Systematics and evolution of the genus Clathrobaculus Cossmann, 1912 (Gastropoda, Mathildidae)

The morphology and ontogeny of Jurassic gastropods those have been included in the genera Clathrobaculus Cossmann, 1912 and Gordenella Gründel, 1990 are discussed. Based on the ontogenetic research of their shells, several types of ontogeny are established in the species of these genera. The suggestion is made that the genus Gordenella should be considered as a junior synonym of Clathrobaculus within the family Mathildidae. The protoconchs of Clathrobaculus species are studied to reveal their morphological variability and a number of distinguishing characters in which they differ from the protoconchs of other mathildid genera. Four species of Clathrobaculus, of which two are new (C. medidilatatus and C. inconstantiplicatus), are described from the Jurassic deposits of the European part of Russia. The composition of C. fahrenkohli (Rouillier, 1846) and C. krantzi (Rouillier, 1849) is emended, and the protoconchs of these species and of the species C. inconstantiplicatus are described for the first time.     

Agolohymena aspidocauda nov. gen., nov. spec., a histophagous freshwater tetrahymenid ciliate in the family Deltopylidae (Ciliophora,Hymenostomatia), from Idaho (northwest U.S.A.): Morphology,ontogenesis and molecular phylogeny

Morphology, ontogeny and the molecular phylogeny of Agolohymena aspidocauda nov. gen., nov. spec., a new freshwater tetrahymenid ciliate from Idaho, U.S.A, are described. The ontogeny and histophagous mode of nutrition are similar to those of Deltopylum rhabdoides Fauré-Fremiet and Mugard, 1946. The new genus is placed with Deltopylum in the resurrected family Deltopylidae Song and Wilbert, 1989. We emend the diagnostic features of the family to include division by polytomy, right and left somatic kineties extending into the preoral suture, crook-shaped or sigmoid adoral membranelles 1 and 2, markedly reduced adoral membranelle 3 and a tetrahymenid silverline pattern. The main diagnostic features of the new genus are a disc-shaped caudal ciliary array and formation of two types of resting cysts, one smooth and the other bearing tangled tubular or cylindrical lepidosomes. Nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene sequences place the new genus basal within the order Tetrahymenida, well separated from members of the family Tetrahymenidae (Lambornella and Tetrahymena) and also from other tetrahymenids (Colpidium, Dexiostoma, Glaucoma). The genetic divergences between this species and other genera in Tetrahymenida are large enough to suggest placement of the new genus in a separate family. This corroborates the morphological data, since the elaborate caudal ciliary array and the lepidosome-covered resting cyst of this species are not found in other Tetrahymenidae.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Subsessila turbinata</Emphasis> gen. et. sp. nov. (Beltraniaceae), a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Beltrania</Emphasis>-like fungus from Thailand

A new monotypic Beltrania-like genus, Subsessila, with its type species S. turbinata, is described, illustrated and compared with similar genera. The new genus is introduced in the family Beltraniaceae based on phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters. Subsessila can be easily distinguished from other Beltrania-like genera by dark setae arising from radially lobed basal cells, mostly lacking macronematous conidiophores. Conidiogenous cells are ampulliform or doliiform and produce turbinate to clavate conidia with rostrate proximal end and rounded distal end. Evidence for establishment of the new genus is provided based on morphological comparison and DNA sequence data analyses.     

Morphogenesis in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peronopsis</Emphasis> Hawle et Corda (Agnostina)

The morphogenesis of the early members of the genus Peronopsis (Trilobita, Agnostina) is studied. The pygidium of Agnostina exhibits growth-related changes more clearly than the cephalon. In Peronopsis inarmata Hutchinson, 1962 and P. brighamensis Resser, 1938 the axial furrow develops around the anteroglabella in meraspid degree 0. The most significant changes occur in the shape of the pygidium axis and the postaxial field; posterolateral spines do not change throughout growth. Specific characters continue to develop until the advanced holaspid stage. Within the genus Peronopsis, three distinct growth patterns of the pygidium are recognized. Different relative growth rates of different parts of the pygidium were responsible for the evolutionary transitions between the growth patterns. The growth pattern when the pygidium lacks a postaxial furrow was the most primitive and gave rise to a number of species with a long axis reaching the border, a growth pattern that in turn gave rise to the species with the postaxial furrow (a character typical of Agnostina). The evolution of these growth patterns is inferred from ontogenetic observations and is supported by the stratigraphic succession of Peronopsis and their immediate descendants in different regional faunas.     

