The haemoproteids of the avian families Eurylaimidae (broadbills) and Pittidae (pittas)

The haemoproteids of the avian suboscine families Eurylaimidae and Pittidae are reviewed. Haemoproteus eurylaimus n. sp. and H. pittae n. sp. are described.     

Phylogenetics and evolution of Capitata (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa), and the systematics of Corynidae

Nawrocki, A. M., Schuchert, P. & Cartwright, P. (2009). Phylogenetics and evolution of Capitata (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa), and the systematics of Corynidae.—Zoologica Scripta, 39, 290–304. Generic‐ and family level classifications in Hydrozoa have been historically problematic due to limited morphological characters for phylogenetic analyses and thus taxonomy, as well as disagreement over the relative importance of polyp vs. medusa characters. Within the recently redefined suborder Capitata (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Hydroidolina), which includes 15 families and almost 200 valid species, family level relationships based on morphology alone have proven elusive, and there exist numerous conflicting proposals for the relationships of component species. Relationships within the speciose capitate family Corynidae also remain uncertain, for similar reasons. Here, we combine mitochondrial 16S, and nuclear 18S and 28S sequences from capitate hydrozoans representing 12 of the 15 valid capitate families, to examine family level relationships within Capitata. We further sample densely within Corynidae to investigate the validity of several generic‐level classification schemes that rely heavily on the presence/absence of a medusa, a character that has been questioned for its utility in generic‐level classification. We recover largely congruent tree topologies from all three markers, with 28S and the combined dataset providing the most resolution. Our study confirms the monophyly of the redefined Capitata, and provides resolution for family level relationships of most sampled families within the suborder. These analyses reveal Corynidae as paraphyletic and suggest that the limits of the family have been underestimated. Our results contradict all available generic‐level classification schemes for Corynidae. As classification schemes for this family have been largely based on reproductive characters such as the presence/absence of a medusa, our results suggest that these are not valid generic‐level characters for the clade. We suggest a new taxonomic structure for the lineage that includes all members of the newly redefined Corynidae, based on molecular and morphological synapomorphies for recovered clades within the group.     

Comparative osteology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bathylutichthys balushkini</Emphasis> and relationship of the family Bathylutichthyidae (Cottoidei)

The structure of skeleton of Bathylutichthys balushkini was studied and comparative analysis of it with representatives of other families of the suborder Cottoidei was performed. It was found that Bathylutichthyidae are characterized by the presence of a great number of original characters supporting its family status. They include: absence of mesethmoideum; bony canals of seismosensory system on frontale, pteroticum, and parietale and their strong reduction on infraorbitale; and absence of pterosphenoideum, intercalare, pharyngobranchiale 2, and basihyale. At the same time, Bathylutichthyidae retain a considerable number of generalized specific features: location of parietalia laterally to supraoccipitale and absence of their joint between themselves, presence of mesoptergoideum and basibranchialia 2 and 3. Cladistic analysis based on osteological characters and characters of the seismosensory system of 11 families of Cottoidei demonstrates that Bathylutichthyidae are combined into one group with families Rhamphocottidae, Agonidae, Psychrolutidae, Cyclopteridae, and Liparidae occupying an intermediate position between Psychrolutidae and the two last families. The cladogram obtained does not support the point of view of existence in the suborder Cottoidei of an independent superfamily Cyclopteroidea, including families Liparidae and Cyclopteridae.     

Phylogeography of the Chionodraco genus (Perciformes, Channichthydae) in the Southern Ocean

Antarctic fish of the suborder Notothenioidei represent one of the most notable examples of adaptive radiation in the marine environment. The evolutionary relationships between and within the eight families of this suborder have been well established by numerous studies, whereas the microevolutionary processes of notothenioid species remain largely unexplored. In the present paper we investigated the evolutionary relationships between three closely related species of the genus Chionodraco (family Channichthyidae), namely Chionodraco hamatus, Chionodraco rastrospinosus, and Chionodraco myersi by analysing portions of the mitochondrial genome (D-loop and 16S rRNA). The taxonomic status of C. hamatus and C. rastrospinosus as separate species has been questioned because of the limited number of key morphological characters that distinguish these two taxa. Our results, based on the analysis of several specimens belonging to both morphological groups revealed a small genetic differentiation among haplotypes, however, a clear separation between the two nominal species emerged since all individuals of each of the two taxa clustered together in distinct monophyletic groups. C. myersi appeared more distantly related in the phylogenetic analysis. For one species, C. hamatus, sampling was carried out at three different geographic locations in the area of the Ross Sea and Weddell Sea. The results showed that the partition of the genetic variation within this species is not compatible with the hypothesis of panmixia as gene flow between populations was significantly reduced.     

