A revised system of classification of the angiosperms

A new system of classification of the angiosperms is presented. Like that of Dahlgren, 1975, it is shown as a two-dimensional diagram or frame-work, but differs in numerous major and minor features. In the new classification the angiosperms represent a class divisible into two subclasses corresponding to the di- and monocotyledons. The dicotyledons are divided into 24 ruperorders, viz . the Magnoliiflorae, Nymphaeiflorae, Ranunculiflorae, Caryophylliflorae, Polygoniflorae, Malviflorae, Violiflorae, Theiflorae, Primuliflorae, Rosiflorae, Podostemoniflorae, Fabiflorae, Proteiflorae, Myrtiflorae, Rutiflorae, Santaliflorae, Balanophoriflorae, Araliiflorae, Asteriflorae, Solanifloirae, Corniflorae, Loasiflorae, Gentianiflorae and Lamiiflorae, while the monocotyledons are divided into reven superorders, the Alismatiflorae, Ariflorae, Triuridiflorae. Liliiflorae, Zingiberiflorae, Commeliniflorae and Areciflorae. The higher categories are not defined here, but some general features in the classification are mentioned, and the distribution of some attributes is shown in the diagram.     

MAJOR CLADES OF THE ANGIOSPERMS

Abstract— Our knowledge of fundamental angiosperm interrelationships is still very incomplete. The absence of a narrowly circumscribed gymnosperm outgroup, ideally the sister group, makes character evaluation, necessary for a cladistic analysis, difficult. According to current views the superorder Magnoliiflorae with a number of other groups, for example the monocotyledons, may represent a complex of families near the base of the angiosperms. Interrelationships of groups within the monocotyledons are much better understood than those between groups within the dicotyledons. A cladogram of monocotyledon orders based on earlier work by R. Dahlgren, H. T. Clifford, and F. N. Rasmussen is presented. A data matrix for a sample of the angiosperms with 61 characters for 49 taxa, mostly magnoliifloran and related families, is presented. The characters are polarized mainly according to the current view that the primitive angiosperm morphotype is a woody dicotyledon with strobiloid flowers. As an alternative the matrix is adjusted following W. C. Burger's conjecture that the primitive angiosperm was a herbaceous monocotyledon with trimerous flowers. Both matrices were run in a computerized parsimony analysis, resulting in numerous equally parsimonious solutions. This result is illustrative of the great homoplasy in the available character information, and also of how little actually is known about fundamental angiosperm interrelationships or phylogeny.     

Introduction and Notes to R. Dahlgren's System of Classification of the Angiosperms

The present paper aims at introducting Dahlgren’s system of classification of the angiosperms. Phenetic and phylogenetic classifications are discussed. The basic principles and methods used by Dahlgren are explained. Dahlgren’s opinions on some important problems, such as the origin of angiosperms, the flowers of primitive angiosperms, the relation between the dicotyledons and monocotyledons, the origin of the monocotyledons, the treatment of the “Amentiferae” and of the orders of the “Sympetalae”, are all expressed. A brief comparison between Dahlgren’s system and three other current systems, viz. those of Takhtajan, Cronquist and Thorne is also given.     

Investigation of the Presence of Phenolic Compounds in Monocotyledonous Cell Walls, using UV Fluorescence Microscopy

Harris and Hartley (1976, 1980) demonstrated the presence offerulic acid in cell walls of certain monocotyledons using UVfluorescence microscopy (fluorescing green after treatment withammonium hydroxide solution). The presence or absence of thistype of fluorescence is apparently critical in higher levelsystematics of monocotyledons. In order to evaluate the significanceof this character, cell wall fluorescence was investigated ina range of monocotyledon species, particularly the AustralianXanthorrhoeaceae sensu lato (Bedford et al., 1986), which werenot investigated in earlier studies. This family is widely regardedas polyphyletic and was divided into several families by Dahlgren,Clifford and Yeo (1985). Some of its constituent genera, suchas Dasypogon, Kingia and Calectasia, have been linked with bothcommelinoid and non-commelinoid monocotyledons, and are of obscureaffinity. Some genera of Xanthorrhoeaceae sensu lato (Baxteria,Calectasia, Dasypogon and Kingia) show this type of green cellwall fluorescence and may therefore be more closely linked withthe commelinoid monocotyledons, rather than the Lilianae-Asparagales,as previously placed (Dahlgren et al., 1985).Copyright 1994,1999 Academic Press Asparagales, Dasypogonaceae, fluorescence, Hanguana, monocotyledons, systematics, Xanthorrhoeaceae     

Heritable fragile sites on human chromosomes

Summary A kindred is described in which six members have a fragile site at 12q13. This fragile site was found to be suppressed by folic acid and thymidine in lymphocyte culture. An updated classification of known fragile sites is presented.     

