Chromosome numbers and taxonomy in Cryptocoryne (Araceae). II

Chromosome numbers for 38 species of Cryptocoryne are reported, 16 of which have not been reported earlier. About 90% of the species of Cryptocoryne have now been investigated cytologically. On the basis of chromosome numbers, morphology, and distribution, it is possible to distinguish some 24 groups within the species investigated. The chromosome numbers represent a heteroploid series which is based on the (secondary) base numbers 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, and 18. Evidence is given that 2n = 36 is the more primitive one. Evolution on the chromosome level has most likely gone in the direction of a reduction in numbers. Two new species, Cryptocoryne amicorum De Wit & N. Jacobsen and C. keei N. Jacobsen, are described.     

The Cryptocoryne (Araceae) of Borneo

Fourteen species of Cryptocoryne are recognized from Borneo: C. ciliata found throughout tropical Asia, C. longicauda also found in Johore; C. zonata, C. grabowskii , and C. edithiae show distinct affinities to the C. cordata group from the Malay peninsula; the remaining species, endemic to Borneo, do not show any special, close relationship with species from other areas. The synonomy, distribution, chromosome numbers, and ecology are treated.     

High allozyme variation in populations of three spiny rat species from Upper Amazonia: association with ecology and evolution]

The allozyme variation in three spiny rat species of the genus Proechimys from Upper Amazonia was studied in relation to their ecology and evolution. The ecological environmental factors and biotopic distribution of species were analyzed. The unusually high allozyme variation was found in P. simonsi and P. sp. (2n = 34) inhabiting native forest biotopes. A relatively low allozyme variation in P. brevicauda was assumed to be associated with eurybiotic properties and the ability of this species to adapt to anthropogenic biotopes. Data on chromosome homeology and reconstruction of chromosome rearrangements in six spiny rat species were correlated with allozyme variation. The results suggested that chromosome rearrangements played the major role in evolution of the spiny rat species, and that the reorganization of the P. brevicauda genome was not random. P. simonsi and P. sp. (2n = 34), which live in native forest biotopes and carry an excessive genomik "informational load", were assumed to be highly susceptible to any novel external factors. These species are potentially able to produce new chromosome forms and are most significantly affected by deforestation.     

Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 June 2011-31 July 2011

This article documents the addition of 112 microsatellite marker loci and 24 pairs of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Agelaius phoeniceus, Austrolittorina cincta, Circus cyaneus, Circus macrourus, Circus pygargus, Cryptocoryne × purpurea Ridl. nothovar. purpurea, Mya arenaria, Patagioenas squamosa, Prochilodus mariae, Scylla serrata and Scytalopus speluncae. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Cryptocoryne × purpurea nothovar. purpurea, Cryptocoryne affinis, Cryptocoryne ciliata, Cryptocoryne cordata var. cordata, Cryptocoryne elliptica, Cryptocoryne griffithii, Cryptocoryne minima, Cryptocoryne nurii and Cryptocoryne schulzei. This article also documents the addition of 24 sequencing primer pairs and 24 allele-specific primers or probes for Aphis glycines.     

Taxonomic and evolutionary implications of intraspecific variability in chromosome numbers of species of Leucaena Benth. (Leguminosae)

Chromosome numbers were determined in 52 individuals of 14 taxa of Leucaena Benth. from 22 populations. For L. cuspidata and L. kmpirana these are the first published chromosome counts. Intraspecific variability was found for L. lempirana, L. macrophjlta and L. shanonii , and one diploid population of the tetraploid species L. pallida was identified. Comparison of our data with those in the literature showed that for L. collinsii and L. macrophylla there is a relationship between chromosome number and subspecies delimitation. The variability detected in chromosome numbers shows the complexity of the diploid and tetraploid species evolution, and suggests multiple origins for some of the polyploid taxa.     

Potential influence of river engineering in two West Carpathian rivers on the conservation management of Calamagrostis pseudophragmites

This article focuses on assessing the habitats characteristics of endangered Calamagrostis pseudophragmites in selected localities in the Czech Republic with different river engineering measures, which can potentially influence the occurrence of this species. Furthermore, we give some general recommendations for management practices based on our results to promote the conservation of Calamagrostis pseudophragmites.Our research shows that there is a high correlation between Calamagrostis pseudophragmites and natural or near natural sunny biotopes on gravel bars or straight reaches near the water level that consist of non-silted gravel substrates with a higher concentration of pebbles or cobbles, which are typical of piedmont and mountain-valley areas. Many of these areas are rapidly disappearing due to intensive anthropogenic pressure. We also found that Calamagrostis pseudophragmites is temporarily capable of surviving among other competitively stronger plant communities.To assess the potential influence of river engineering we selected two different types of rivers where this species is present – one was heavily altered by both the construction of a water reservoir in its upper reach and channelization of the stream, the other was less severely regulated by the construction of several weirs. Our results show differences in the occurrence of Calamagrostis pseudophragmites between the two rivers, being found at three times as many localities in the less regulated river than in the more regulated one. This corresponds with a higher number of gravel bars in the less regulated river.Based on our results, our general recommendations for the management of this species include only the partial removal of gravel bars (to ensure flood control in populated areas), blocking vegetation succession by removing woody vegetation and aggressive invasive species, the restoration of natural river dynamics, and connecting existing biotopes where this species is found.     