A little walk between Early Jurassic sponges and corals: A confusing morphological convergence

Hispaniastraea Turnšek et Geyer, 1975 is a unique coral genus from the Early Jurassic Epoch (Liassic). Corals of this genus are characterised by a highly dominant major septum and a set of eleven minor septa that are very short or even abortive. Initially discovered in Spain, new samples of this genus were depicted from Morocco by Beauvais in 1980; however, this genus was interpreted as a synonym of Pseudoseptifer Fischer, 1970, a chaetetid sponge (i.e., a sponge with siliceous spicules embedded in a calcareous skeleton). The skeleton of Pseudoseptifer is composed of adjacent tubules that increase by fissiparity by means of a pseudoseptum. Based on the study of new material sampled from the Lower Jurassic of Morocco and Southern France, we highlight the coexistence and legitimacy of both genera (i.e., Pseudoseptifer and Hispaniastraea), which therefore constitutes a fine example of morphological convergence between separate phyla. Although the living tissues and microstructures of the skeleton differ between the sponge and coral genera, the distinction from fossil material is challenging, especially if material is diagenetically altered. Herein, we recommend a set of key characters to distinguish these genera and propose a systematic revision of the genus Hispaniastraea. The synonymy between the two original species, Hispaniastraea murciana and H. ramosa is established and a new species, Hispaniastraea ousriorum, is described. Finally, a new family, the Hispaniastraeidae (Order Hexanthiniaria?), is erected for these distinctive corals, which are unique in the history of this group.     

Global Diversity and Phylogeny of Pelagic Shrimps of the Former Genera Sergestes and Sergia (Crustacea,Dendrobranchiata, Sergestidae), with Definition of Eight New Genera

We revise the global diversity of the former genera Sergia and Sergestes which include 71 valid species. The revision is based on examination of more than 37,000 specimens from collections in the Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Museum of Natural History, Paris. We used 72 morphological characters (61 binary, 11 multistate) and Sicyonella antennata as an outgroup for cladistic analysis. There is no support for the genera Sergia and Sergestes as they have been defined until now. We define and diagnose eight genera of the former genus Sergia (Sergia and new genera Gardinerosergia, Phorcosergia, Prehensilosergia, Robustosergia, Scintillosergia, Challengerosergia, and Lucensosergia) and seven genera of the former genus Sergestes (Sergestes, Deosergestes, Eusergestes, Allosergestes, Parasergestes, Neosergestes, and a new genus Cornutosergestes). An identification key is presented for all genera of the family Sergestidae. The phylogeny of Sergestidae is mainly based on three categories of characters related to: (1) general decapod morphology, (2) male copulatory organs, and (3) photophores. Only simultaneous use of all three character types resulted in a resolved tree with minimal Bootstrap support 75 for each clade. Most genera are interzonal mesopelagic migrants, some are benthopelagic (Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia), bathypelagic (Sergia), or epipelagic (Cornutosergestes). Within each of meso- and benthopelagic genera there is one species with panoceanic distribution, while most species ranges are restricted to a single ocean. The genera demonstrate two different strategies expressed both in morphology and behavior: protective (Eusergestes, Sergestes, Cornutosergestes, Prehensilosergia, Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia, Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia, Robustosergia, Phorcosergia, Sergia) and offensive (Neosergestes, Parasergestes, Allosergestes, Deosergestes).     

