Species relationships within Diplotaxis (Brassicaceae) and the phylogenetic origin of D. muralis

Nineteen from the ca. 30 Diplotaxis species including all known haploid chromosome numbers have been analysed for isoelectric focusing patterns of Rubisco, allozymes and RAPDs. D. erucoides (n=7) was clearly separated from all other species as were D. harra and D. crassifolia (n=13 each). Taxa with n=8 had different IEF patterns, but allozyme data grouped D. siettiana, D. ibicensis and D. brevisiliqua together. Species with n=9 were characterised by different IEF patterns, and their position was neither resolved in the allozyme nor in the RAPD tree. Only the D. catholica accessions were strongly clustered together. D. viminea and D. siifolia (both n=10) were kept separate, whereas the n=11 taxa D. tenuifolia, D. cretacea and D. simplex grouped together. Data confirm D. viminea as maternal parent of the allotetraploid D. muralis, and D. tenuifolia as the likely parent.     

Sporophyte Ultrastructure inTortula muralis Hedw.

Summary The sporophyte ultrastructure ofTortula muralis Hedw. has been investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We have observed the twistings on the surface of the seta, the stomata in the lower part of the capsule and the disposition of cortical, conductive and parenchyma cells in the transversal and longitudinal sections of the seta. Moreover, in transection, the calyptra cells are thick-walled and present structures like tips in front of the epidermis cells of the capsule. Possible meanings of these morphological observations are discussed.     

Effects of seven pure flavonoids from mosses on germination and growth of Tortula muralis HEDW (Bryophyta) and Raphanus sativus L (Magnoliophyta)

Dried mosses (five moss species) were progressively extracted and subjected to a four-step Craig distribution. Seven pure flavonoids were isolated and identified. The flavonoids were the flavones apigenin, apigenin-7-O-triglycoside, lucenin-2, luteolin-7-O-neohesperidoside, saponarine and vitexin; and the biflavonoid bartramiaflavone and they were submitted to biological tests. The tests were performed in vitro on spore germination and protonemal growth of the moss Tortula muralis and on seed germination and root growth of Raphanus sativus. Flavonoids caused a decrease in the percentage of spore germination, protonemal development and root growth. In addition they caused morphological alterations, such as forked tips, swollen apices, rounded cells and early formation of brood cells in the protonemata. Data were discussed in relation to the presence of allelochemicals in mosses.     

Catecholamine im Gehirn der Eidechse (Lacerta viridis und Lacerta muralis)

Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe der Methode zur fluoreszenzmikroskopischen Lokalisation von Catechol- und Tryptaminen wurde die Verteilung von Catecholaminen im Zentralnervensystem von Lacerta viridis und muralis untersucht. Die meisten Kerngebiete des Mittel-, Zwischen- und Vorderhirns werden von Endaufsplitterungen catecholaminhaltiger Neurone erreicht, deren Verteilungsmuster für jedes Kerngebiet charakteristisch ist; die Ursprungsgebiete dieser Fasersysteme liegen im Tegmentum (Nucleus reticularis mesencephali) und im Hypothalamus (Nucleus diffusus tuberis). Außer diesen Ursprungskernen findet sich im Hypothalamus ein paraventrikulär gelegenes, catecholaminhaltiges Kerngebiet (Nucleus ependymalis hypothalami), dessen kurze, transmitterreiche Neurone die Hauptkerngebiete des Hypothalamus (Nucleus ventromedialis tuberis; Area praeoptica) und wahrscheinlich auch die Commissurenkerne innervieren.Spektrographische und histochemische Befunde legen die Vermutung nahe, daß die fluoreszierende Substanz im Palaeostriatum von Lacerta hauptsächlich Noradrenalin ist und daß die Neurone des Nucleus ependymalis hypothalami neben Adrenalin primäre Catecholamine enthalten. Es wird die Möglichkeit diskutiert, daß die im ZNS von Lacerta nachgewiesenen Catecholamine als Transmitterstoffe wirken.

---

Summary The distribution of catecholamines in the central nervous system of Lacerta viridis and muralis was investigated by means of the method for fluorescence-microscopical detection of catechol- and tryptamines. Most nuclear areas of the mes-, di- and telencephalon receive terminal ramifications of catecholamine-containing neurones, the distribution pattern of which is typical for each nucleus; these neurones originate in the tegmentum (nucleus reticularis mesencephali) and in the hypothalamus (nucleus diffusus tuberis). Apart from these nuclei another paraventricular nucleus (nucleus ependymalis hypothalami) was found to contain catecholamines. The short neurones of this nucleus mainly innervate the nucleus ventromedialis tuberis and the area praeoptica. It is assumed that these neurones also supply the nuclei commissurales of the telencephalon.According to the results of spectrographical and histochemical tests it is assumed that the fluorescent substance in the palaeostriatum of Lacerta is mainly noradrenaline and that the neurones of the nucleus ependymalis hypothalami besides little adrenaline contain huge amounts of primary catecholamines. The possibility of the fluorescent substances acting as transmitters is discussed.

