Creating and destroying species: the 'new' biodiversity and evolutionarily significant units among New Zealand's galaxiid fishes

Morphological and genetic analyses of populations of two non-diadromous galaxiid species, the black mudfish and Neochanna heleios , the dwarf inanga Galaxias gracilis confirm the presence of a cryptic species, Neochanna heleios , within the geographic range of N. diversus , and indicate three distinct evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) in the latter species. Comparisons between G. gracilis and its parent taxon, G. maculatus , reveal that the former is not monophyletic and derives from three separate founding events. Significant morphological divergence between these two species is the result of ontogenic shifts in landlocked lacustrine populations and long-term morphological convergence in populations of G. gracilis. . Corresponding incipient changes are recognized in other younger landlocked populations of G. maculatus in New Zealand. These populations and the three groups within G. gracilis should be given the status of ESUs and managed accordingly by conservation agencies.     

Agar polysaccharides from Gracilaria species (Rhodophyta, Gracilariaceae)

Yield, physical and chemical properties of agar from three agarophytes species (Gracilaria gracilis, G. dura and G. bursa-pastoris) were determined. The agar yield from the three species varied significantly (P<0.01). The highest yields of agar (34.8%) and the lowest (30%) were obtained from G. bursa-pastoris and G. gracilis, respectively. Highest gel strength (630+/-15 g cm(-2)) was obtained from agar extracted from G. gracilis and lowest from G. bursa-pastoris (26+/-3.6 g cm(-2)). The values of 3,6-anhydrogalactose were similar for G. gracilis and G. dura and there were no significant differences among the species. The sulfate contents varied significantly (P<0.01) and the higher value was obtained from G. bursa-pastoris. Among the three species, G. gracilis showed superior agar quality than the other two species, hence it can be considered a good potential source for industrial use.     

Pollen and seed morphology of Gueldenstaedtia and Tibetia (Leguminosae) - with a special reference to the taxonomic significance

The pollen morphology of Gueldenstaedtia gansuensis. G. gracilis, G. henryi, G. monophylla. G. mutijlora, G. stenophylla. and G. verna and Tibetia liangshanensis, T. tongolensis, T. yadongensis. T. coelestis, and T yunnanensis are reported for the first time. The seed morphology of G. gracilis, G. maritima. G. monophylla, G. mutiflora, G. taihangensis, and G. verna and L coelestis, T. himalaica, T. yunnanensis, and T. yadongensis are firstly described here. In pollen morphology, the differences of pollen grains of Gueldenstaedtia and Tibetia are as follows: Gueldenstaedtia with pollen grains 3–colporate, psilate, and shapes spheroidal, sometimes subprolate, prolate or oblong; and Tibetia with pollen grains 3– and 4–colporate, perforate, shapes spheroidal, sometimes subprolate or prolate. These results, combined with the data of the basic chromosome number x=7 of Gueldenstaedtia and x=8 of Tibetia, support that the two genera should be recognized as two distinct genera, which are consistent with their morphological characters: Gueldenstaedtia with 2 upper lobes of calyx free, stipules free, adnate to petiole, and Tibetia with 2 upper lobes of calyx connate, stipules connate and opposite to leaves. In Tibetia, two types of pollen grains, 3– and 4–colporate pollen grains, are found. Regarding seed morphology: Gueldenstaedtia has circular depression, irregular circular depression or irregular circular reticulation on the surface; Tibetia has smooth surface. The differences in seed morphology of the two genera also support that they should be kept separate. The pollen morphology supports that G. gansuensis, G. gracilis, G. multiflora, G. stenophylla, and G. verna should be reduced into one species consistent with their morphological characteristics. The pollen grains of G. henryi are different from those of the other species in having wide colpi.     

Revision of the lygaeid genera Porta and Primierus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), with the description of a new genus of Ozophorini from Papua New Guinea (Hemiptera)

Abstract. The lygaeid genera Porta Distant and Primierus Distant are revised and placed in the tribe Ozophorini. A key to all species is included. Phylogenetic relationships are discussed and a cladogram constructed. The following new species are described: Porta illustris (Philippines); P.longipes (Sabah), Primierus quadrispinosus (Sarawak, Sabah, Malaya), P.venustus (Sabah), and P.longirostris (Thailand). Gressittocoris intimidator is described as a new genus and species of Ozophorini from Papua New Guinea. Porta gracilis Distant is reported from Sabah, Sumatra and Thailand for the first time and records of P.gracilis from the Philippines are referred to Porta illustris sp.n. Illustrations include details of the genitalia and dorsal views of Primierus quadrispinosus, P.longirostris and Gressittocoris intimidator.     