Cetradonia,a new genus in the new family Cetradoniaceae (Lecanorales,Ascomycota)

Abstract:A taxonomic revision of the lichen genus Gymnoderma Nyl. sensu Yoshimura & Sharp (Cladoniaceae) based on an integrative analysis of polyphasic characters supports the segregation of a new genusCetradonia J.-C.Wei & Ahti in a new family Cetradoniaceae J.-C.Wei & Ahti. The monotypic genus and family are based on Cladonia linearis Evans. In addition, two species are recognized in genus Neophyllis F. Wilson and two species are retained in the genus Gymnoderma Nyl. of the Cladoniaceae.     

A new genus and species of pennatulacean octocoral from equatorial West Africa (Cnidaria,Anthozoa, Virgulariidae)

A new genus and species of sea pen or virgulariid pennatulacean from the Gulf of Guinea in the tropical eastern Atlantic is described, and a key to the genera of the Virgulariidae is included. The new genus and species described here adds to the previously described five other genera of the family. It is distinguished by unique sclerite and polyp leaf characters from the superficially-similar genus Virgularia, which lacks conspicuous sclerites in the polyp leaves and coenenchyme (other than minute oval bodies that are generally <0.01 mm in length).     

Phylogeny of Celastraceae tribe Euonymeae inferred from morphological characters and nuclear and plastid genes

The phylogeny of Celastraceae tribe Euonymeae (∼230 species in eight genera in both the Old and New Worlds) was inferred using morphological characters together with plastid (matK, trnL-F) and nuclear (ITS and 26S rDNA) genes. Tribe Euonymeae has been defined as those genera of Celastraceae with generally opposite leaves, isomerous carpels, loculicidally dehiscent capsules, and arillate seeds (except Microtropis). Euonymus is the most diverse (129 species) and widely cultivated genus in the tribe. We infer that tribe Euonymeae consists of at least six separate lineages within Celastraceae and that a revised natural classification of the family is needed. Microtropis and Quetzalia are inferred to be distinct sister groups that together are sister to Zinowiewia. The endangered Monimopetalum chinense is an isolated and early derived lineage of Celastraceae that represents an important component of phylogenetic diversity within the family. Hedraianthera is sister to Brassiantha, and we describe a second species (Brassiantha hedraiantheroides A.J. Ford) that represents the first reported occurrence of this genus in Australia. Euonymus globularis, from eastern Australia, is sister to Menepetalum, which is endemic to New Caledonia, and we erect a new genus (Dinghoua R.H. Archer) for it. The Madagascan species of Euonymus are sister to Pleurostylia and recognized as a distinct genus (Astrocassine ined.). Glyptopetalum, Torralbasia, and Xylonymus are all closely related to Euonymus sensu stricto and are questionably distinct from it. Current intrageneric classifications of Euonymus are not completely natural and require revision.     

Revision of the Permian ammonoid family Cyclolobidae

The development of views on the phylogeny of the family Cyclolobidae Zittel, 1895 is discussed. The generic composition is emended, phylogenetic links are indicated, a new version of the phylogenetic scheme is proposed, and phylogeny of the key genera is traced at species level. The sutural ontogeny of the genus Mexicoceras is examined, its placement in the family Cyclolobidae is supported, and its position in the phylogenetic reconstruction of the family is determined.     

On the systematic position of the Early Cretaceous fern genus “Athyrium”

The oldest fossils assigned to Athyrium (mostly based on the sorus morphology) comprise fronds and spores from the Lower Cretaceous of Northeast Asia. However, most molecular dating suggests that extant Athyrium diverged from its sister genus during the Eocene or later, implying that the Cretaceous fossils probably belong to another polypodiaceous taxon. By examining the sorus morphology of extant genera related to the family Athyriaceae, we found that the primary diagnostic feature for assigning the Cretaceous fossils to Athyrium, i.e., the sorus shape, is common to the entire extant family, or plesiomorphic for the genus. As the fronds are more commonly preserved than the reproductive parts, we compared the fossil frond morphology with those of living taxa of the family that is divided into two types. The Cretaceous fossil we examined here bears the frond’s costal groove characters on adaxial side, which is more closely related to that of the Deparia-clade instead of the clade including Athyrium and other genera of the family. The observation is further confirmed by the cladistic analysis using morphological characters. The systematic position of the Early Cretaceous “Athyrium” was resolved as a stem member of the total Athyriaceae using a tip-dating approach with the Fossilized Birth-Death model in a Bayesian framework. Our study suggests that Early Cretaceous fossils previously assigned to Athyrium require taxonomic revision.     

