Phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Janieae (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) based on molecular and morphological data: a reappraisal of Jania1

Generic boundaries among the genera Cheilosporum, Haliptilon, and Jania—currently referred to the tribe Janieae (Corallinaceae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta)—were reassessed. Phylogenetic relationships among 42 corallinoidean taxa were determined based on 26 anatomical characters and nuclear SSU rDNA sequence data for 11 species (with two duplicate plants) referred to the tribe Corallineae and 15 species referred to the tribe Janieae (two species of Cheilosporum, seven of Haliptilon, and six of Jania, with five duplicate plants). Results from our approach were consistent with the hypothesis that the tribe Janieae is monophyletic. Our data indicate, however, that Jania and Haliptilon as currently delimited are not monophyletic, and that Cheilosporum should not be recognized as an independent genus within the Janieae. Our data resolved two well‐supported biogeographic clades for the included Janieae, an Indian‐Pacific clade and a temperate North Atlantic clade. Among anatomical characters, reproductive structures reflected the evolution of the Janieae. Based on our results, three genera, Cheilosporum, Haliptilon, and Jania, should be merged into a single genus, with Jania having nomenclatural priority. We therefore propose new combinations where necessary of some species previously included in Cheilosporum and Haliptilon.     

The diagnostic value of reproductive organs in some genera of articulated Coralline red algae

Clearcut differences exist between the reproductive organs of Corallina and Jania. Fully formed spermatangial conceptacles in Corallina have low ceillings and pronounced beaks whereas in Jania they have high ceilings and lack beaks. Fusion cells in carposporophytic conceptacles are thin and broad in the former genus and thick and narrow in the latter. Tetrasporangial conceptacles have less capacity in Jania than in Corallina and the fertile areas in young conceptacles cover a smaller area.

Haliptylon is changed from group to generic status and Corallina subulata is transferred to this genus. Haliptylon is characterised by conceptacles similar in all known respects to those of Jania, but the branching is pinnate, as in Corallina.

From the available evidence it appears possible that organisms having Corallina-type conceptacles diverged phylogenetically long ago from those having Jania-type conceptacles.     

A Molecular Phylogenetic Study of the Tribe Corallineae (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) with an Assessment of Genus‐Level Taxonomic Features and Descriptions of Novel Genera

A multigene phylogeny using COI‐5P (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1), psbA (PSII reaction center protein D1), and EF2 (elongation factor 2) sequence data for members of the tribe Corallineae was constructed to assess generic boundaries. We determined that traditional reliance on conceptacle position as an indicator of generic affinities in the Corallineae is not supported and taxonomic changes are required. We found that species currently assigned to Pseudolithophyllum muricatum resolved within the Corallineae in all analyses. This is the first record of crustose members in the subfamily Corallinoideae. Further‐more, the genus Serraticardia was polyphyletic; we propose to synonomize Serraticardia with Corallina, transfer the type species S. maxima to Corallina (C. maxima (Yendo) comb. nov.), and describe the new genus Johansenia for S. macmillanii (J. macmillanii (Yendo) comb. nov.). Our molecular data also indicate that species in the genus Marginisporum have evolutionary affinities among species of Corallina and these genera should also be synonymized. This necessitates the combinations C. aberrans (Yendo) comb. nov. for M. aberrans (Yendo) Johansen & Chihara, C. crassissima (Yendo) comb. nov. for M. crassissimum (Yendo) Ganesan, and C. declinata (Yendo) comb. nov. for M. declinata (Yendo) Ganesan. Corallina elongata was divergent from all other members of Corallina and is transferred to a new genus, Ellisolandia (E. elongata (J. Ellis & Solander) comb. nov). In addition, COI‐5P and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data combined with morphological characters were used to establish that rather than the four Corallina species recognized in Canada, there are nine.     

Nochascypha jacksonii comb. nov. and N. paraensis comb. nov., additional members of the cyphellaceous genus Nochascypha formerly placed in Maireina

Nochascypha jacksonii and N. paraensis proposed for combination were previously placed in the cyphellaceous genus Maireina. Unlike the typical representatives of the genus Maireina, both taxa have only pale coloured surface hyphae. The morphological and anatomical re-examination of type material has shown both species belong to the genus Nochascypha. Their inclusion extends the former range of Nochascypha species whose surface hyphae are colourless by two distinct members with yellowish surface hyphae. Nochascypha jacksonii and N. paraensis are described and illustrated in detail. An updated key for Nochascypha is presented.     