Molecular systematics of New World suboscine birds

Phylogenetic relationships among New World suboscine birds were studied using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences. New World suboscines were shown to constitute two distinct lineages, one apparently consisting of the single species Sapayoa aenigma, the other made up of the remaining 1000+ species of New World suboscines. With the exception of Sapayoa, monophyly of New World suboscines was strongly corroborated, and monophyly within New World suboscines of a tyrannoid clade and a furnarioid clade was likewise strongly supported. Relationships among families and subfamilies within these clades, however, differed in several respects from current classifications of suboscines. Noteworthy results included: (1) monophyly of the tyrant-flycatchers (traditional family Tyrannidae), but only if the tityrines (see below) are excluded; (2) monophyly of the pipromorphine flycatchers (Pipromorphinae of ) as one of two primary divisions of a monophyletic restricted Tyrannidae; (3) monophyly of the tityrines, consisting of the genus Tityra plus all sampled species of the Schiffornis group (), as sister group to the manakins (traditional family Pipridae); (4) paraphyly of the ovenbirds (traditional family Furnariidae), if woodcreepers (traditional family Dendrocolaptidae) are excluded; and (5) polyphyly of the antbirds (traditional family Formicariidae) and paraphyly of the ground antbirds (Formicariidae sensu stricto). Genus Melanopareia (the crescent-chests), although clearly furnarioid, was found to be distant from other furnarioids and of uncertain affinities within the Furnarii. Likewise, the species Oxyruncus cristatus (the Sharpbill), although clearly tyrannoid, was distantly related to other tyrannoids and of uncertain affinities within the Tyranni. Results of this study provide support for some of the more novel features of the suboscine phylogeny of, but also reveal key differences, especially regarding relationships among suboscine families and subfamilies. The results of this study have potentially important implications for the reconstruction of character evolution in the suboscines, especially because the behavioral evolution of many suboscine groups (e.g., Furnariidae) is of great interest.     

Evolutionary relationships among scyphozoan jellyfish families based on complete taxon sampling and phylogenetic analyses of 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA

A stable phylogenetic hypothesis for families within jellyfish class Scyphozoa has been elusive. Reasons for the lack of resolution of scyphozoan familial relationships include a dearth of morphological characters that reliably distinguish taxa and incomplete taxonomic sampling in molecular studies. Here, we address the latter issue by using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among all 19 currently valid scyphozoan families, using sequence data from two nuclear genes: 18S and 28S rDNA. Consistent with prior morphological hypotheses, we find strong evidence for monophyly of subclass Discomedusae, order Coronatae, rhizostome suborder Kolpophorae and superfamilies Actinomyariae, Kampylomyariae, Krikomyariae, and Scapulatae. Eleven of the 19 currently recognized scyphozoan families are robustly monophyletic, and we suggest recognition of two new families pending further analyses. In contrast to long-standing morphological hypotheses, the phylogeny shows coronate family Nausithoidae, semaeostome family Cyaneidae, and rhizostome suborder Daktyliophorae to be nonmonophyletic. Our analyses neither strongly support nor strongly refute monophyly of order Rhizostomeae, superfamily Inscapulatae, and families Ulmaridae, Catostylidae, Lychnorhizidae, and Rhizostomatidae. These taxa, as well as familial relationships within Coronatae and within rhizostome superfamily Inscapulatae, remain unclear and may be resolved by additional genomic and taxonomic sampling. In addition to clarifying some historically difficult taxonomic questions and highlighting nodes in particular need of further attention, the molecular phylogeny presented here will facilitate more robust study of phenotypic evolution in the Scyphozoa, including the evolution characters associated with mass occurrences of jellyfish.     