---

---

Mit dankenswerter Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft und die Joachim Jungius-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften, Hamburg.     

Cyto-taxonomy of Tortulll muralis Hedw. ln Britain

Abstract

Pseudoscleropodium purum, presently found scattered throughout the world, appears to be unquestionably indigenous only to Europe. Reports of its establishment on Tristan da Cuñha are in error; examination of the labels on duplicates of the single Argentinean collection raises the possibility that it originated in Europe. P. purum is newly reported from Chile. A distribution map of the species is provided.     

Lateralization in the predatory behaviour of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis)

Ectotherms have been shown being lateralized as well as mammals and birds. This is particularly evident in visual lateralization, i.e. the different use of the eyes, leading to use a specific eye to observe specific kind of stimuli and to process them with the correspondent contralateral hemisphere. Several lower vertebrates are facilitated in this from the lateral position of the eyes, enabling them to carry out more tasks simultaneously, controlled by different eyes and relative hemispheres. Predatory responses seem usually mediated by the right eye/left hemisphere in fishes, amphibians and some sauropsids, but there are no strong evidences of this in lizards. Eighteen wild males of the Common wall lizard Podarcis muralis were tested individually in captivity to ascertain whether they are lateralized to look at prey with a specific eye. The lizards were gently induced entering a 30-cm long central arm of a T-maze which led to a 44.5-cm long arm cross-arm at whose extremities there were two identical prey, Tenebrio molitor larvae, familiar to the lizards. We recorded what direction the lizards chose to reach the prey and the frequency and duration of head turning, indicative of looking either prey with the left or the right eye. We found that individuals show being lateralized at individual level. The preferred direction taken to reach the prey is the right for the majority of those (4 of 5) showing an evident preference, indicating also a possible form of laterality at population level. In addition, lizards maintained the same head side of the direction taken turned for more time towards the prey than the opposite head side, revealing an eye preference for observing this kind of cue. Our study demonstrates how males of Podarcis muralis have a visual lateralization to capture prey. Furthermore, it is another support to the hypothesis of vertebrate lateralization derivation from a common ancestor.     

5-Hydroxytryptamin im Gehirn der Eidechse (Lacerta viridis und Lacerta muralis)

Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe der Methode von Falck und Hillarp wurde die Verteilung von 5-Hydroxytryptamin im Zentralnervensystem von Lacerta viridis und muralis untersucht. Mikrospektrometrische Analysen zeigen, daß sich die Gelbfluoreszenz wie formaldehyd-kondensiertes 5-Hydroxytryptamin verhält; chemische Bestimmungen ergeben hohe Werte von 5-Hydroxytryptamin im Gehirn der Eidechsen (5,2–6,4 g/g). Kerngebiete des Zwischen-, Mittel und Vorderhirns, die überwiegend in somatosensible oder sensorische Bahnen eingeschaltet sind, werden von Endaufsplitterungen 5-hydroxytryptaminhaltiger Neurone erreicht. Es wird angenommen, daß das Ursprungsgebiet dieser Fasersysteme im Tegmentum liegt. Der Nucleus reticularis mesencephali enthält zahlreiche Nervenzellen, deren Perikaryen einen hohen Gehalt an 5-Hydroxytryptamin aufweisen.

---

5-Hydroxytryptamine in the brain of Lacerta viridis and Lacerta muralis

Summary The distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the central nervous system of the lizards Lacerta viridis and muralis was investigated with the fluorescence method of Falck and Hillarp. Microspectrometric analyses revealed that the yellow fluorescence had the characteristics of the fluorophore of 5-hydroxytryptamine and chemical determinations on whole brains demonstrated the presence of considerable quantities of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5,2–6,4 g/g). Nuclear areas of the mesencephalon, di and telencephalon, which are mainly intercalated in sensory pathways, receive terminal ramifications of 5-hydroxytryptaminecontaining neurons. These fibres are presumed to originate from cells situated in the tegmentum. The nucleus reticularis mesencephali is shown to contain numerous perikarya of nerve cells rich in 5-hydroxytryptamine.

---

---

Mit dankenswerter Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft und die Joachim Jungius-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften, Hamburg.

---

Supported by grants from the Swedish Natural Science Research Council/project no. 99-35, and the Swedish Medical Research Council/project no. B 68-12x-712-03B.     

The use of faecal counts for estimating populations of wall lizards (Podarcis muralis)

Measurements of the rates at which droppings of wall lizards ( Podarcis muralis ) on Jersey appeared in, and disappeared from, the environment made it possible to formulate a simple mathematical model for the dynamics of faecal pellet populations. The model shows how, for a given lizard population, the number of droppings changes with time according to weather conditions. It was used to estimate lizard densities at a number of sites from daily pellet counts. There were significant differences in the densities of lizards between sites; possible reasons for these are discussed.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in the wall lizard Podarcis muralis (Sauria: Lacertidae)

In natural populations the mating success of males depends on different factors. By enhancing the intensity of secondary sexual characters, testosterone can play a role in mate choice. However, paradoxically, testosterone can also decrease immunocompetence and thus potentially diminish attractiveness. To estimate the influence of testosterone on male mating success in the wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, we characterized nine polymorphic microsatellite loci. There were three to 12 alleles per locus in the five to 16 individuals screened. These microsatellites will also be useful in determining population structure in this species.     