Comparative inflorescence and floral ontogeny in the genus Mentha (Mentheae: Nepetoideae: Lamiaceae): variable sequences of organ appearance and random petal aestivation

The genus Mentha is a taxonomically complex genus, characterized by large morphological variations. Only a few, frequently overlapping, characters are of value in taxonomy. Comparative floral developmental studies provide an opportunity for better understanding the systematic relationships among different species. The inflorescence and floral ontogeny of three Mentha L. species (M. piperita L., M. pulegium L. and M. suaveolens Ehrh.) were investigated using epi-illumination light microscopy. All three species studied have thyrses with the same developmental pathway. The lack of higher order bracts and the monochasial branching of the higher order inflorescence apices were found as special features of inflorescence ontogeny. Sepals appear unidirectionally from the adaxial side in all except for M. pulegium which shows a modified unidirectional sequence. Variable sequences of petal and stamen appearance from unidirectional to reversed unidirectional sequence are present in all. Significant ontogenetic features include (1) appearance of the corolla as a rim before petal lobes become visible and (2) instability in petal aestivation. Morphological features including densely hairy calyx, five-lobed corolla tube, smaller adaxial stamens and hairy ovary with included style distinguish M. pulegium from the other species. On the basis of our results floral ontogenetic features could be considered important characters for delimiting or diagnosing different sections in the genus Mentha. Variable sequences of petal lobe appearance and instability in petal aestivation were found as unusual developmental characters.     

Revision of the superfamily Acrotheloidea (Brachiopoda,class Linguliformea,order Lingulida) from the Lower and Middle Cambrian of the Siberian Platform

This paper continues our revision of Yu.L. Pelman’s collection of the superfamily Acrotheloidea (phosphatic brachiopods) and of our own material from the Early–Middle Cambrian of the Siberian Platform. The following representatives of the superfamily Acrotheloidea (order Lingulida, class Linguliformea) are restudied and revised based on new techniques: the genus Botsfordia (family Botsfordiidae Schindewolf, 1955) and the genera Acrothele, Eothele, and Orbithele (family Acrothelidae), which are widespread on the Siberian Platform. Only one out of the three Acrothele species described by Pelman is recognized as a valid species, and one new species of this genus that comprises some part of the brachiopods that Pelman figured and placed in another taxon is described. All these species are described using data on shell microsculpture and microstructure. In addition, the genera Eothele and Orbithele are described for the first time from the Siberian Platform.     

The scleractinian genusHydnophora (revision of Tertiary species)

This report presents a systematic revision of the Tertiary species of the common reef-building coralHydnophora. Major diagnostic characters of the various Tertiary genera that have been commonly confused withHydnophora (Leptoria,Monticulastraea, Staminocoenia, Michelottiphyllia andAngeliphyllia) are defined and subsequently compared in order to establish differences and synonymies. With the exception ofLeptoria, all other genera are considered synonyms ofHydnophora. The forty-five Tertiary species ascribed toHydnophora, or to synonymous genera, have been revised and type material analyzed. Collected material from Oligocene Italian localities and Miocene localities from Somalia and Pakistan has been also analyzed in order to provide a consistent taxonomy for distinguishing species within the genus, especially for the Mediterranean Tertiary. According to this report, of the forty-five species ofHydnophora previously described, only twenty-one appear to be distinct. The Tertiary distribution of the genus, which started in the Late Paleocene, clearly shows that species richness increased significantly from Paleocene to Miocene. Originations of species were mostly concentrated during two time intervals, respectively the Chattian for the Mediterranean and the Burdigalian for Eastern Tethys. As regards the Mediterranean, the genus developed only during Chattian time with five fully described species. The genus became extinct in both Caribbean and western-central Mediterranean regions at the end of the Oligocene and subsequently developed in eastern Tethys regions during the Miocene. A new name is proposed for the only Paleocene species:Hydnophora gregoryi.     