Chromosome number variation within Philaethria butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae,Heliconiini)

The haploid chromosome number of the South American butterfly Philaethria dido varies from 12 to 88. Eight different numbers have been found in this species complex. The related Ph. pygmalion and Ph. wernickei usually show only n=29, a very frequent number in the Lepidoptera; numbers of n=15 and n=21 for these species need confirmation. The most common chromosome number for Ph. dido is also the highest, n=88, and is found in many parts of northern and central Brazil on the Amazon river and its tributaries, as well as adjacent parts of other countries. The other numbers were observed mainly in northern South America and along the east coast. Two very different numbers were found together in four localities. We did not find specimens with meiotic features suggesting hybridization between individuals with different chromosome numbers. The diverse numbers in Ph. dido may belong to good sibling species, distinguishable externally by very minor characters. Since Ph. dido is a very primitive species in the tribe Heliconiini, dating probably from the early Tertiary, it probably has had many opportunities to undergo divergent chromosome evolution in isolation. Its strong, high flight and broad ecological valence would then permit rapid spreading out and coexistence of different chromosome forms, which in some cases have been noted to show diverse behaviour in the field.Dedicated to Professor Hans Bauer on the occasion of his eightieth birthday     

Occurrence and distribution of fruiting body-forming myxobacteria in Siebengebirge. Comparative studies with special reference to characteristic biotypes]

In the region of the "Siebengebirge" near Bonn, six characteristic biotopes were studied with respect to the occurrence of fruiting body forming myxobacteria. 23 different species, belonging to the 8 known genera, were found. The number of species in the respective biotopes varied between 6 and 17, the average numbers of species per sampling area were between 2.1 and 10.0. 15 species were found on dung pellets of wild living herbivorous mammals. Deciduous forest soils contained 13 species in spring, 17 species in autumn. Rock coverings contained 14, creek slopes 16, bark of living trees 9, and rotting wood 16 fruiting myxobacterial species. Myxococcus fulvus, Myxococcus coralloides and Archangium gephyra occurred in all biotops studied. The rare species were Melittangium boletus, Polyangium vitellinum, Stigmatella aurantiaca, and Chondramyces apiculatus. The composition of the myxobacterial flora depends on ecological factors (kind of dung pellets, rock, bark and pH). The ecological influences upon the distribution are discussed.     

First chromosome number determinations in south-eastern South American species of Lupinus L. (Leguminosae)

Chromosome numbers are presented for the first time for 30 accessions of nine south-eastern South American Lupinus species. Chromosome numbers of 2 n = 32 and 34 were found for L. bracteolaris (three out of five accessions with 2 n = 32) and L. linearis (two out of three accessions with 2 n = 32), and of 2 n = 36 for L. gibertianus , L. lanatus, L. magnistipulatus , L. multiflorus , L. rubriflorus , L. reitzii and L. uleanus . All the South American species examined have relatively low chromosome numbers when compared with most of the Old World and North American species. Our results, where 2 n = 36 is the rule, are in sharp contrast to the data for North American Lupinus species and reveal the following: (1) low chromosome numbers are the rule, at least in the southern part of eastern South America; (2) cytologically, the eastern South American species form a group distinct from the North American taxa; (3) high levels of polyploidy have not played as important a role in evolution and speciation in eastern South America as in North America; (4) the predominance of low chromosome numbers in eastern South American species and the existence of similar numbers in two of the six rough-seeded Old World species support the hypothesis that in the evolution of the genus the eastern South American species branched off first, followed by the rough-seeded group.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Socety , 2002, 139 , 395–400.     

