Schizymenia jonssonii sp. nov. (Nemastomatales,Rhodophyta): a relict or an introduction into the North Atlantic after the last glacial maximum?

North-Atlantic records of Schizymenia dubyi extend along the eastern shores of the North Atlantic from Morocco to southern Britain and Ireland, and the species is also recorded from Iceland. A study was undertaken to confirm the identity of the specimens from Iceland that were geographically separate from the main distribution of S. dubyi and in contrast to other species of the genus did not have gland cells. We analyzed rbcL and COI molecular sequence data from Icelandic specimens and compared the results with those for Schizymenia specimens available in GenBank. For both markers, Schizymenia was shown to be a monophyletic genus. The Icelandic specimens were clearly genetically distinct from S. dubyi and formed a well-supported clade with Schizymenia species from the Northern Pacific. Based on these results, we have described a new species, Schizymenia jonssonii, which can be distinguished by molecular phylogeny, its lack of gland cells and by being strictly intertidal. Crustose tetrasporophytes with identical COI and rbcL sequences were found at the same locations as foliose plants. Schizymenia apoda is reported for the first time in the UK, its identity confirmed by rbcL sequence data. In light of these findings, it is likely that by further molecular analysis of the genus Schizymenia in the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, a higher diversity of Schizymenia spp. will be discovered in this region.     

Are there two cryptic species of the lesser jerboa Jaculus jaculus (Rodentia: Dipodidae) in Tunisia? Evidence from molecular,morphometric, and cytogenetic data

Jerboas belonging to the genus Jaculus are widely distributed rodents inhabiting Palearctic desert and semi‐desert areas. Previous studies on the lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus showed the existence of various morphological forms of controversial taxonomic status. They were sometimes related to two different species, J. jaculus and Jaculus deserti, although this has not been recognized in recent taxonomic updates. To clarify the systematic status of J. jaculus in Tunisia, we performed molecular (phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome b sequences), morphological (multivariate analyses of 13 skull measurements) and karyotypic (standard preparations from bone marrow cells) analyses on a number of specimens collected from ten localities. Our analyses revealed two monophyletic, well differentiated clades, with a mean genetic divergence value (K2P = 10.9 ± 0.01%), which is within the range of distances generally observed between rodent species. Morphometric analyses clearly separated populations of the two genetic clades from each other. However, karyotypes of individuals from both clades appeared similar. Individuals from both molecular clades/morphometric groups were found in sympatry in most of the localities sampled. These results, as obtained from a restricted area of the total distribution, suggest that there are two separate species within the currently accepted J. jaculus in Tunisia. Alternative hypotheses such as the occurrence of a strong, ancient phylogeographic structure, or the presence of pseudogenes, are also considered to account for the results obtained. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99 , 673–686.     

Functional morphology of the postcranium and locomotor behavior of Neosaimiri fieldsi,a Saimiri-like Middle Miocene platyrrhine

A number of postcranial specimens of Neosaimiri fieldsi, a Middle Miocene platyrrhine, were discovered in 1988, 1989, and 1990 at La Venta, Colombia. Until recently only three postcranial specimens of this species had been discovered and the present material adds further information about this taxon's postcranial morphology. In overall skeletal dimensions and in postcranial features, Neosaimiri is most similar to Saimiri among extant medium-sized platyrrhines, but differs from Saimiri in having more rugose surface markings, a longer olecranon, a smaller anterior process of the distal tibia, an absence of a distal surface extension on the anterior tibial shaft, an absence of an anterior midtrochlear depression of the talus, and a shorter distal calcaneus relative to the calcaneal tuberosity. These differences suggest that Neosaimiri was relatively heavily built, possessed a more dominant forelimb in quadrupedal progression, and utilized a less stabilized upper ankle joint, and a shorter power arm for plantarflexion. Neosaimiri is interpreted as an arboreal quadruped with frequent leaping across arboreal gaps, as in extant Saimiri, with perhaps less frequent running and leaping than in Saimiri. As with the dentition, the postcranial specimens suggest the close relationship between Neosaimiri and extant Saimiri. Am J Phys Anthropol 102:515–544, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

New Striate Pollen from the Pennsylvanian of Kansas

A new genus of striate saccate pollen, Caelopollis is described from the Virgilian (Pennsylvanian) of Kansas. A striate distal leptoma serves to distinguish the genus and four new species of striate pollen. One new species of Vittatina, V. moorei, is described that also possesses an unusual type of distal ornamentation.     

