中国双缘衣属(双缘衣科)地衣一新种

现分类系统中,双缘衣属隶属于子囊菌门,茶渍纲,厚顶盘亚纲,文字衣目,双缘衣科。全世界有48种,被确认为单系类群的小属。利用形态学、解剖学、生物化学以及分子生物学方法,对采自天山西部的双缘衣属地衣标本进行分类学研究,发现了双缘衣属地衣1个新种：绿盘双缘衣Diploschistes viridis (属于双缘衣亚属)。基于最大似然分析(ML)和贝叶斯分析(BI)构建了基于ITS位点系统发育树,详细描述该种的形态特征、分布及栖息地等情况,并提供了地衣体的彩色图片。     

Six cryptic species on a single species of host plant: morphometric evidence for possible reproductive character displacement

Abstract 1. Diversification of some highly host‐specific herbivorous insects may occur in allopatry, without shifts in host use. Such allopatric divergence may be accelerated by sexual selection operating on courtship displays. Wing size and shape may affect visual and vibrational courtship displays in tephritid fruit flies. Geometric morphometric methods were used to examine wings of six sympatric cryptic species in the neotropical genus Blepharoneura. All six species feed on flowers of the same species of host (Gurania spinulosa), a neotropical vine in the Cucurbitaceae. Three of the fly species court and mate in close proximity on the host. Thus, courtship behaviours could serve as important reproductive isolating mechanisms. Two sets of hypotheses were tested: (i) species differ in wing shape and wing size; and (ii) species are sexually dimorphic in wing size and wing shape. Wing size differed among a few species, but wing shape differed significantly among all six species. Sexual dimorphism in wing size was found in only one species, but sexual dimorphism in wing shape was found in two of the three species known to court on the same host plant. In the two sexually dimorphic species, wing shape differed among males, but not among females. This suggests that selection for reproductive character displacement might accelerate divergence in wing shape.     

Effects of different nutrient sources on plasticity of reproductive strategies in a monoecious species,Sagittaria graminea (Alismataceae)

Varied nutrient sources can influence the plasticity of reproductive strategies in monoecious species differently. We examined the plasticity of sexual and clonal reproductive components in distinct nutrient sources in a monoecious species, Sagittaria graminea Michx. The results showed that for aboveground reproductive components, in rich-phosphorus and low-nitrogen conditions, the species produced more male flowers, whereas female flowers did not significantly increase in number compared to low-phosphorus and low-nitrogen conditions (control). In rich-nitrogen and low-phosphorus conditions, the species produced more flowers, particularly female, and more seeds, compared to the control conditions. In the rich-nitrogen and rich-phosphorus conditions, plants increased male flowers, female flowers, total flower number, synchronously, as well as seed production. For the belowground reproductive components, in the rich-phosphorus conditions, the plants produced bigger corms than in the rich-nitrogen and control conditions, which further enhanced their competitiveness against companion species. In rich-nitrogen conditions, the plants produced more medium and small corms, and relatively more and longer stolons, which were useful in expansion and invasion of more space. Furthermore, the species displayed trade-off relationships between the aboveground and belowground reproductive components in unbalanced nutrient conditions (add-N or add-P). However, in low nutrient levels (control) or in nutrient abundant (add-N + P) conditions, there were no significant trade-off relationships between the aboveground and belowground reproductive components, based on quantities.     

Cuticular hydrocarbons as potential mediators of cryptic species divergence in a mutualistic ant association

Upon advances in sequencing techniques, more and more morphologically identical organisms are identified as cryptic species. Often, mutualistic interactions are proposed as drivers of diversification. Species of the neotropical parabiotic ant association between Crematogaster levior and Camponotus femoratus are known for highly diverse cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, which in insects serve as desiccation barrier but also as communication cues. In the present study, we investigated the association of the ants’ CHC profiles with genotypes and morphological traits, and discovered cryptic species pairs in both genera. To assess putative niche differentiation between the cryptic species, we conducted an environmental association study that included various climate variables, canopy cover, and mutualistic plant species. Although mostly sympatric, the two Camponotus species seem to prefer different climate niches. However in the two Crematogaster species, we could not detect any differences in niche preference. The strong differentiation in the CHC profiles may thus suggest a possible role during speciation itself either by inducing assortative mating or by reinforcing sexual selection after the speciation event. We did not detect any further niche differences in the environmental parameters tested. Thus, it remains open how the cryptic species avoid competitive exclusion, with scope for further investigations.     