Mesostigmatid mite infestations of rodents in diverse biotopes of central and southern India

Examination of 165 rodents trapped in domestic, peridomestic, and feral biotopes of central and southern India revealed the presence of 1,359 mesostigmatid mites. Rodents in central India were infested with 1 species of mite, Laelaps nuttalli; 98% of these mites were recovered from the peridomestic rodent Bandicota bengalensis. Material from the burrow nest of a peridomestic rodent examined in central India revealed the mite, Hypoaspis miles. Rodents from the diverse biotopes of southern India were infested by 8 species of mites: L. nuttalli, Laelaps buxtoni, Laelaps myonyssognathus, Androlaelaps aduncus, Androlaelaps marshalli, Androlaelaps sp. A, Hypoaspis sp. 1, and Hypoaspis sp. 2. Sheep from nearby villages regularly graze in feral biotopes. From the hair of these sheep, 2 species of mesostigmatid mites were recovered, A. aduncus and A. marshalli. The sheep appeared to aid the dispersal of rodent-infesting mites passively. Laelaps nuttalli was the predominant mite species found on the peridomestic rodent B. bengalensis. In both central and southern India, the prevalence, mean intensity, and relative density of this mite were much higher on peridomestic rodents than on domestic and feral rodents. A significant negative correlation was found between the numbers of mites and fleas infesting rodents in central India. A highly significant positive association between A. marshalli and A. aduncus on the feral rodent Tatera indica was recorded. In southern India, the overall prevalence of the 8 species of mites was highest on Mus platythrix. However, the combined prevalence of these mites on 2 feral rodents T. indica and M. platythrix was lower than their prevalence on B. bengalensis. Similarly, the combined values for mean intensity and relative density of these mites on the 2 feral rodents were lower than on the peridomestic rodent B. bengalensis.     

An efficient in vitro plantlet regeneration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptocoryne wendtii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptocoryne becketti</Emphasis> through shoot tip culture

An efficient micropropagation protocol was established for Cryptocoryne wendtii and Cryptocoryne becketti using shoot tips explants. Multiple shoots were induced from shoot tip explants of both species cultured on agar-gelled as well as liquid MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BA and 0.2 mg/L IBA (proliferation medium). The multiple shoots of both the species formed on agar-gelled as well as liquid medium were vigorously growing with well-developed roots and leaves after 4 weeks of culture. Highest number of multiple shoots was obtained from shoot tip explants of both the species cultured in liquid proliferation medium after 4 weeks of culture. The shoot tip explants of C. wendtii and C. becketti, that were cultured in liquid proliferation medium (2 weeks) followed by culturing on agar-gelled proliferation medium (2 weeks) also produced the multiple shoots. Shoot tips cultured on agar-gelled medium produced the least number of multiple shoots after 4 weeks of culture. Histological study did not show any abnormalities in the leaves of in vitro plantlets of both the species, cultured in agar-gelled and liquid proliferation medium. The leaves of the in vitro plantlets formed normal mesophyll cells and vascular bundles. More than 95% of the acclimatized plantlets grew vigorously without any morphological abnormalities.     

Karyotype study on pseudoscorpions of the genus Lasiochernes Beier (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae)

Karyotypes of the genus Lasiochernes (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) are studied for the first time. The diploid chromosome numbers of males were found to be 2n = 61 in L. pilosus, 2n = 69 in L. siculus and 2n = 73 in L. cretonatus. Karyotypes of all species mainly consist of biarmed chromosomes; the sex chromosome system is XO. Remarkably, the X chromosome displays partial (L. cretonatus), or even total (L. pilosus), negative heteropycnosis during the spermatogonial metaphase.     

A ‘WATCH’ census of common British butterflies

In summer 1981, members of WATCH made a quantitative survey of common butterflies throughout Britain. Adult numbers were recorded along standardized transects on 670 sites, covering most commonplace biotopes. Butterflies were identified into families, except for five conspicuous species.

Ten common biotopes were sufficiently well sampled for general conclusions to be made about their value. Although garden flowers attracted the few species of butterfly that are very mobile, sedentary species were virtually absent from gardens especially in urban areas. Improved pasture also contained few sedentary species, but road verges and woods held moderate densities. Abandoned railway tracks and wasteland supported large numbers of common butterflies, but the highest counts were made in unimproved pasture. Numbers along hedges differed little from the open fields that they bordered.

The method was modified in 1982 so that sponsored counts could be made in the richest biotopes. These raised about £4000 for conservation.     

Shell polymorphism in a southern peripheral population of Cepaea nemoralis (L.) (Pulmonata: Helicidae) in Spain