Trichocytes in Lithophyllum kotschyanum and Lithophyllum spp. (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) from the NW Indian Ocean

The current diagnosis of the genus Lithophyllum includes absent or rare trichocyte occurrence. After examining holotype material, single trichocytes have been revealed to occur abundantly in Lithophyllum kotschyanum Unger, and in freshly collected specimens of Lithophyllum spp. from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Socotra Island (Yemen). Trichocyte occurrence is not considered a diagnostic character at specific or supraspecific levels in the Lithophylloideae, and the ecological significance of trichocyte formation is discussed. The generitype species, L. incrustans Philippi, does not show trichocytes nor do many other Lithophyllum species from diverse geographic localities, but the presence of abundant trichocytes in other congeneric taxa requires emendation of the genus diagnosis. Therefore, the diagnosis of Lithophyllum is here emended by eliminating the adjective “rare” in the sentence concerning trichocyte occurrence, as follows: “Trichocytes present or absent, if present occurring singly.”     

Photoacclimation and photoregulation strategies of Corallina (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) across the NE Atlantic

This study characterizes the photoacclimation and photoregulation mechanisms that allow calcified macroalgae of the genus Corallina (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) to dominate rock pool habitats across the NE Atlantic despite the highly variable irradiance regimes experienced. Rapid light curves (RLCs) were performed with pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry in situ across a full seasonal cycle in the UK intertidal with C. officinalis and C. caespitosa. Latitudinal comparisons were performed across the full extent of C. officinalis’ range in the NE Atlantic (Iceland–northern Spain), and for C. caespitosa in northern Spain. Ex situ RLCs with dark recovery were further employed to assess the optimal, as compared with actual, photophysiology across seasons and latitudes. Corallina species were shown to photoacclimate at seasonal timescales to changing irradiance, increasing light-harvesting during low-light autumn/winter periods and protecting photosystems during high-light summer conditions. Seasonal photoacclimation was achieved through alteration in the number of photosystem (PS) units (PSII and light harvesting antennae) over time. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) served as an important photoregulation mechanism utilized by Corallina to prevent or minimize photoinhibition over shorter time scales (seconds–hours), though the efficiency of NPQ was dependent on the seasonal-acclimated state. With increasing latitude the efficiency of photoregulation decreased, representing potential differential photoadaptation of Corallina across species ranges in the NE Atlantic. In contrast, highly conserved inter-specific patterns in photophysiological responses to irradiance were apparent. This study demonstrates the photophysiological mechanisms allowing Corallina to optimize use of the variable irradiance conditions apparent in rock pool environments, when and how they are employed, and their limitations.     

New organic-walled Foraminifera (Protista) from the ocean's deepest point, the Challenger Deep (western Pacific Ocean)

We describe four new species and a new genus of very small (< 500 µm) Foraminifera from the Challenger Deep, the deepest point in the world's oceans (10 896 m water depth). All have transparent, mainly organic test walls that incorporate some minute agglutinated mineral particles of various shapes and compositions. Nodellum aculeata sp. nov. has an elongate proloculus with a pointed proximal end followed by a long, tubular section. The genus Resigella is represented by two species: in R. laevis sp. nov. , the test comprises 3–4 elongate, oval to cylindrical chambers while R. bilocularis sp. nov. has an oval proloculus followed by a second, larger globular chamber. The fourth species, Conicotheca nigrans gen. et sp. nov. , is characterized by a tiny, elongate, conical test filled with dark stercomata. Except in C. nigrans, the test wall has a brownish tinge; energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) suggests the presence of organically bound Fe in all species including C. nigrans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with EDS reveals distinctive wall structures. In N. aculeata, the proloculus is strewn with tiny (< 0.7 µm), elongate grains. In this species and in R. laevis, the test surface (except for the proloculus) is covered with a carpet of minute (∼0.1 µm) finger-like projections, rather similar to the organic cement of agglutinated Foraminifera. In R. bilocularis, the larger second chamber often has a partial veneer of fine mineral grains of varying composition, as well as organic areas consisting of meshed strands. SEM images of these three species reveal flat, plate-like features that we interpret as clay particles. In C. nigrans, the wall is relatively featureless except where the surface is raised into hummocky mounds and scale-like features, again probably clay particles. We suggest that these species represent a distinctive group of ‘agglutinated’ Foraminifera in which the test is predominately organic. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153 , 399–423.     