Notes from a snail island: Littorinid evolution and adaptation

The most successful study systems are built on a foundation of decades of research on the basic biology, ecology and life history of the organisms in question. Combined with new technologies, this can provide a formidable means to address important issues in evolutionary biology and molecular ecology. Littorinid marine snails are a good example of this, with a rich literature on their taxonomy, speciation, thermal tolerance and behavioural adaptations. In August 2017, an international meeting on Littorinid evolution was held at the Tjärnö Marine Research Laboratory in Western Sweden. In this meeting review, I provide a summary of some of the exciting work on parallel evolution, sexual selection and adaptation to environmental stress presented there. I argue that newly available genomic resources present an opportunity for integrating the traditionally divergent fields of speciation and environmental adaptation in Littorinid research.     

Deceleration of morphological evolution in a cryptic species complex and its link to paleontological stasis

Morphological stasis or the absence of morphological change is a well-known phenomenon in the paleontological record, yet it is poorly integrated with neontological evidence. Recent evidence suggests that cryptic species complexes may remain morphologically identical due to morphological stasis. Here, we describe a case of long-term stasis in the Stygocapitella cryptic species complex (Parergodrilidae, Orbiniida, Annelida). Using phylogenetic methods and morphological data, we find that rates of morphological evolution in Stygocapitella are significantly slower than in closely related taxa (Nerillidae, Orbiniidae). Assessment of quantitative and qualitative morphology revealed the presence of four morphotypes with only subtle differences, whereas molecular data supports 10 reproductively isolated clades. Notably, estimates for the time of Stygocapitella species divergence range from ∼275 million years to ∼18 million years, including one case of two morphologically similar species that have diverged about 140 million years ago. These findings provide evidence for morphological deceleration and long-term morphological stasis in Stygocapitella, and that speciation is not necessarily accompanied by morphological changes. The deceleration of morphological divergence in Stygocapitella can be potentially linked to niche conservatism and tracking, coupled with the fluctuating dynamics of the interstitial environment, or genetic constraints due to progenetic evolution. Finally, we conclude that failing to integrate speciation without morphological evolution in paleontology may bias estimates of rates of speciation and morphological evolution.     

An integrative multidisciplinary approach to understanding cryptic divergence in Brazilian species of the Anastrepha fraterculus complex (Diptera: Tephritidae)

An integrative multidisciplinary approach was used to delimit boundaries among cryptic species within the Anastrepha fraterculus complex in Brazil. Sexual compatibility, courtship and sexual acoustic behaviour, female morphometric variability, variation for the mitochondrial gene COI, and the presence of Wolbachia were compared among A. fraterculus populations from the Southern (Vacaria, Pelotas, Bento Gonçalves, São Joaquim) and Southeastern (Piracicaba) regions of Brazil. Our results suggest full mating compatibility among A. fraterculus populations from the Southern region and partial pre‐zygotic reproductive isolation of these populations when compared with the population from the Southeastern region. A. fraterculus populations from both regions differed in the frequency of courtship displays and aspects of the calling phase and mounting acoustic signal. Morphometric analysis showed differences between Southern region and Southeastern region samples. All populations analyzed were infected with Wolbachia. The trees generated from the COI sequencing data are broadly congruent with the behavioural and morphometric data with the exception of one Southern population. The likely mechanisms by which A. fraterculus populations might have diverged are discussed in detail based on behavioural, morphometric, molecular genetics, and biogeographical studies.     