Populations of the land snail Cepaea nemoralis have been investigated at the southern limits of its range in Spain, the Upper Tajo region, in order to analyse the distribution of the species and the variation of polymorphism in relation to environmental conditions. For this purpose two natural subareas, which differ in topography, soil nature, climate and vegetation have been considered. Cepaea nemoralis is confined to the river banks of the area; it is found in open and shaded biotopes of subarea 1 where it is relatively common, and it is almost restricted to shaded biotopes of subarea 2 where it becomes progressively rarer towards the south. Relative abundance of the species may be related to the amount of calcareous soils and climate, the restriction in its southern distribution being probably the result of extreme solar radiation, high temperature and low humidity. The two subareas differ in the frequency of the main polymorphic characters. These differences may be related to the kind of biotope. Subarea 1 richer in more open and exposed biotopes have higher frequencies of yellow, 00000, 00300, and unfused bands, whereas the restriction to poplar groves because of the lack of suitable exposed biotopes in subarea 2 may account for the higher proportion of pink five-bandeds with the bands fused together. This kind of variation with biotope is consistent with an explanation in terms of differences in the temperature absorbance of different morphs and a metabolic response to differences in temperature amplitude of the biotopes. Other characters (lip colour, punctate bands, hyalozonate bands, etc.) are not polymorphic in this region, thus, suggesting that at the periphery environmental conditions are important not only in determining the distribution of the species but exerting a marked effect on the genetic structure of the populations.     

中国瓦韦属三种植物的细胞分类学研究

首次报道中国分布的3种瓦韦属植物的染色体数目,分别为线叶瓦韦,2n=42;丽江瓦韦,2n=144;西藏瓦韦,2n=50。其中,线叶瓦韦n=21是水龙骨科一个新的染色体基数。结合已有资料对染色体数目在瓦韦属中的重要分类学价值进行了讨论。     

扬子毛茛和石龙芮的核型研究

报道了浙江省常见的２种毛茛属植物－扬子毛茛和石龙芮的染色体资料,扬子毛茛体细胞染色体数目２ｎ＝３２,核型组成;Ｋ（２ｎ）＝４ｘ＝３２＝１６ｍ＋８ｓｍ＋８ｓｔ。石龙芮体细胞染色体数目２ｎ＝３２,核型组成;Ｋ（２ｎ）＝４ｘ＝３２＝８ｍ＋２４ｓｍ。     

东北产6种苔类植物细胞学观察

本文对东北产6种苔类植物进行了染色体数目报道,它们是阔叶裂叶苔Lophoziaexcisa,皱叶裂叶苔L.incisa,倾立裂叶苔L.ascendens,细裂瓣苔Barbilophozia barbata,裂萼苔Chiloscyphus polyanthus,指叶苔Lepidozia reptans,其染色体数目均为n=9。其中阔叶裂叶苔和倾产裂叶苔为首次报道。     

Plant functional diversity in agricultural margins and fallow fields varies with landscape complexity level: Conservation implications

A consensus has been established that functional traits rather than taxonomic diversity play a fundamental role in linking biodiversity with ecosystem processes and associated services. This study from Finland addressed an issue of relative values of fallow and field margin biotopes in conservation of plant functional diversity (based on six functional traits of relevance to ecosystem services, and diversity of multiple traits) in agricultural landscapes differing in their structural complexity. Relative covers of plant species were surveyed in sampling plots located in perennial fallow fields and three types of perennial margins (margins between crop fields, along forest edges and by river) in three types of landscape context (simple, intermediate and complex). Fallow fields significantly contributed to the total functional diversity only in simple landscapes. The river margins provided the greatest functional diversity, especially in reproduction and regeneration traits while crop margins were consistently characterized by the lowest functional diversity. Substantial functional diversity of fallow patches in simple landscapes was due to high abundance of functional species, while that of river margins stemmed from presence of unique species. The plant functional diversity progressively declined with agricultural landscapes becoming simplified. The study indicates non-cropped biotopes having complementary roles in ensuring multifunctionality of agro-landscapes and confirms importance of biotope mosaic for functional diversity.     

Chromosome counts in the genusAlchemilla (Rosaceae) from SW Europe

This paper presents the results of a karyological analysis of 14 species ofAlchemilla L. collected from SW Europe (Spain and French Pyrenees). About 75% of the analyzed species have chromosome numbers 2n = 95–136. A few species have lower chromosome numbers. The chromosome numbers of 13 species are presented for the first time.     

中国樟科5属9种植物的核型研究

报道了我国樟科（Ｌａｕｒａｃｅａｅ）５属９种植物核型研究结果,其中７种染色体数目为首次报道,核型结果为：樟（Ｃｉｎｎａｍｏｕｍｃａｍｐｈｏｒａ）２０ｍ＋４ｓｍ油樟（Ｓｉｎｎａｍｏｕｍｌｏｎｇｅｐａｎｉｃｕｌａｔｕｍ）２０ｍ＋４ｓｍ;黑壳楠（Ｌｉｎｄｅｒａｍｅｇａｐｈｙｌｌａ）１８ｍ（２ＳＡＴ）＋６ｓｍ,山苍子（Ｌｉｎｄｅｒａｃｕｂｅｂａ）１６ｍ＋８ｓｍ,香叶树（Ｌｉｎｄｅｒａｍｅｇａｐｈｙｌｌａ）