Fine-scale phylogenetic structure and major events in the history of the current wild soybean (Glycine soja) and taxonomic assignment of semi-wild type (Glycine gracilis Skvortz.) within the Chinese subgenus Soja

Wild and cultivated species of soybeans have coexisted for 5000 years in China. Despite this long history, there is very little information on the genetic relationship of Glycine soja and G. max. To gain insight into the major events in the history of the subgenus Soja, we examined 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers of a large number of accessions (910). The results showed no significant differences between wild and semi-wild soybeans in genetic diversity but significant differences between G. soja and G. max. Ancestry and cluster analyses revealed that semi-wild soybeans should belong to the wild category and not to G. max. Our results also showed that differentiation had occurred not only among G. soja, G. gracilis, and G. max but also within G. soja and within G. gracilis. Glycine soja had 3 clear genetic categories: typical small-seeded (≤2.0 g 100-seed weight), dual-origin middle-seeded (2.0-2.5 g), and large-seeded plants (2.51-3.0 g). These last were genetically close to G. gracilis, their defining some traits having been acquired mainly by introgression from soybeans. Small-seeded G. gracilis (3.01-3.5 g) were genetically different from larger seeded ones (from 3.51 to 4.0 to over 10 g). Seed size predominated over seed coat color in evolutionary degree. Typical and large-seeded G. soja were found to have 0.7% and 12% introgressive cultivar genes, respectively. The genetic boundary of G. gracilis was at the range of 2.51-3.0 g of G. soja. In the great majority of wild accessions, traits such as white flowers, gray pubescences, no-seed bloom, and colored seed coats were likely introgressive from domesticated soybeans.     

Genetic structure of three orchid species with contrasting breeding systems using RAPD and allozyme markers

Zeuxine gracilis, Zeuxine strateumatica, and Eulophia sinensis are wild orchids with different breeding systems and colonizing abilities. Zeuxine gracilis is an outcrosser with restricted distribution, whereas S. strateumatica is an apomictic colonizer found only in newly available open habitats. Eulophia sinensis is an outcrossing colonizer. This study investigates the levels of genetic variation and patterns of population structure in these wild orchids to provide genetic information for the development of suitable conservation strategies. Lack of allozyme variation was characteristic of all three species, especially in populations of the two colonizing orchids, Z. strateumatica and E. sinensis. More variable markers, randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), were further employed to characterize population structure of these species. Substantial genetic variation was found at the RAPD loci within populations of Z. gracilis (p = 21.65 ± 15.88%, A = 1.217 ± 0.159, and H = 0.076 ± 0.054) and E. sinensis (p = 17.82 ± 20.97%, A = 1.179 ± 0.209, and H = 0.070 ± 0.084), but little variation existed within populations of Z. strateumatica (p = 2.84 ± 2.58%, A = 1.029 ± 0.026, and H = 0.011 ± 0.011). Regardless of the breeding system, the total gene diversity at the species level was partitioned primarily between populations, as shown by high G(ST) values, in all three species. An extremely high level of population differentiation (G(ST) = 0.924) was found in the apomictic colonizer Z. strateumatica. The patterns of genetic variation in these wild orchids are apparently related to their differences in breeding system and colonizing ability. Different conservation strategies are needed for the long-term survival of these species.     

Leaf flavonoid patterns in Dipterocarpus and Hopea (Dipterocarpaceae)

In a flavonoid survey of five species ( D. alatus Roxb. & G.Don, D. costatus Gaertn. f., D. gracilis Blume, D. turbinatus Gaertn. f. and Hopea odorata Roxb . ) of Dipterocarpaceae from Bangladesh, three flavonoid aglycones and two glycosides were isolated. The flavonol kaempferol was detected in 40% of the total species surveyed, while the flavonol quercetin and flavone apigenin were present in all species examined, establishing their chemotaxonomic significance. Proanthocyanidins were found only in three species ( D. alatus , D. gracilis , D. turbinatus ), while the glycosides quercetin 3-glucoside and quercetin 3-rutinoside were isolated in 40% and 60% of the species surveyed, respectively. The flavonoid patterns of H. odorata and D. costatus are advanced in comparison to those of D. alatus , D. gracilis and D. turbinatus due to the loss of proanthocyanidin.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 143 , 43−46.     