The new family Caucasichthyidae (Pisces,Perciformes) from the Eocene of the North Caucasus

Caucasichthys kumaensis gen. et sp. nov., a representative of a new monotypic perciform family Caucasichthyidae, from the Middle Eocene (Bartonian, Kuma Horizon) of the North Caucasus (Gorny Luch locality) is described. The new family is characterized by elongated body, strong preopercular spine in adults, absence of supraneurals, large pelvic fins, long caudal peduncle, and anal fin longer at the base than soft dorsal fin. Scales vary from cycloid to spinoid on different parts of the body. Caucasichthys shares a number of apomorphic features with members of certain percoid families, most notably the Priacanthidae. However, because of its unique combination of features, the new family cannot be properly placed within any existing perciform suborder and it is placed incertae sedis among the Perciformes.     

Fissiphalliidae, a new family of South American laniatorean harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Fissiphalliidae, a new family of the Opiliones suborder Laniatores, is described in the superfamily Gonyleptoidea, based on a new genus (Fissiphallius n. gen.) und 3 new species (F. sturmi n. sp., F. spinulatus n. sp., F. sympatricus n. sp.) from Colombia. Most emphasized are the male genitalic characters, unique in Opiliones: A honzontally split truncus which results in a long movable (glans) and an immovable finger (distal part of the truncus). Both hide the extremely long stylus with the seminal opening at its end. In an expanded state, the movable finger is bent dorsally by an erectile vesicle. It is shown that male genitalic characters in Opiliones display clear functional and constructional traits on the family level. Those characters, if used appropriately, will demonstrate that several families in gonyleptoid Laniatores are polyphyletic and should be divided into several taxa of the family level.     

Dumontia oregonensis n. fam., n. gen., n. sp., a cladoceran representing a new family of `Water-fleas' (Crustacea,Anomopoda) from U.S.A., with notes on the classification of the Order Anomopoda

Dumontia oregonensis, a cladoceran representing a new family in the Order Anomopoda is described from rain pools in the Agate Desert, Oregon, U.S.A. The proposed family, Dumontiidae, is the newest family within Anomopoda that is not just a reshuffling of already-known species. The general appearance of this novel cladoceran is similar to that of members of the family Macrothricidae. However, a detailed examination of the trunk limbs, particularly of the second pair of limbs, showed that the new species lacks the scraper-setae typically observed in all members of the recently erected suborder Radopoda, to which macrothricids belong. Instead, limb morphology suggests a closer relation of Dumontiidae to the family Daphniidae. Dumontiidae appears to be a `missing' link between the suborder Radopoda and the `non-radopodid' anomopods. The families Daphniidae, Ilyocryptidae, Bosminidae, Moinidae and the new Dumontiidae are similar in that they lack of typical radopodid setae on the second pair of trunk limbs. Further studies on the limb morphology of non-radopodid cladocerans are required to solve the phylogenetic relationships among the members of the order Anomopoda.     

A new family of diminutive zooxanthellate zoanthids (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia)

A new family, genus, and species of zooxanthellate macrocnemic zoanthid is described from Okinawa, Japan. The diminutive zoanthid N anozoanthus harenaceus sp. nov. occurs in sandy ‘pools’ upon hard substrates in coral reefs. The results of molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I suggests that Nanozoanthidae fam. nov. is genetically close to family Microzoanthidae and Isozoanthus sulcatus at the intrafamily–suborder level. The Nanozoanthidae fam. nov. –Microzoanthidae clade is clearly highly divergent from all other known zoanthid families and from the order Actiniaria at the suborder level or higher. These results demonstrate that much high‐level (e.g. above genus) diversity remains to be described within the order Zoantharia, and until such work is complete it will be difficult to completely understand their biodiversity. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Phylogenetic relationships among families of Gadiformes (Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii) based on nuclear and mitochondrial data