Body size differences do not arise from divergent mate preferences in a species pair of threespine stickleback

Ecological speciation can be driven by divergent natural and/or sexual selection. The relative contribution of these processes to species divergence, however, is unknown. Here, we investigate how sexual selection in the form of male and female mate preferences contributes to divergence of body size. This trait is known be under divergent natural selection and also contributes to sexual isolation in species pairs of threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We show that neither female nor male size preferences contribute to body size divergence in this species pair, suggesting that size-based sexual isolation arises primarily through natural selection.     

A new cryptic species of Aphaenops (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae) from a French Pyrenean cave: Congruence between morphometrical and geographical data confirm species isolation

A new species of cave-dwelling beetle from the pyrenean massif, Aphaenops (Cerbaphaenops) jauzioni n. sp. (Coleoptera: Carabidae), is described. Geometric morphometric analyses based on five morphological structures and comparisons with two populations of the closely related species Aphaenops (Cerbaphaenops) cerberus Dieck 1869 support the uniqueness of the new species. The specific status of the new taxon is also confirmed by the male genitalia structures. A putative scenario of population isolation is proposed.     

中国横断山地区蓝藻型肺衣属地衣的三个新种

在形态和化学研究的基础上,结合分子生物学研究方法（ITS片段）,对中国横断山地区的830号与蓝细菌共生的肺衣属标本进行了分类学研究,共发现3个新种;其中,横断山肺衣L. hengduanensis的主要特征是具粉芽化裂芽,无脊肺衣L. irrugulosa的网脊不明显,以及宽叶肺衣L. latilobulata的裂片顶端宽且钝圆;3个种在ITS系统发育树上分别形成独立小枝。文中提供了中国肺衣属中与蓝细菌共生的物种检索表。     

Rapid evolution of cuticular hydrocarbons in a species radiation of acoustically diverse Hawaiian crickets (Gryllidae: trigonidiinae: Laupala)

Understanding the origin and maintenance of barriers to gene exchange is a central goal of speciation research. Hawaiian swordtail crickets (genus Laupala) represent one of the most rapidly speciating animal groups yet identified. Extensive acoustic diversity, strong premating isolation, and female preference for conspecific acoustic signals in laboratory phonotaxis trials have strongly supported divergence in mate recognition as the driving force behind the explosive speciation seen in this system. However, recent work has shown that female preference for conspecific male calling song does not extend to mate choice at close range among these crickets, leading to the hypothesis that additional sexual signals are involved in mate recognition and premating isolation. Here we examine patterns of variation in cuticular lipids among several species of Laupala from Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Results demonstrate (1) a rapid and dramatic evolution of cuticular lipid composition among species in this genus, (2) significant differences among males and females in cuticular lipid composition, and (3) a significant reduction in the complexity of cuticular lipid profiles in species from the Big Island of Hawaii as compared to two outgroup species from Maui. These results suggest that behavioral barriers to gene exchange in Laupala may be composed of multiple mate recognition signals, a pattern common in other cricket species.     