Mesozoic rissoid gastropods: History of the study,systematics, and diversity

The history of the study and review of generic and species diversity of Mesozoic rissoid gastropods are provided. The generic composition of Jurassic rissoid gastropods is revised, so that it is proposed to regard them as the family Rissoidae, comprising the genera Bralitzia, Buvignieria, Palaeoceratia, and Palaeorissoina. It is tentatively proposed to assign the genus Hudlestoniella to Rissoidae; this is caused by insufficient morphological knowledge of this genus. The family Palaeorissoidae is regarded as a synonym of Rissoidae. Stratigraphical and geographical distribution of Rissoidae genera is reviewed. From the Jurassic of European Russia, the following species of the genus Buvignieria are described: B. calloviana Gründel, B. imminuera Gründel, B. paucicostata Gründel, B. eichwaldiana (Rouillier), B. choroshovensis Gerasimov, and B. gruendeli sp. nov. The morphological characteristics and stratigraphical distribution of these species are provided. Based on extensive material, the taxonomic significance of particular conchological characters for the establishment of species is discussed.     

Phylogeny and systematics of the Orycteropodidae (Mammalia,Tubulidentata)

The systematics of the order Tubulidentata is poorly known. Its phylogeny has never been thoroughly analysed and only a single review has ever been performed, which was over 30 years ago. This situation has hampered palaeoecological and palaeobiogeographical studies of these Neogene mammals. The present revision of the Orycteropodidae deals with the phylogeny and systematics of all African and Eurasian species over the last 20 Myr. The first comprehensive cladistic analysis of the family is presented here. The results of this analysis, based on 39 coded morphological characters, supplemented by non‐coded features taken from all over the skeleton, was used to reconstruct the phylogeny of the order Tubulidentata. Two distinct lineages within the genus Orycteropus are recognized and characterized. The new genus Amphiorycteropus is subsequently created, in order to harmonize taxonomy and phylogeny. The fossil genera Leptorycteropus and Myorycteropus are validated, bringing the number of genera in the order Tubulidentata to four. Moreover, within the family Orycteropodidae, the number of confirmed species is now 14. The outcome of this study allows us to propose a consistent palaeobiogeographical scenario for aardvarks. Finally, this revision represents the most comprehensive work on the evolutionary history of the order Tubulidentata to date, and provides a new framework for future studies. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 155 , 649–702.     

Kritische Revision der „Thlaspi”︁-Arten Europas,Afrikas und Vorderasiens I. Geschichte,Morphologie und Chorologie

In the general introduction of a taxonomical revision of the genus Thlaspi L. from Europa, the Near East and Africa — a conspectus of the species till now comprised within this genus has already been published — a historical survey of the genus Thlaspi is given. Morphological resp. anatomical characters have been judged. The structure of the seedtesta inter alia exhibited a different pattern which proved to be valuable for differentiation. In Thlaspi s. str. this pattern revealed to be well distinguishable from all the other Thlaspi-species hitherto put in this genus; thus showing Thlaspi s. str. a species-complex of its own. The characteristical differences of the numerous species out of the Thlaspi s. str.-complex allow further separation of different genera, so that the hitherto existing genus Thlaspi has been found to be a mosaic of different genera. The degree of their closer or wider relationship, however, could be investigated after extensive studies in different genera of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferae). A subordination of these complexes of closer relationship as subgenera of the genus Thlaspi is impossible, because the morphological and anatomical differences are too great. A persistency in the hitherto scope of a heterogenous genus Thlaspi is considered unreasonable and would encourage a greater humping of many genera within the family Brassicaceae which are well separated till now. This would not reflect the natural conditions. Additional figures of fruits and seedtestas of different species support this view. Finally the geographical distribution of the several genera has been described which in Noccaea Moench shows shortly the wide extension of this genus throughout northern Asia and the extratropical America.