A survey of Turkish Glyptomorpha (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Braconinae) fauna with redescription of G. baetica from a new host

Glyptomorpha baetica, G. discolor, G. gracilis, G. kasparyani, and G. pectoralis are recorded from Turkey. Glyptomorhpa baetica is new to the Turkish fauna. It was reared from a new host Sesamia nonagrioides (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) and was redescribed. Its diagnostic characters are illustrated. An identification key is provided for nine species of Glyptomorpha of Turkey and adjacent regions. Distribution of each species is added.     

气候变暖与荒漠-草原过渡带植物动态响应灰色分析--以美国新墨西哥州Sevilleta生态过渡带为例

在当前全球气候变暖的形势下,地表生态系统表现出不同的响应。干旱-半干旱地区的生态过渡带的生物反应更为敏感。美国新墨西哥州中部的荒漠-草原生态过渡带是监测全球气候变化和人类活动对生物影响的重要区域之一。本文以Sevilleta荒漠．草原生态过渡带为例,运用灰色系统分析方法．研究在当前全球气候变暖的条件下,1989～1998年10年间该生态过渡带的两种共存的植物优势种(Bouteloua eripoda)和(Bouteloua grncilis)历年的种群密度、组合形式和变化趋势,分析引起这些变化的主要气候因子。结果表明,Sevilleta生态过渡带中来自荒漠草原的优势物种Bouteloua eripoda的密度有上升的趋势,来自大草原的优势物种Bouteloua gracilis的密度有下降的趋势,它们的密度比大于1且有上升的趋势;在影响种群密度变化的降水、最高温度、最低温度、湿度的4个气候因子中,温度因子起着重要的作用。由此可以认为,随着气候的变暖,本区来自荒漠地区的优势植物种在荒漠-草原群落过渡带中将逐渐处于强优势地位,生态过渡带将有可能被荒漠草原所替代。     

华南上石炭统莫斯科阶-卡西莫夫阶界线附近的牙形刺

作者详细描述了华南上石炭统莫斯科阶-卡西莫夫阶界线附近的牙形刺序列,由上而下可划分为:Streptog-nathodus gracilis,St.cancellosus,Idiognathodus sagittalis,Swadelina makhlinae-Sw.nodocarinata,Sw.subexcelsa和Idiognathodus podolskensis带,并对这些牙形刺带进行了国际对比。同时认为,以Idiognathodus sagittalis的首次出现为卡西莫夫阶的底界是最好的选择。另外,文中的Idiognathodus sagittalis,Swadelina makhlinae和Sw.subexcelsa都是我国的首次报道。     

Mating system and gene flow in the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis: effect of haploid-diploid life history and intertidal rocky shore landscape on fine-scale genetic structure

The impact of haploid-diploidy and the intertidal landscape on a fine-scale genetic structure was explored in a red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis. The pattern of genetic structure was compared in haploid and diploid stages at a microgeographic scale (< 5 km): a total of 280 haploid and 296 diploid individuals located in six discrete, scattered rock pools were genotyped using seven microsatellite loci. Contrary to the theoretical expectation of predominantly endogamous mating systems in haploid-diploid organisms, G. gracilis showed a clearly allogamous mating system. Although within-population allele frequencies were similar between haploids and diploids, genetic differentiation among haploids was more than twice that of diploids, suggesting that there may be a lag between migration and (local) breeding due to the long generation times in G. gracilis. Weak, but significant, population differentiation was detected in both haploids and diploids and varied with landscape features, and not with geographic distance. Using an assignment test, we establish that effective migration rates varied according to height on the shore. In this intertidal species, biased spore dispersal may occur during the transport of spores and gametes at low tide when small streams flow from high- to lower-shore pools. The longevity of both haploid and diploid free-living stages and the long generation times typical of G. gracilis populations may promote the observed pattern of high genetic diversity within populations relative to that among populations.     

用SSR分子标记研究大豆属种间亲缘进化关系

利用SSR标记技术对大豆属11个种37份材料的遗传多样性进行分析,不同位点在种间的等位基因数为6－29,平均生个位点15．9个等位基因,Soja亚属的等位基因数是Glycine亚属的71．5％,并且Glycine亚属种间指纹 谱的差异大于Soja亚属种间的指纹图谱,SSR等位基因的主成分分析结果表明,大豆属中的Glycine亚属和Soja亚属的分类界限是比较明确的,利用第一主成分和第二主成分可较明显地区分开Glycine 亚属的分类界限是比较明显的,利用第一主成分和第二主成分可较明显地区分开Glycine亚属和Soja亚属,通过UPGMA方法构建了大豆属11个种的遗传进化关系,Soja亚属中G.max,G.soja和G.gracilis3个种在系统分化树上界限是比较明显的,由此看来这3个种是独立存在的。     