Global sampling reveals low genetic diversity within Compsopogon (Compsopogonales,Rhodophyta)

Twenty-five specimens of the freshwater red alga Compsopogon were collected from locations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Oceania, and from an aquarium, with the goal of determining genetic diversity among specimens and ascertaining the number of phylogenetic species. Specimens were morphologically identified as having either the ‘caeruleus’ morphology, with regular polyhedral cortical cells, or the ‘leptoclados’ morphology, with irregular cortical cells with rhizoidal outgrowths. The ‘leptoclados’ morphology has been used by some researchers to distinguish the genus Compsopogonopsis from Compsopogon, or at least to distinguish C. leptoclados from other Compsopogon species. Sequence data for the rbcL gene and cox1 barcoding region were obtained for most specimens. In addition, SSU and partial LSU (barcode) rDNA were explored for a few specimens, but all sequences were identical. For the 25 newly generated and eight previously published rbcL gene data, there were seven unique haplotypes, but the sequence divergence was very low (≤7 bp, ≤ 0.7%). One haplotype was widespread, represented by 21 specimens from diverse locations in all regions sampled. Likewise, the 22 new and one previously published cox1 barcode region sequences yielded seven unique haplotypes with little sequence divergence (≤13 bp, ≤ 2.0%). One haplotype was widespread, being shared among 16 specimens from all regions. The combined molecular and morphological data showed no genetic differentiation between the ‘caeruleus’ and ‘leptoclados’ morphologies. The ubiquitous distribution of Compsopogon in tropical/subtropical regions and its low genetic variation are probably facilitated by the alga's ability to tolerate a wide range of stream conditions and its propagation via asexual spores. Given the findings of previous culture-based studies, morphometric research and field observations, coupled with the results of our study, we conclude there is only a single monospecific genus worldwide and that the species is correctly called C. caeruleus, since this is the oldest validly published name; all other previously described species of Compsopogon and Compsopogonopsis are synonyms.     

Phylogenetic and taxonomic problems in freshwater Oligochaeta with special emphasis on chitinous structures in Tubificinae

Setae and chitinous penis sheaths are the main characters used to distinguish genera and species of the subfamily Tubificinae. Genital setae and penis sheaths are of functional importance to facilitate copulation. Similar structures in different genera may be homologous or products of parallel evolution (homoiologous). Form and dimensions of the penis sheaths of many tubificine species are very variable. Transspecific overlap of quantitative species characters can make the determination of specimens in the genus Limnodrilus difficult. The configuration of the distal ends of the penis sheaths is an important character to distinguish Limnodrilus species. The definition of the intraspecific variability of this morphological character is problematic.     

Novitates Gabonensis 79: Hymenostegia elegans and H. robusta spp. nov. (Leguminosae–Caesalpinioideae) from Gabon

We have observed among the holdings of Hymenostegia (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in several major herbaria that many of the specimens determined as H. klainei Pierre ex Pellegr. are not identified correctly and instead represent undescribed taxa. We speculate that the misidentifications may be a direct consequence of the sole use of leaf characters to distinguish species in the dichotomous keys of two major regional treatments of the genus. Two such previously unrecognised taxa, both new species from Gabon, Hymenostegia elegans Wieringa and Mackinder and Hymenostegia robusta Wieringa and Mackinder are described here accompanied by a distribution map, illustrations and conservation assessments. Both species have a limited distribution area and are assessed as ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Endangered’, respectively. This publication brings the total number of species in Hymenostegia s.s. to nine.     

New species of Oukuriella (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Costa Rica

The males of three new species of Oukuriella Epler are described from Costa Rica. The genus had been previously recorded only from South America. Oukuriella annamae sp. nov. has genitalia similar to O. albistyla Epler, but differs in having transverse bands on abdominal segments In, IV, VI and VII, a lower AR, no humeral setae and fewer dorsocentral setae. Oukuriella costaricense sp. nov. differs from other described species in the genus by its brown abdomen, unnotched posterior margin of tergite IX and distinctive superior volsella, with its sharply bent, thin upper arm directed medially, and digitus small and directed caudad. Oukuriella rushi sp. nov. has apices of femora tipped with brown, a brown abdomen and distinctive superior volsella, with upper arm shorter and broader, and digitus longer then O. costaricense. The female of Oukuriella costaricense is also described. This is the first female described for the genus. Based on male and female genitalia, Oukuriella is closely related to Epedilum Townes and Zavreliella Kieffer. A key is provided to separate the males of the six described species.     

Two new species of Diaphanosoma Fischer, 1850(Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Cladocera) from the United States

Two new species of the genus Diaphanosoma, D. oligosetum and D. dorotheae, from Louisiana and North Carolina respectively, are described. The former species has large head with protruding dorsal part, large lanceolate spine on the basipodite's distal outer end, an extremely reduced number of antennal setae, up to six in adult specimens, and unique armament of valve margin. On the whole, it shows the pronounced combination of primitive and specialized morphological traits. D. dorotheae is a member of D. brachyurum species group differing from its other known representatives in presence of a small but very conspicuous spine on the end of proximal segment of antennal exopodite and a variable number of setae (seven or eight) on the distal segment of the branch. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

越南苦苣苔科植物国家级分布新记录——大苞漏斗苣苔

漏斗苣苔属(Raphiocarpus Chun)是分布于中国至中南半岛一带的小属,主要产于中国华南西南抵越南北部至中部,但之前中越两国共有分布的该属物种仅有3个种。大苞漏斗苣苔[Raphiocarpus begoniifolius(Lévl.)Burtt]一度被认为是中国的特有种,仅分布在中国的广西西北部、贵州西南部、云南东南部和湖北西北部,尚未见有在越南的相关研究报道。该文首次报道了越南植物区系中大苞漏斗苣苔的国家级分布新记录,使得中越两国共有分布的该属物种上升到了4个种,并着重讨论了大苞漏斗苣苔与其近缘种长筒漏斗苣苔[Raphiocarpus macrosiphon(Hance)Burtt]的区别特征,进一步完善了越南所分布的漏斗苣苔属植物检索表。根据中越两国的各自与联合野外考察工作对该种的濒危现状进行了讨论,为中越两国开展该种乃至该属植物的保育提供了直接证据。凭证标本保存于越南生物资源与生态研究所标本馆(HN)中。     