TAXONOMY AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF THE RED ALGAL GENUS LENORMANDIA (RHODOMELACEAE,CERAMIALES)1

The genus Lenormandia Sonder is currently composed of nine species from Australia and New Zealand. Some of these are well known, but others are rare and ill defined. Material of all nine species has been examined and found to fall into three discrete morphological groups forming highly supported clades on analysis of 18S rDNA sequences. The first group contains four Australian‐endemic species and includes the type species L. spectabilis Sonder. Plants have a cleft apex that is not inrolled, a distinctive rhombic surface areolation pattern caused by a one‐ to two‐layered medulla of interlocking cells, lack pseudopericentral cells, and produce their reproductive structures on the blade surfaces. The type species of the genus Lenormandiopsis, L. latifolia (Harvey et Greville) Papenfuss, was found to belong to this group and is thus returned to Lenormandia where it was originally placed. Species falling into the other two groups are removed to new genera that are being described separately. One extremely rare species of Lenormandia from southwestern Australia is transferred to the delesseriacean genus Phitymophora.     

STUDIES OF PALEOZOIC MARATTIALEANS: THE MORPHOLOGY AND PHYLOGENETIC POSITION OF EOANGIOPTERIS GOODII SP. N.

Eoangiopteris goodii sp. n. is described from Upper Pennsylvanian coal balls from Ohio (Shade locality) containing isolated pecopterid pinnules approx. 7 × 9 mm that bear up to 20 linear synangia on the lower surface. The synangia extend at right angles from the midrib to the downturned pinnule margins and measure 2.0–3.5 mm in length. Individual synangia are compact and are composed of 10–19 sporangia that have their bases embedded in an elongate parenchymatous pad. In longitudinal section sporangia measure 0.4 × 2.0 mm and have acute elongate, curved apices. Spores average 70 μm in diam and are most similar to the dispersed spore genus Verrucosisporites. Eoangiopteris goodii differs from the generitype E. andrewsii Mamay in its greater size, pinnule histology, and spore type. Sporangium wall complexity and spore type of the two presently known species of Eoangiopteris are considered to be at about the same evolutionary level as the more primitive species of Scolecopteris. Construction of the synangia in Eoangiopteris is different from that of Scolecopteris and indicates that at least two evolutionary lines are recognizable within the Pennsylvanian Marattiales.     

AN UNUSUAL BOTRYOPTERID SPORANGIAL AGGREGATION FROM THE MIDDLE PENNSYLVANIAN OF NORTH AMERICA

A new fertile species of Botryopteris (Botryopteridaceae: Filicales) is described from four incomplete Middle Pennsylvanian specimens. Fertile pinnae of B. cratis sp. n. consist of branched frond members bearing numerous globose sporangia. Surrounding the sporangial aggregations are larger sterile frond members (0.5-1.5 mm diam). Fertile pinnae are oval in transverse section and possess an eccentrically developed cortex composed chiefly of fibers. Some frond members show the typical botryopterid xylem configuration with three protoxylem strands. Spherical sporangia are loosely aggregated on the smallest pinnae by short, broad stalks. The annulus is band-like, two cells high, and extends transversely across the lower half of the sporangium for approximately half the circumference. Spores are oval, trilete, verrucate, and covered by a thin separable layer. Sporangium morphology is like that of Botryopteris antiqua, but the spores closely resemble those of B. globosa. The new species is unlike previously described fructifications of Botryopteris in exhibiting a small pinna system which surrounds smaller pinnae bearing sporangia in an aggregation. The new form is considered to be less specialized than previously described globosoid forms because the sporangia are much less crowded. Isolated frond members, believed to belong to the new species, have a large central arm in the pinna xylem trace that resembles the Stephanian taxon B. renaultii. Small stems attached to the adaxial surface of frond members are radial, protostelic, centrarch, and have a three-zoned cortex. The inner cortical zone contains large elongate cells with distinctive layered deposits. Stems are covered with uniseriate multicellular hairs on multicellular bases. Stems compare closely with B. mucilaginosa in histological features.     