Assessing the use of the mitochondrial cox1 marker for use in DNA barcoding of red algae (Rhodophyta)

The red algae, a remarkably diverse group of organisms, are difficult to identify using morphology alone. Following the proposal to use the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) for DNA barcoding animals, we assessed the use of this gene in the identification of red algae using 48 samples plus 31 sequences obtained from GenBank. The data set spanned six orders of red algae: the Bangiales, Ceramiales, Corallinales, Gigartinales, Gracilariales and Rhodymeniales. The results indicated that species could be discriminated. Intraspecific variation was between 0 and 4 bp over 539 bp analyzed except in Mastocarpus stellatus (0-14 bp) and Gracilaria gracilis (0-11 bp). Cryptic diversity was found in Bangia fuscopurpurea, Corallina officinalis, G. gracilis, M. stellatus, Porphyra leucosticta and P. umbilicalis. Interspecific variation across all taxa was between 28 and 148 bp, except for G. gracilis and M. stellatus. A comparison of cox1 with the plastid Rubisco spacer for Porphyra species revealed that it was a more sensitive marker in revealing incipient speciation and cryptic diversity. The cox1 gene has the potential to be used for DNA barcoding of red algae, although a good taxonomic foundation coupled with extensive sampling of taxa is essential for the development of an effective identification system.     

中国特有种丁茜形态描述的修订及新分布区的报道

对中国特有种丁茜进行了形态描述的修订,并报道了其一新分布区.长期以来,丁茜一直被认为仅分布于金沙江流域,但作者们对绿汁江(红河上游元江的一级支流)进行植被考察时发现了其分布,说明丁茜在红河流域亦有分布,从而形成金沙江-红河间断分布的格局.此发现为金沙江从古红河改道的观点提供了新的证据.     

A synopsis of the genus Cypholoba Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Anthiini) known to occur in the Republic of South Africa

Nearly one third of the described species of Cypholoba Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are known to inhabit the Republic of South Africa. A key and diagnostic notes are provided for their identification, as well as notes about way of life for some of the species based on observations in the Kruger National Park. Fifteen species and subspecies of the genus are recorded from the Republic of South Africa; adult specimens of each species and subspecies are illustrated and information about the distribution of each species in the Republic of South Africa is summarized and mapped: Cypholoba alstoni (Péringuey), Cypholoba alveolata (Brême), Cypholoba amatonga Péringuey, Cypholoba fritschi (Chaudoir), Cypholoba gracilis gracilis (Dejean), Cypholoba gracilis scrobiculata (Bertoloni), Cypholoba gracilis zuluana Basilewsky, Cypholoba graphipteroides graphipteroides (Guérin-Méneville), Cypholoba leucospilota semilaevis (Chaudoir), Cypholoba macilenta (Olivier), Cypholoba notata (Perroud), Cypholoba oberthueri seruana Strohmeyer, Cypholoba opulenta (Boheman), Cypholoba rutata (Péringuey), and Cypholoba tenuicollis aenigma (Dohrn).     

Factors affecting growth of the spiny lobsters Panulirus gracilis and Panulirus inflatus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in Guerrero, México

The effects of sex, injuries, season and site on the growth of the spiny lobsters Panulirus gracilis, and P. inflatus, were studied through mark-recapture techniques in two sites with different ecological characteristics on the coast of Guerrero, México. Panulirus gracilis occurred in both sites, whereas P. inflatus occurred only in one site. All recaptured individuals were adults. Both species had similar intermolt periods, but P. gracilis had significantly higher growth rates (mm carapace length week-1) than P. inflatus as a result of a larger molt increment. Growth rates of males were higher than those of females in both species owing to larger molt increments and shorter intermolt periods in males. Injuries had no effect on growth rates in either species. Individuals of P. gracilis grew faster in site 1 than in site 2. Therefore, the effect of season on growth of P. gracilis was analyzed separately in each site. In site 2, growth rates of P. gracilis were similar in summer and in winter, whereas in site 1 both species had higher growth rates in winter than in summer. This could be due to spatial differences in processes related to changes in population density and food resources, which were documented in previous works. The overall results show that P. gracilis grows faster than P. inflatus, and that growth rates of both species are highly variable and are affected by environmental factors such as site and season, which should be taken into account when attempting to produce population growth curves for each species.     