Phylogenetic hypotheses among Gadiformes fishes at the suborder, family, and subfamily levels are controversial. To address this problem, we analyze nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences for the most extensive taxonomic sampling compiled to date, representing all of the recognized families and subfamilies in the order (except the monotypic family Lyconidae). Our study sampled 117 species from 46 genera, comprising around 20% of the species described for the order (more than 60% of all genera in the order) and produced 2740 bp of DNA sequence data for each species. Our analysis was successful in confirming the monophyly of Gadiformes and most of the proposed families for the order, but alternative hypotheses of sister-group relationships among families were poorly resolved. Our results are consistent with dividing Gadiformes into 12 families in three suborders, Muraenolepidoidei, Macrouroidei, and Gadoidei. Muraenolepidoidei contains the single family Muraenolepididae. The suborder Macrouroidei includes at least three families: Macrouridae, Macruronidae and Steindachneriidae. Macrouridae is deeply divided into two well-supported subfamilies: Macrourinae and Bathygadinae, suggesting that Bathygadinae may be ranked at the family level. The suborder Gadoidei includes the families: Merlucciidae, Melanonidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Ranicipitidae, and Bregmacerotidae. Additionally, Trachyrincinae could be ranked at family level including two subfamilies: Trachyrincinae and Macrouroidinae within Gadoidei. Further taxonomic sampling and sequencing efforts are needed in order to corroborate these relationships.     

Phylogeny of the Anopliidae (Brachiopoda: Chonetidina)

The Anopliidae is one of the most diverse families in the brachiopod suborder Chonetidina. All previous attempts to work out the phylogeny and taxonomy of this family assume that the group is monophyletic. Great phylogenetic significance has been placed on the presence or absence of a single key feature, such as radial external ornament or accessory lateral septa of the brachial valve. In order to evaluate previous classifications of the family and the characters on which they are based, we performed a cladistic analysis of 23 anopliid taxa, two outgroup taxa, Rugosochonetes and Waagenites and three problematic taxa, Trichochonetes, Airtonia and Davoustia whose inclusion within the Anopliidae has been controversial. A single most parsimonious tree was obtained, with a length of 157, CI=0.28 and RI=0.47. The results do not support previous bipartite divisions of the family. In addition, the analysis is inconsistent with the presumption of monophyly for this family. Rather, it supports restriction of the Anopliidae to a clade united by small adult length, removing several large taxa from the family and confirming the non‐anopliid status of Airtonia and Davoustia.     

Relationships and position of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neozoarces</Emphasis> of the subfamily neozoarcinae in the system of the suborder Zoarcoidei (Pisces,Perciformes) by molecular-genetic data

Using the method of molecular-genetic analysis, we investigated the genus Neozoarces (subfamily Neozoarcinae) to reveal its relationships and position in the system of the suborder Zoacoidei. Comparison with representatives of other families of this suborder demonstrated that the lowest level of differences is observed between Neozoarces and subfamilies of the family Zoarcidae (the mean value of genetic divergence is 11.9%) with which it forms a general cluster on the phylogenetic tree. From representatives of the family Stichaeidae, Neozoarces differs at the same level (13.9%) as from the families Bathymasteridae, Pholidae, Ptilichthyidae, and Zaproridae (14.0%). The results of investigations confirm the viewpoint suggested by Makushok (1961) who included, for the first time, the subfamily Neozoarcinae to the family Zoarcidae on the basis of comparative morphological investigation of these groups.     

The classification of the Proterosuchia

The earliest archosaurs (Upper Permian and Lower Trias) have been classified in many different ways. All classifications introduced during the period 1945-67 are compared and then themselves classified and evaluated. The typical characters of these archosaurs are listed. Most of them may be placed in a single suborder, the Proterosuchia, which is divided into two families, the Proterosuchidae and the Erythrosuchidae. The composition of each family is considered. Lists of genera in each family are given and of those generic names which should be regarded as nomina dubia. The placing of several genera in the synonymy of Erythrosuchus is rejected. The possible conspecificity of Chasmatosaurus vanhoepeni and C. alexanderi is considered. A simplified scheme for the evolution of the Proterosuchia is drawn up.     