白蚁肠道共生微生物的作用:酵母,一个“隐身”的特别菌群

长期以来,白蚁对木质纤维素的降解能力令人惊叹,毫无疑问,其在全球碳循环中扮演着一个十分重要的角色。这一强大功能的实现极大地依赖于一种特别的肠道"消化液(digestome)",它的构成不仅包括了来自白蚁自身产生的木质纤维素降解酶系统,还来源于独特与多样的肠道共生微生物的贡献(包括了古细菌、细菌、酵母以及其他真核生物),它们的协同作用能有效地将木质纤维素生物质高效转化为乙酸、甲烷、二氧化碳、氢气等物质。然而,到目前为止,我们对这类昆虫的独特肠道生物转化系统的认识还很不深入,特别是针对肠道内的那些各类共生微生物菌群的功能、白蚁与共生微生物间的相互关系、以及潜在的科学与应用价值还无法给予明确的科学解释,更不用说针对其肠道中的共生酵母菌群,一类通常被忽略的独特微生物。近20多年来,越来越多的研究证据表明,白蚁肠道共生酵母在与寄主的关系中表现了不可或缺的重要性与独特功能,已被证明广泛分布于不同白蚁及许多其他昆虫的肠道中。随着近20年来越来越多昆虫肠道共生微生物酵母群被发现和鉴定,他们潜在的功能以及与寄主的共生机制被逐步解析,这些研究结果进一步揭示了"隐身"的昆虫肠道酵母类微生物菌群与寄主的营养、关键生物质转化过程中的重要酶系统、转化过程中的关键中间产物的转化与利用、抵御外源性的重要病原物,甚至对白蚁种群繁衍的远缘交配等方面均可能发挥了重要和不可缺少的作用。本文将试图归纳相关研究的最新进展,系统总结与解析白蚁肠道来源共生酵母的重要科学价值及其在不同领域的潜在应用前景。     

Separating historic events from recurrent processes in cryptic species: phylogeography of mud snails (Hydrobia spp.)

The present study combines methods that were designed to infer intraspecific relationships (e.g. nested-clade analysis (NCA), mismatch distributions and maximum likelihood gene flow analysis) to analyse historic events and recurrent processes in the cryptic mud snail species Hydrobia acuta and H. glyca. Specifically, we test the proposed allopatry of cryptic species and whether the peculiar range-subdivision of the putative subspecies H. a. acuta and H. a. neglecta is a result of long-distance dispersal or continuous range expansion. The NCA indicates a past fragmentation of the two H. acuta subspecies as well as past fragmentations within H. glyca. Gene-flow analyses show extensive gene flow in an E-W direction (towards the Atlantic) in the Mediterranean H. a. acuta, generally low gene flow in a W-E direction in the Atlantic H. a. neglecta and complex gene-flow pattern in a N-S but also in a S-N direction (against the Gulf Stream) in H. glyca. Based on these data and supportive ecological and oceanographical data, we hypothesize that the separation of the two H. acuta subspecies was not caused by long-distance dispersal but by a range shift and/or range expansion of the closely related competitor H. glyca as a result of an interglacial warming with a subsequent range shift in H. acuta. Moreover, our data do not show evidence for a long-term, stable sympatry of Hydrobia species, supporting the concept of allopatric relationships within cryptic radiations. NCA and gene-flow analyses indicate that the only sympatric population found in our study is the result of a recent dispersal event from the nearby Mediterranean. It is assumed that allopatric relationships in ephemeral Hydrobia populations constitute an evolutionary advantage relative to competition, recruitment and re-establishment of habitats. Mechanisms that could be of relevance for maintaining allopatry are discussed.     

Genetic differentiation and detection of cryptic species in the genus Lepismachilis (Insecta: Microcoryphia) from the Western Mediterranean region

Different species of the bristletail genus Lepismachilis were collected in 14 localities in Italy and Spain and an allozyme electrophoretic survey was carried out to estimate the degree of genetic variability and differentiation at intra- and interspecific levels. Four morphological species were initially identified (L osellai, L. y-signata, L. affinis, L. targionii), but the electrophoretic analysis demonstrated the presence of two additional species among the individuals of L. targionii (Lepismachilis spl and sp2). The validity of these species and their differentiation from L targionii were demonstrated by the fixation of alternative allelic patterns at several loci (7 in Lepismachilis spl and 8 in Lepismachilis sp2), coupled with fixed, previously undetected, morphological differences. In addition, Lepismachilis sp2 was sympatric with L. targionii in three collecting sites, where the fixation of alternative allelic patterns unequivocally demonstrated reproductive isolation. Genetic variability did not seem to be correlated with local ecological factors, and differences between species should rather be explained by different historical factors. Low levels of gene flow, estimated with two different indirect methods, were observed in L. targionii and L. y-signata, and were due to high levels of structuring among populations. Genetic differentiation among conspecific populations was not correlated to their geographical arrangement and the presence of loci fixed for different alleles among them suggested that stochastic factors (such as genetic drift) may have played a role in determining genetic differentiation of geographically isolated populations. Genetic divergence values indicated that the six species are well differentiated and allozyme profiles were diagnostic for all of them. On the other hand, allozyme data did not provide adequate information to resolve evolutionary relationships among the species, nor did they confirm the validity of the two subgenera (Lepismachilis and Berlesilis) in which the genus Lepismachilis is traditionally divided.     