Characterization of motile and acetoin-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae strains by DNA: DNA hybridization

Hybridization studies were carried out to determine the extent of divergence between different members of the Enterobacteriaceae and group D, previously described by numerical analysis of phenotypic characters, and comprising strains isolated from surface waters. This group, apparently belonging in or related to the genus Citrobacter on the basis of the IMViC tests differs from this taxon by numerical analysis and DNA base composition. Our work reveals a DNA relatedness of 81–89% between the centrotype strain of this group and the genus Klebsiella. Although strains of group D show positive motility and negative Voges-Proskauer reactions, a comparison of their phenotypic characters leads us to consider that the strains with a high level of hybridization within this group belong to K. pneumoniae. These results suggest a complete revision of the traditional classification scheme of the genus Klebsiella.With the technical assistance of Nicole Marquis     

The distribution of Oligochaeta on an exposed rocky shore in southeast Ireland

The distribution of oligochaetes was studied on a wave-exposed, granite shore at Carnsore Point, County Wexford. Habitats sampled were crevices and shallow surface cracks in rock, Lichina pygmaea turf, a Mytilus edulis bed, barnacles, Laurencia pennatifida turf, Corallina officinalis turf and pools. Lichina, mussels, barnacles greater than 8 mm in height, Laurencia and Corallina were sampled quantitatively.Three species of Tubificidae and nine species of Enchytraeidae were recorded including two new species described from this locality and five which are undescribed. Oligochaetes were present in all the habitats sampled but were rare in pools and numbers were low on barnacle-covered rock except where barnacles were more than 8 mm in height. The number of species increased with decreasing tide level and was highest in lower shore crevices. Highest densities were recorded from Corallina turf and in barnacles > 8 mm. Lumbricillus semifuscus was the most widespread species, occurring in crevices and mats at all tide levels; other species had more restricted distributions. Grania species were confined to Corallina turf. Only three species of oligochaete were recorded from cracks where they were almost the only fauna present. Species diversity and density were influenced by physical structure of the habitat, particularly the amount of retained sediment.The oligochaetes are members of a rich cryptofauna in habitats which provide them with organic matter and moisture and protect them from environmental extremes and wave damage and from predators during immersion. Reasons for the scarcity of oligochaete records from exposed rocky shores and the high proportion of new species in this study are discussed.     

Amanita xenokommosis (Agaricales,Basidiomycota), a striking new species from sand dune forest of northeastern Brazil,with a key for phenetically similar species*

Abstract

Amanita is a well established genus corresponding one to the major groups of Agaricales having with a rich systematic story. Several species belonging to this genus were recently reported from Brazil. Recent studies changed drastically its infrageneric classification, recognizing the subgenera Amanita, Amanitina and Lepidella. Within the subg. Amanitina, the ectomycorrhizal species with amyloid basidiospores, appendiculate pileus and stipe base with more globose to subglobose bulb belong to sect. Roanokenses. Amanita xenokommosis belongs to this section and is described here a new species from the Brazilian Coastal Sand Dune. It is characterized by elongate to cylindrical amyloid basidiospores, brown pileus with sharp floccose appendiculate remnants and bulb covered by a large limbate/saccate universal veil. Amanita caojizong, A. manginiana, A. modesta, A. pseudomanginiana and A. pseudoporphyria are similar species, but differ in many aspects, such as basidiospores size, shape of bulb and characteristics of the universal veil.     