Circumscription of a monophyletic family for the tapaculos (Aves: Rhinocryptidae): Psiloramphus in and Melanopareia out

The tapaculos (Rhinocryptidae) are tracheophone, suboscine birds restricted to South and Central America. Most tapaculos share a number of internal and external characteristics that have been used to define the family taxonomically. The genera Melanopareia and Psiloramphus do not fully fit this pattern and have caused considerable dispute among taxonomists since they were first described. In this paper we delimit the systematic boundaries of the tapaculos and assess their generic relationships by analysis of molecular sequence data. The results show that whereas Psiloramphus is nested well within the Rhinocryptidae, Melanopareia falls far outside that clade. A new family is erected for Melanopareia.     

PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF THE BRYOPSIDALES (ULVOPHYCEAE,CHLOROPHYTA) BASED ON RUBISCO LARGE SUBUNIT GENE SEQUENCES1

Current taxonomy of the Bryopsidales recognizes eight families; most of which are further categorized into two suborders, the Bryopsidineae and Halimedineae. This concept was supported by early molecular phylogenetic analyses based on rRNA sequence data, but subsequent cladistic analyses of morphological characters inferred monophyly in only the Halimedineae. These conflicting results prompted the current analysis of 32 taxa from this diverse group of green algae based on plastid‐encoded RUBISCO large subunit (rbcL) gene sequences. Results of these analyses suggested that the Halimedineae and Bryopsidineae are distinct monophyletic lineages. The families Bryopsidaceae, Caulerpaceae, Codiaceae, Derbesiaceae, and Halimediaceae were inferred as monophyletic, however the Udoteaceae was inferred as non‐monophyletic. The phylogenetic position of two taxa with uncertain subordinal affinity, Dichotomosiphon tuberosus Lawson and Pseudocodium floridanum Dawes & Mathieson, were also inferred. Pseudocodium was consistently placed within the halimedinean clade suggesting its inclusion into this suborder, however familial affinity was not resolved. D. tuberosus was the inferred sister taxon of the Halimedineae based on analyses of rbcL sequence data and thus a possible member of this suborder.     

The Phylogeny and Systematics of Blind Cambrian Ptychoparioid Trilobites

The paraphyletic trilobite suborder Ptychopariina includes a large proportion of Cambrian trilobite diversity and is probably ancestral to most groups of post-Cambrian trilobites. Resolution of the phylogenetic relationships within the group is therefore crucial to a better understanding of the initial radiation of trilobites. The recognition of approaches that can successfully resolve the relationships of ptychoparioid taxa is an important first step towards this aim. Cladistic analysis was used to determine relationships within the Cambrian ptychoparioid trilobite family Conocoryphidae, and to test claims that the family is polyphyletic. Ninety-seven characters were coded for 40 conocoryphid species and nine non-conocoryphids. The results indicate that the family consists of four distantly related clades. Three are recognized here as distinct families, including an extensively revised Conocoryphidae, and the families Holocephalidae and Atopidae. The fourth clade is referred to the subfamily Acontheinae (Corynexochida) as the new Tribe Hartshillini. Analysis of the disparity of these four clades shows that they are significantly less morphologically variable than the original polyphyletic taxon, demonstrating the possible effects of taxonomic error on macroevolutionary studies of morphological disparity.     

Reassessing evolutionary relationships of scleractinian corals

The widely accepted family tree of Scleractinia published by Wells, based on a combination of morphological coral taxonomy and the fossil record, has recently been revised by Veron. It is now possible to test the validity of some of the conclusions reached by these and other authors by the use of molecular techniques. This paper reviews the results to date. Studies of ribosomal DNA have shown that the Scleractinia are monophyletic, i.e. derived from the same ancestral taxon. Extensions of this same data set now indicate that the Poritidae and Dendrophylliidae, with their fossil antecedents, may each warrant separate suborder status. They further suggest (a) that the Suborder Faviina (faviids, mussids and their allies) should probably be retained as a monophyletic group and (b) that Wells' original account of the isolated position of the Pocilloporidae and Astrocoeniidae is correct. These conclusions all accord with Veron's family tree. However, the Fungiina, even after removal of the Poritidae, are unlikely to be a monophyletic group at suborder level. The molecular data further show that externally observable morphological characters used in the taxonomy of extant corals distinguish families more reliably than do internal micro-skeletal characters frequently used in coral palaeontology.