between stalk and sporangium in L. operculata . This is a feature previously supposed to be restricted to Arcyria and related genera. Using X-ray analysis, calcium has been found in the peridium of several species of Licea . Since environmental factors may influence the presence or absence of calcium, caution should be taken in interpreting differences taxonomically. The similarity in elemental composition between the spores and sporangial lid in L. operculata is interesting, considering the fact that the sporangial lid of Trichia crateriformb has been demonstrated to be composed of spore-like structures.     

Variation in cranial form and sexual dimorphism among five European populations of the otter Lutra lutra

Craniometric variation between otters Lutra lutra (L.) from Ireland, Scotland, Shetland, Norway, and Czechoslovakia was examined using multivariate statistical analyses. Significant sexual dimorphism in cranial size and shape occurred in all samples, although the degree of dimorphism varied between samples, with the Irish sample exhibiting the most. Morphological differences were also observed across samples. Three groups were observed; Irish, Scottish, (Mainland and Shetland), and Mainland European, though within the two composite groups the samples were still differentiable. There was a good agreement between the patterns of variation between male and female samples, but morphological differentiation was not significantly correlated with geographic separation. These results are discussed in the light of our current knowledge of the ecology of the species in Europe. It is argued that, while there is morphological evidence for subspecific status of the Irish otter (as L. l. roensis ), further investigations of morphological and genetic variation across Eurasia are clearly required.     

Isozyme variation and phylogenetic relationships in Vicia subgenus Cracca (Fabaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The phylogenetic relationships among 27 vetch species belonging to the subgenus Cracca of the genus Vicia were studied in comparison with three species of Lathyrus section Lathyrus on the basis of isozyme variation. METHODS: Isozymes encoded by 15 putative loci of ten enzymes were resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isozyme variation was analysed by using parsimony and neighbour-joining methods. KEY RESULTS: The analyses revealed 63 parsimony-informative and 36 species-specific orthozymes. Of the latter, 23 are monomophic and are suitable for identification of V. benghalensis, V. palaestina, V. dumetorum, V. pisiformis, V. sylvatica, V. onobrychioides, V. cappadocica, V. cretica, V. articulata, V. tetrasperma, V. ervilia, V. hirsuta and V. loiseleurii. Polymorphism with heterozygous and homozygous isozyme genotypes was found for V. cracca, V. tenuifolia, V. ochroleuca, V. villosa, V. sylvatica, V. cassubica, V. sparsiflora, V. megalotropis, V. altissima, V. onobrychioides, V. cassia, V. cretica and L. heterophyllus, reflecting outcrossing in these species. By contrast, V. benghalensis, V. palaestina, V. disperma, V. dumetorum, V. pisiformis, V. orobus, V. pauciflora, V. tetrasperma and V. loiseleurii had only homozygous isozyme genotypes at polymorphic loci. Isozyme-based phylogenetic trees are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Sections Cracca, Ervum, Pedunculatae and Lenticula of traditional taxonomy are monophyletic groups, whereas sections Oroboideae (= Vicilla) and Panduratae appear polyphyletic and section Cassubicae is split into two species-couples linked at a low level of support. Treatment of ervoid species in a separate subgenus Ervum is not supported because of its polyphyly.     

Biosystematic studies in Allium L. section Cepa

VAN RAAMSDONK, L. W. D. & DE VRIES, T. 1992. Biosystematic studies in Allium L. section Cepa. Principal component analyses and hybrid analyses, according to Wells, using 31 morphological characteristics were used to study the biosystematic relationships between six Allium species of section Cepa and A. roylei of section Rhizirideum. Seventeen interspecific hybrid populations were included. Based on these analyses and on additional information from geography, chromosome banding pattern, DNA amount and seed epidermis texture, the species of Allium section Cepa can be divided into three groups: 1. A. galanthum and A. pskemense , 2. A. cepa, A. oschaninii and A. vavilovii and 3. A. futulosum and A, allaicum. Presumed evolution of both groups 2 and 3 from the basic group 1 is indicated by the development of new morphological characteristics, a change in genome structure and migration.     