Evidence from nucleic acid and protein chemistry, in particular serology, in angiosperm classification

Semantides, or information carrying molecules, are divided into primary semantides (DNA), secondary semantides (RNA), and tertiary semantides (proteins), with pro–teinaceous material proving to be the most useful in taxonomic and systematic research to date. The contributions to angiosperm classification from amino acid sequencing, DNA hybridization, and fraction I protein are still limited; however, serological data (600 taxa in 200 taxonomic publications) substantially (but unequally) influenced the most recent revisions of systems of classification presented by Cronquist, Dahlgren, Takhtajan, and Thorne. The analyses of semantides and amino acids have thus proven to be unequally useful in helping to understand evolution and phytogeny, and in contributing to classifications. The continuing incorporation of data from diverse disciplines into the development of systems of angiosperm classification makes multidisciplinary and multiauthor research (team research) more essential as we move into future research planning.     

A consensus classification for the order Gentianales with additional details on the suborder Apocynineae

The Gentianales as circumscribed by Benson, Cronquist, Dahlgren, Goldberg, Hey wood et al., Melchior, Stebbins, Takhtajan, and Thorne is investigated. From these a consensus classification (not in the cladistic sense) or classificatory model for the order is proposed. This classification is discussed, as are the relationships of the taxa within it. Excluded taxa are also discussed. In particular, the Apocynineae is examined in detail and it is pointed out that for this suborder the present consensus classification, at the family level, is congruous only if the taxa involved are monophyletic. Data are then supplied to show that, as yet, neither monophyly nor paraphyly can be proved conclusively for the taxa of the Apocynineae. Cet article examine l’ordre des Gentianales tel qu’il se décrit chez Benson, Cronquist, Dahlgren, Goldberg, Hey wood et al., Melchior, Stebbins, Takhtajan et Thorne. A partir de ceci un schéma classificatoire est proposé pour l’ordre. Cette classification convenue est discutée, ainsi que les relations des taxa y figurant. Les taxa exclus sont également discutés. L’ordre des Apocynineae subit un examen particulier et il est avancé que pour ce sous-ordre la classification convenue actuelle, au niveau de la famille, n’est convenable que lorsque les taxa en question relévent d’un seul phylum. Finalement les données sont appliquées pour démontrer qu’il n’existe jusqu’ à présent aucune preuve définitive quant à la monophylie ou la paraphylie des taxa de l’ordre des Apocynineae.

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An erratum to this article is available at .     

Classification ofBacillus thuringiensis strains

An updated classification ofB. thuringiensis strains according to flagellar antigens is presented. Twenty-seven antigenic groups and seven subgroups have enabled us to distiguish 34 serovars. Biochemical tests are unable to separate these serovars. The significance of serovars is discussed in comparison with pathogenicity and with reference to the Bacteriological Code.      

Ontogenetic Development of the Caudal Neurosecretory System in the Chum Salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, with Regard to Its Ultrastructural Changes and with Relation to Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive Fibers

The ontogeny of the caudal neurosecretory cells (Dahlgren cells) in the caudal spinal cord of the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, was examined by conventional electron microscopy and with immunohistochemistry for urotensins (U) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). The precursors of the Dahlgren cells first appeared as agranular ovoid cells in the caudal region of the neural tube of 40-day-old embryos about one week before hatching. The occurrence of cytoplasmic granules in the immature Dahlgren cells became evident by the 14th day after hatching. At this moment, the U-positive reaction was merely demonstrated in some of the granules. Close association of NPY-positive fibers with the caudal neurosecretory structures was recognizable in 1-month-old larvae. Thus, it is apparent that the salmon Dahlgren cells start their secretory activity (production of the secretory granules) in early larval stages and that, thereafter, NPYergic afferent innervation of the caudal neurosecretory system becomes evident.     

Gametogenesis in the Monothalamous Agglutinated Foraminifer Cribrothalammina alba

Gametogenesis in the foraminifer Cribrothalammina alba involves changes in both the gamontic test and cytoplasm. As gametes begin to differentiate and gametic flagella emerge, pores form in a regular array over the gamontic test, constituting the only avenue for gamete release. The spherical, biflagellated gametes average 1.5μ in diameter and are released in rapidly moving swarms along with flagellated “spherical masses” that probably result from incomplete gametic differentiation. Gametogenesis occurs entirely within the test and utilizes the entire cytoplast. After gamete release is complete, the agglutinated test collapses and disaggregates within a fairly short time. Similar modifications of the gamontic test occur during gametogenesis in Ovammina opaca Dahlgren, but are otherwise unknown among monothalamous agglutinated foraminifera at present.     

亚洲产透骨草属植物的修订

对Phryma leptostachya L．的亚洲产亚种,即ssp. asiatica (Hara) Kitamura作了分类修订,列出了显示两个亚种本质区别的检索表,并提供了ssp.asiatica的详细的地理分布资料。     

A histoenzymological investigation of the caudal neurosecretory system in six species of freshwater teleosts: a comparative study