Yield, chemical composition and gel strength of agarocolloids of Gracilaria gracilis, Gracilariopsis longissima and the newly reported Gracilaria cf. vermiculophylla from Roscoff (Brittany, France)

Agarocolloids were extracted from field samples of Gracilaria gracilis, Gracilariopsis longissima and the newly reported Gracilaria cf. vermiculophylla harvested at different periods of the year near Roscoff (France). Native and alkali modified extracts were characterized by GLC, HPLC and FT-IR spectroscopy. The main components of agarocolloids isolated by freeze-thawing method, were 3,6-anhydrogalactose and galactose. In addition, minor components (6-O-methyl-galactose, 4-O-methyl-galactose and sulfate groups ranging from 4.4 up to 6.6% [w/w]) were detected. The highest rate of 6-O-methylgalactose was observed in agarocolloids from vermiculophylla (14 mole%). Sulfates were mainly branched on C4 of the D-galactose in gracilis and Gs. longissima agarocolloids. G. vermiculophylla agaroids isolated by EtOH and NaCl precipitations from the syneresis water were characterized by a high sulfation on C6 of galactose and a low sulfation on C2 of 3,6-anhydrogalactose. Native agarocolloid gel strengths from Gracilaria species were clearly higher than those of Gracilariopsis. Alkali treatments reduced the sulfate levels but increased slightly the gel strengths. An approximation of the polymer sizes carried out with colorimetric assays indicated that the polymer sizes were higher in G. gracilis than observed in Gs. longissima. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Integrating species life-history traits and patterns of deforestation in amphibian conservation planning

Aim  To identify priority areas for amphibian conservation in southeastern Brazil, by integrating species life-history traits and patterns of deforestation.
Location  State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Methods  We used the software M arxan to evaluate different scenarios of amphibian conservation planning. Our approach differs from previous methods by explicitly including two different landscape metrics; habitat split for species with aquatic larvae, and habitat loss for species with terrestrial development. We evaluated the effect of habitat requirements by classifying species breeding habitats in five categories (flowing water, still water permanent, still water temporary, bromeliad or bamboo, and terrestrial). We performed analyses using two scales, grid cells and watersheds and also considered nature preserves as protected areas.
Results  We found contrasting patterns of deforestation between coastal and inland regions. Seventy-six grid cells and 14 watersheds are capable of representing each species at least once. When accounting for grid cells already protected in state and national parks and considering species habitat requirements we found 16 high-priority grid cells for species with one or two reproductive habitats, and only one cell representing species with four habitat requirements. Key areas for the conservation of species breeding in flowing and permanent still waters are concentrated in southern state, while those for amphibians breeding in temporary ponds are concentrated in central to eastern zones. Eastern highland zones are key areas for preserving species breeding terrestrially by direct or indirect development. Species breeding in bromeliads and bamboos are already well represented in protected areas.
Main conclusions  Our results emphasize the need to integrate information on landscape configuration and species life-history traits to produce more ecologically relevant conservation strategies.     

Re-visiting phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships in the genus saga (insecta: orthoptera)

Twelve of the 13 bushcricket species of the Saga genus are bisexuals and diploids, except the parthenogenetic and tetraploid bush cricket, Saga pedo. Despite a continuous research effort stretching through the 1900s, the taxonomic relationships of the Saga species are still disputed. In this study, our primary aim was to reveal natural relationships of the European Saga species and three of their Asian relatives, with special attention to the problematic taxonomy of two subspecies: S. campbelli campbelli and S. c. gracilis. Following a phylogenetic analysis of eight species, a comprehensive study was carried out on the above three taxa by using acoustic and morphometric approaches in parallel. Our phylogenetic data showed that European Saga species evolved from a monophyletic lineage. The geographical transitional species S. cappadocica was positioned between European and Asian lineages supporting the idea that the European Saga lineage originated phylogeographically from the Asian clade. The above results showed better agreement with the morphological data than with earlier ones based either on karyology or acoustic information only. After reviewing our data, we concluded that Saga pedo has most likely evolved from S. c. gracilis and not from S. rammei or S. ephippigera, as proposed by earlier studies. S. c. gracilis shares the same ITS2 haplotype with S. pedo, indicating that the latter could have evolved from populations of the former, probably through whole genome duplication. Based on acoustic and morphometric differences, we propose to elevate the two subspecies, S. campbelli campbelli and S. c. gracilis, to species level status, as Saga gracilis Kis 1962, and Saga campbelli Uvarov 1921. The present work sets the stage for future genetic and experimental investigations of Saginae and highlights the need for additional comprehensive analysis involving more Asian Saga species.