Beiträge zur Nomenklatur der Gattung Lathyrus L

In connection with a taxonomic study in a group of Eurasiatic species of the genus Lathyrus L. (Subgen. Orobus (L.) Baker) some problems of nomenclature and new combinations are reported. For instance, the correct name for the Lathyrus montanus Bernh. ist the new combination Lathyrus linifolius (Reichard) Bässler. Lathyrus friedrichsthalii (Griseb.) Maly is a subspecies of Lathyrus alpestris (Waldst. et Kit.) Kit.     

A Review of Current Theories and Methods in Cladistics and a Cladistic Study of Twelve Lindera Species in Eastern China

Cladistics has become a widely used method for phylogenetic reconstruction．Because of rapid improvement Of cladistic theories and methodologies,and application of new data,especially,molecular data,it is becoming realistic to reconstruct phylogenies of organisms,and to establish natural classifications based on these phylogenies．This paper reviews some current cladistic theories and methods in a practical way,such as choosing characters,defining character states,polarizing characters,analyzing data matrices, calculating consensus cladograms,choosing among multiple equally most parsimonious cladograms,estimating reliability of cladograms,and applying cladograms to classification, character evolution,and biogeography． Based on 36 morphological characters．a parsimony analysis of 12 species representing six sections in subgenus Lindera and an outgroup species from subgenus lteodaphne of the genus Lindera(Lauraceae)was conducted．The results suggest a close relationship between section Lindera and section Sphaerocarpae,which is different from the previous phylogenetic hypothesis within the genus．In the strict consensus cladogram,two species,L．megaphylla and L.chienii,from section Cupuliformes are in the most primitive and the most advanced clades respectively,indicating that the section is polyphyletic．The cladogram also suggests that section Lindera be a polyphyletic group．     

Evolution and genetic structure of the great tit (Parus major) complex

The great tit complex is divided into four groups, each containing several subspecies. Even though the groups are known to differ markedly on morphological, vocal and behavioural characters, some hybridization occurs in the regions where they meet. The great tit has often been referred to as an example of a ring species, although this has later been questioned. Here, we have studied the genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of the subspecies groups to clarify the evolutionary history of the complex using control region sequences of the mitochondrial DNA. The subspecies groups were found to be monophyletic and clearly distinct in mitochondrial haplotypes, and therefore must have had long-independent evolutionary histories. This conflicts with the ring species assignment and supports the formation of secondary contact zones of previously temporarily isolated groups. According to the phylogenetic species concept, all the subspecies groups could be considered as separate species, but if the definition of the biological species concept is followed, none of the subspecies groups is a true species because hybridization still occurs.     

分支系统学当前的理论和方法概述及华东地区山胡椒属十二个种的分支系统学研究

本文概述了当前分支系统学研究中涉及的主要理论和方法,包括性状的选取、性状状态和极性的确定、数据矩阵的分析计算、结果分支图的处理、分支图可靠性的评价及分支图的应用。本文同时以华东地区樟科山胡椒属Linderal2个种的分支系统学研究为例,讨论了用形态性状进行分支系统学研究中可能遇到的问题,也揭示了一些分支系统学与传统的系统学在应用性状推导进化关系上的不同点。对这12个种的分支系统学研究得出了一些不同于传统系统学方法所推测的山胡椒属内的系统发育关系,如分支系统学研究显示山胡椒组和球果组很近缘。在严格一致性分支图上,杯托组的黑壳楠和江浙山胡椒分别位于最原始和最进化的分支,表明这个组是复系类群。分支图也显示山胡椒组可能是复系类群。     

The status of Amaranthus bouchonii Thellung within Amaranthus L. section Amaranthus: new evidence from studies of morphology and isozymes

WILKIN, P., 1992. The status of Amaranthus bouchonii Thellung within Amaranthus L. section Amaranthus: new evidence from studies of morphology and isozymes. The introduction of the closely related weedy taxa of Amaranthus L. section Amaranthus into Europe has resulted in a number of taxonomic problems, especially regarding the rank of A. bouchonii Thell. Electrophoretic separation of five isozymes (phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphoglucomutase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, malate dehydrogenase and menadione reductase) and morphological studies were used to generate new data on this problem, and canonical discriminant analysis of morphometric characters was carried out. The results obtained support the maintenance of A. bouchonii as a distinct taxon, most closely related to A. powellii S. Wats. The origin of this taxon is considered, and the monomorphism of the isozymes studied is discussed in the light of the extensive morphological variation within species in section Amaranthus.