The evolution of animal genitalia: distinguishing between hypotheses by single species studies

Rapid evolution of genitalia is one of the most general patterns of morphological diversification in animals. Despite its generality, the causes of this evolutionary trend remain obscure. Several alternative hypotheses have been suggested to account for the evolution of genitalia (notably the lock-and-key, pleiotropism, and sexual selection hypotheses). Here, I argue that thorough intraspecific studies are the key to gaining insight into the patterns and processes of genitalic evolution. Critical assumptions and predictions that may be used to distinguish between the different hypotheses are identified and discussed. However, current knowledge of selection on genitalia, or even of the degree of phenotypic and genotypic variability of genital morphology, is highly limited, allowing only a very tentative assessment of the various hypotheses. In-depth single species studies of current patterns and processes of selection on genitalia are badly needed, and a single species research program is briefly outlined.     

A new species of Phyllopsora (Lecanorales, lichen-forming Ascomycota) from Dominican amber, with remarks on the fossil history of lichens

Phyllopsora dominicanus sp. nov. (Bacidiaceae, Lecanorales,lichen-forming Ascomycota) is described and illustrated fromDominican amber. The diagnostic features of the lichen includea minute subfolious thallus of lacinulate, ascending squamules,a well-developed upper cortex, and a net-like pseudocortex onthe lower surface. The algal symbionts are unicellular greenalgae, forming a distinct layer immediately below the uppercortex. The fossil demonstrates that distinguishing featuresof Phyllopsora have remained unchanged for tens of millionsof years. The fossil also provides the first detailed viewsof mycobiont–photobiont contacts in Tertiary green algallichens. The mycobiont hyphae formed apical and intercalaryappressoria by pressing closely against the photobiont cells.This indicates that a conserved maintenance of structure isalso seen in the fine details of the fungal–algal interface. Key words: Amber, fossil, fungi, lichen, Phyllopsora, symbiosis, Tertiary Received 30 May 2007; Revised 30 November 2007 Accepted 21 December 2007     

A feeling for the superorganism: expression of plant form in the lichen thallus

The composite thalli produced by lichen fungi in symbiosis with algae often show structural convergences with plants. Similar overall thallus forms and branching patterns may arise in lichens with very different anatomical construction, indicating the autonomy of the morphological level of organization. Fungal and algal growth and division may be highly integrated within meristem-like morphogenetic zones in many lichens, whereas in others the symbionts may contribute in a less synchronized fashion to the construction of the thallus. Although thallus-level morphology and morphogenesis may be compared with those of plants, ontogeny of the lichen thallus differs fundamentally. Observations of lichen ontogeny illustrate the formation of the thallus by unification of autonomous, primary cellular elements in co-ordinated growth. In land plants and many algae, by contrast, the plant body is the primary structure, the cellular elements of which represent secondary subdivisions. The convergences in form are based on a common mode of nutrition in combination with cell-wall building materials that impart similar structural potential. The photosynthetic apparatus forming the basis of this mode of nutrition is not a convergent feature, however, but a homologous structure that originated in the cyanobacteria and subsequently passed laterally into diverse biological lineages by repeated endosymbioses. With consolidation of these symbioses as eukaryotic algae and plants, the organismal level of organization was repeatedly re-established with increasing degrees of complexity, and morphological convergences were expressed at these new levels. In lichens, by contrast, the symbiosis is not organismally consolidated; morphological expression instead emerges at the superorganismal level.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 150 , 89–99.