Enzymecytochemical features of the caudal neurosecretory system of 6 species of freshwater teleosts, Gudusia chapra, Gonialosa manmina (Clupeidae, Clupeiformes), Oxygaster bacaila (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes), Mystus bleekeri (Bagridae, Cypriniformes), Sciaena coiter (Scienidae, Perciformes), and Mastacembelus pancalus (Mastacembelidae, Mastacembeliformes) have been investigated with the help of several specific histochemical techniques. No sex-dependent variation have been observed in the enzymecytochemical characteristics of the caudal neurosecretory system of the present species. The Dahlgren cells show intense RNA activity. Caudal neurosecretion lacks carbohydrate but seems to possess small amount of lipid. Acid-phosphatase is located in the Dahlgren cells and axons. Alkaline-phosphatase has been observed in the Dahlgren cells, axons, and urophysial blood-capillaries. Acetylcholine esterase is present in the Dahlgren cells, axons, and urophysis of Mystus, Mastacembelus, and Gonialosa, but lacking in the other 3 species. It is concluded that the caudal neurosecretory system of Mystus, Mastacembelus, and Gopialosa is innervated by cholinergic neurons. Despite their different taxonomic positions, caudal neurosecretory system of all 6 species produce similar responses to various enzymecytochemical tests, except for acetylcholine esterase.     

Modeling survival of experimentally virus-infected laboratory animals--exploration of the survival diagram

In a recent paper (Sühnel & Veckenstedt, 1989, J. theor. Biol. 137, 27) we have proposed a new method of plotting survival data from experimentally virus-infected laboratory animals; the survival diagram. In this diagram two experiments, for which the mean number of virions inoculated is kept fixed but other parameters may vary, are compared. The variations in two basic quantities of survival analysis are simultaneously displayed: the standard mean survival time and the relative mean challenge virus dose, which is via a dose-response relation interrelated with the fraction of animals dying. It is analyzed in which manner variations in the kinetic parameters and the critical virus level necessary to produce a particular effect influence the location of the points of comparison in the survival diagram. The analysis presented is a prerequisite for further applications of this diagram and of the underlying mathematical model.     

The ear and hearing in the frog, Rana pipiens

The development of electric organ spindles of Gymnarchus niloticus has been investigated with respect to the exact time and place of origin and the process of formation of the adult plan. The results are compared with those of Dahlgren ('14). A common primordium for all the electroplates of of a spindle as held by Dahlgren ('14) is not supported by the present work.     

Mapping species diversity patterns in the Kansas shortgrass region by integrating remote sensing and vegetation analysis

Abstract. Field reconnaissance data are used in a supervised classification of a 1989 Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) scene to create a digital database of high and low quality grasslands for northwestern Kansas. To test the classification of grassland quality, plot-based vegetation data collected from 32 sites are analyzed for differences in species composition, and evaluated for relationships between TM data and plant diversity. Significant differences between predicted high and low quality grassland sites are identified for the following variables: cover of the dominant and common species, overall species richness, number of forbs, number of grasses, and plant diversity using Shannon's index. Linear regression analysis reveals a significant relationship (r²= 0.61) between species diversity and the prediction of grassland quality from the supervised classification. The addition of spectral data to this model did not improve the prediction of species diversity, but spectral brightness is identified as a key feature in mapping shortgrass vegetation diversity patterns with TM data.     

Structural diversity of membrane lipids in members of Halobacteriaceae.

This minireview gives an updated and consolidated summary of taxonomic classification correlated with membrane phospholipid, glycolipid, and core lipid structural diversity within the family Halobacteriaceae. We also point out that the recently reported diversity in the membrane core lipid structure of a putative strain of Halobacterium (Halobacterium halobium strain IAM 13167) (Morita et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 62, 596-598, 1998) is not correct since the strain used by the authors has for some time been recognized not to be a member of the genus Halobacterium but a member of halobacteria group 2 (Grant and Larsen, Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, Vol.3, pp. 2216-2233, 1989), which has recently been designated as a new genus, Natrinema (McGenity et al., Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 48, 1187-1196, 1998).     

Swedish Experience Using Environmental Accounts Data for Integrated Product Policy Issues

This article quantifies and ranks the environmental pressure caused by different product groups consumed in Sweden. This is done using information from economic and environmental statistics. An analysis for the year 1998 is performed for approximately 50 product groups using input-output analysis. This type of analysis has some major advantages for integrated product policy (IPP) purposes: the underlying data are regularly updated, the data systems are being harmonized by international standards, and the connection between environmental goals and IPP goals can be investigated. This article summarizes two Swedish reports, one for the Producer Responsibility Committee and one for the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The results show that the volume of consumption is an important factor in environmental pressure from products as well as impact intensities. The most important product categories for private consumption are petroleum products, electricity, construction, and food and beverages, as well as transport. Possibilities of building indicators for IPP are also discussed.     

LEAF ISOZYMES AS GENETIC MARKERS IN DATE PALMS

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a long-lived, dioecious, arborescent monocotyledon which must be propagated vegetatively by offshoots to maintain clones. An extensive breeding program begun in 1948 at Indio, California, to obtain superior lines has resulted in the production of several seedling populations of known parents. These were used to study the genetic control of isozymes of alcohol dehydrogenase, esterase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, phosphoglucose isomerase and phosphoglucose mutase from leaf tissue. The five enzyme systems are specified by seven polymorphic genes with 14 alleles. Additional polymorphism was found in two other species of Phoenix. Twenty-six female and 20 male date palm cvs. were genotyped to provide, insofar as is known, the first single-gene markers for the date palm and perhaps for any arborescent monocotyledon.