CYTOGENETIC STUDIES IN THE GENUS TRIBOLIUM (POACEAE: ARUNDINEAE)

The genus Tribolium Desv. consists of nine species, i.e., T. utriculosum (Nees) Renv., T. ciliare (Stapf) Renv., T. echinatum (Thunb.) Desv., T. hispidum (Thunb.) Desv., T. acutiflorum (Nees) Renv., T. obliterum sensu Davidse, T. glomeratum sensu Davidse, T. uniolae (L.f.) Renv., and T. brachystachyum (Nees) Renv. The genus has a basic chromosome number of 6, and from diploid to hexaploid specimens have been examined. Precocious segregation of metaphase I bivalents were observed in four species. Multivalent formation results in unequal chromosome segregation during anaphase I, and several cells with an 11–13 chromosome distribution have been observed. The presence of univalents and anaphase I bridges in all T. brachystachyum specimens suggests a hybrid origin for the species. B-chromosomes were present in specimens from four species. The B-chromosomes are similar to the euchromosomes with the exception that they do not participate in meiosis. The B-chromosomes have a possible isochromosome origin. The cytogenetic evidence presented supports the combination of Plagiochloa and Lasiochloa into Tribolium and indicates that the genus is closely related to Urochlaena, whereas it is not closely related to Prionanthium.     

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.     

Constitutive heterochromatin, 5S and 18S rDNA genes in Apareiodon sp. (Characiformes, Parodontidae) with a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system

Karyotype, sex chromosome system and cytogenetics characteristics of an unidentified species of the genus Apareiodon originating from Piquiri River (Paraná State, Brazil) were investigated using differential staining techniques (C-banding and Ag-staining) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 5S and 18S rDNA probes. The diploid chromosome number was 2n = 54 with 25 pairs of meta- (m) to submetacentric (sm) and 2 pairs of subtelocentric (st) chromosomes. The major ribosomal rDNA sites as revealed by Ag-staining and FISH with 18S rDNA probe were found in distal region of longer arm of st chromosome pair 26, while minor 5S sites were observed in the interstitial sites on chromosome pairs 2 (smaller cluster) and 7 (larger one). The C-positive heterochromatin had pericentromeric and telomeric distribution. The heteromorphic sex chromosome system consisted of male ZZ (pair 21) and female middle-sized m/st Z/W chromosomes. The pericentric inversion of heterochromatinized short arm of ancestral Z followed by multiplication of heterochromatin segments is hypothesized for origin of W chromosome. The observed karyotype and chromosomal markers corresponded to those found in other species of the genus.     

A NEW SPECIES OF GRANELEDONE (CEPHALOPODA: OCTOPODIDAE) FROM THE SOUTHWEST ATLANTIC OCEAN

A new species of eledonid octopus is described from the southwesternAtlantic Ocean from depths between 90 and 1000 m off the coastsof southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. This species, Graneledoneyamana is characterized by having a papillose skin, two welldeveloped 'horns' above the eyes, small gills with 5-7 lamellaeon the outer demibranch, arms with uniserial suckers, 35-80on females and 26-70 on males. The third right arm is hectocotylized,the ligula is small, the calamus is large and well differentiated.Ink sac absent. These characters differ from all other knownGraneledone species from the southern oceans. (Received 22 July 1999; accepted 20 May 2000)     

A mini review on the antimicrobial peptides isolated from the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hylarana</Emphasis> (Amphibia: Anura) with a proposed nomenclature for amphibian skin peptides

Hylarana is a well established frog genus coming under the family Ranidae. An increasing number of antimicrobial peptides have been isolated and characterized from the skin of frogs of this genus. This review covers the antimicrobial peptides reported so far from the frogs of Hylarana genus and to propose a consistent system of nomenclature for amphibian skin peptides. Multiple sequence alignment of the skin peptides from Hylarana genus has grouped them into six peptide families, and three bioactive peptides. Existing nomenclature of amphibian antimicrobial peptides is species centered with no implication to the genus which can lead to disparities, when frogs with same species name belonging to different genus have to be named. As per the proposed system the peptide should have the parent peptide name (e.g. Brevinin-1) followed by two uppercase letter of the genus, if two genera begin with the same letter–first letter should be the same followed by an appropriate second letter (e.g. HU for Huia and HM for Humenerana). This is succeeded by species name in lower case-orthologous peptides from different species may be characterized by the initial letter of that species, when two species begin with the same initial letter, second letter should be used appropriately (e.g. HLat for Hylarana aurata and HLan for Hylarana aurantiaca). Paralogs belonging to the same peptide family are assigned by numbers.