Stereo-structural prediction and IR-characteristic band assignment of amorphous protonated forms of homodipeptides (L)-Phe-(L)-Phe, (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp, (L)-Tyr-(L)-Tyr and the neutral - (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp. Ab initio approximation and solid-state linear-polarized IR-spectroscopy

Stereo-structures of protonated (L)-phenylalanine ((L)-Phe), (L)-tyrosine ((L)-Tyr) and (L)-tryptophan ((L)-Trp) containing homodipeptides ((L)-Tyr-(L)-Tyr, (L)-Phe-(L)-Phe, (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp) are carried out by ab initio calculations. The obtained data in gas phase are compared with experimental ones, received by linear-dichroic infrared (IR-LD) spectroscopy of solids, oriented as suspension in nematic mesophase. An observation of a good correlation between theoretical and spectroscopic geometry parameters established and illustrated the possibilities of this complex study approach for the prediction of the stereo-structures in compounds in solid state. The protonation leads to little variance in the bond lengths and angles, expecting the COO(-) fragment, where a distortion of equalized COO(-) bond lengths, stabilizing a C=O double bond and C-O(H) one is established. Significant deviations of the dihedral angles as a result of the protonation are obtained in the skeletal aliphatic and amide- fragments. In (L)-Tyr-(L)-Tyr and (L)-Phe-(L)-Phe, a deviation of O=C-N-H torsion angle about 10-14(0) is predicted. The calculations show a trans-amide configuration in (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp and a cis-one after its protonation.     

Palynology ofTelfairia L. (Cucurbitaceae)

Okoli B. E. etNyananyo B. L. (1988): Palynology ofTelfairia L. (Cucurbitaceae).—Folia Geobot. Phytotax., Praha, 23: 281–283.—Scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies were carried out on the pollen of the two species ofTelfairia, T. pedata (Sims.) Hooker andT. occidentolis Hooker fil. Pollen grains in both species are spheroidal, tricolporate and tectate. The extexine is finely reticulate. The tectum, foot layer and columellae are all well developed. Significant differences of taxonomic value do not exist in the structure of the pollen of the two species.     

CLEISTOGAMY IN ANDROPOGON L. (GRAMINEAE)

Eleven species of Andropogon produce single-stamened flowers, and all but one of these species bear some cleistogamous flowers. Nine of the species, all diploid perennials, make up the Andropogon virginicus complex. Cleistogamy in the virginicus complex results from precocious maturation of the flowers, which leaves them confined within their spikelets at anthesis. Variation in flowering mode (expressed as mean % chasmogamy) is correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with variation in peduncle length (r_s = 0.67), spikelet length (r_s = 0.49), and anther length (r_s = 0.69). The strength of the correlation (r = 0.94) between pollen grain number per anther and anther length makes the latter a good measure of pollen-ovule ratios in the single-stamened flowers of this group. Taxa with the highest frequency of cleistogamous flowering are also the most successful colonizers of disturbed habitats. It is suggested that cleistogamy is important in the reproductive isolation of the numerous, closely related subspecific taxa of the virginicus complex.     

Lectotypification of Achillea santolina L. and Achillea falcata L. (Compositae-Anthemideae)

The lectotypes of Achillea chillea santolina L. and A. falcata L. (Achillea sect. Achillea) have been confrmed to be in the Clifford Herbarium. A. santolina L. cannot be retained as the generitype, and the selection of A. millefolium L. instead is confirmed. The species concept of the Linnaean A. santolina did not correspond to the post-Linnaean usage of this name. In most cases, A. santolina L. had been confused with A. wilhelmii C. Koch, but morphological differences separate those two species distinctly. The only extant element of A. falcata L. is found in the Clifford Herbarium, and this specimen corresponds principally to what is considered to be A. falcata today. Deviation in leaf structures is due to this material being of cultivated origin.     

The genus Cynara L. (Asteraceae-Cardueae)

WIKLUND, A., 1992. The genus Cynara L. (Asteraceae-Cardueae). This study includes a taxonomic revision of the genus Cynara. Eight species and four subspecies are recognized, viz. C. algarbiensis, C. auranitica, C. baetica including subsp. baetica and subsp. maroccana (formerly known as C. hystrix), C. cardunculus including subsp. cardunculus and subsp. flavescens, C. cornigera, C. cyrenaica, C. humilis (formerly sometimes in the genus Bourgaea) and C. syriaca. The cultivated artichoke (formerly C. scolymus) and cardoon are both included in C. cardunculus. One species, C. tournefortii , is excluded from Cynara. A cladistic study of the genus is also undertaken and its morphology, anatomy and phytogeography are discussed.