FLORAL NECTARIES AND TRICHOMES IN RELATION TO POLLINATION IN SOME SPECIES OF THEOBROMA AND HERRANIA (STERCULIACEAE)

Floral surfaces of two Theobroma spp. and one species of the allied genus Herrania (Sterculiaceae) were examined using scanning electron microscopy for reward system information of the pollinator-adaptation syndrome. These flowers are structurally complex and have sheltered reproductive parts indicating an elaborate insect-mediated pollination mechanism. Analysis of anther dehiscence, anthesis and pollen tube growth suggests a crepuscular pollination strategy. Suspected pollinators have been observed on floral parts of theobromas possessing stomate type nectaries and various shaped trichomes (blade of petal ligule and adaxial surface of petal hood). H. purpurea has elongate ligules devoid of stomates. Glandular clublike structures are found on the ovaries of all three spp. In numerous spp. of theobromas, except T. cacao, and two species of Herrania, a conspicuous ring of multicellular trichomes occurs at the adaxial base of the sepals. A possible function for the ring may be fragrance production because of its greatly reduced condition in the faintly scented T. cacao and the prevalence of pronounced fragrances in these other species.     

CHIHARAEA AND YAMADAIA (CORALLINALES,RHODOPHYTA) REPRESENT REDUCED AND RECENTLY DERIVED ARTICULATED CORALLINE MORPHOLOGIES1

Phycologists have hypothesized that the diminutive fronds produced by species in the genera Chiharaea and Yamadaia, which are composed of comparatively few genicula and intergenicula, represent morphological intermediates in the evolution of articulated corallines from crustose ancestors. We test this “intermediate frond hypothesis” by comparing rbcL sequences from the generitype species Chiharaea bodegensis and Yamadaia melobesioides to sequences from other coralline genera. We demonstrate that Chiharaea includes two other NE Pacific species, Arthrocardia silvae and Yamadaia americana. Chiharaea species are characterized morphologically by inflated intergenicula and axial conceptacles with apical or acentric pores. Although relationships among the three species are unresolved, Chiharaea bodegensis, C. americana comb. nov., and C. silvae comb. nov. are distinguished from one another by DNA sequences, morphology, habitat, and biogeography. Chiharaea occurs together with Alatocladia, Bossiella, Calliarthron, and Serraticardia macmillanii in a strongly supported clade of nearly endemic north Pacific articulated coralline genera and species that have evolved relatively recently compared to other articulated corallines. In contrast, NW Pacific Yamadaia melobesioides belongs in a clade with Corallina officinalis, the generitype species of Corallina, and therefore we reduce Yamadia to a synonym of Corallina and propose Corallina melobesioides comb. nov. We reject the ‘intermediate frond hypothesis’ and conclude that Chiharaea and Yamadaia are recently derived taxa that evolved from articulated coralline ancestors and represent a reduction in the number of genicula and intergenicula.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinobatos nudidorsalis</Emphasis>, a new species of shovelnose ray (Batoidea: Rhinobatidae) from the Mascarene Ridge,central Indian Ocean

A new shovelnose ray, Rhinobatos nudidorsalis, is described from the Mascarene Ridge, an inadequately surveyed chain of seamounts in the central Indian Ocean. Of the three subgroups of Rhinobatos occurring in the Indian Ocean, it most closely conforms with the subgenus Rhinobatos (Linnaeus). A small species, known only from the holotype, it is unique within the family in having an almost completely naked dorsal surface. In addition, it is further distinguished from other Indo-Pacific members of the genus by the combination of a pale, plain-colored disc, large eyes, the inner edge of the anterior nasal flap penetrating slightly into the internarial space, low dorsal fins, a long pelvic-fin inner margin, a narrow interdorsal space, two spiracular folds, an elongate to oval-shaped denticle patch on the caudal peduncle, and a small, weakly asymmetrical caudal fin.     

MOLECULAR EVIDENCE CONFIRMS SISTER RELATIONSHIP OF ARDISSONEA,CLIMACOSPHENIA, AND TOXARIUM WITHIN THE BIPOLAR CENTRIC DIATOMS (BACILLARIOPHYTA,MEDIOPHYCEAE), AND CLADISTIC ANALYSES CONFIRM THAT EXTREMELY ELONGATED SHAPE HAS ARISEN TWICE IN THE DIATOMS1

With the use of a new kit from Qiagen to amplify total genome quantity, DNA was bulked up from two diatoms that are difficult to grow (Ardissonea and Climacosphenia), and the nuclear SSU rRNA gene was successfully amplified. Results of Bayesian analyses showed that these diatoms are sister to Toxarium and belong to the bi‐ and multipolar centric diatoms. The results indicate that extremely elongate shape has arisen at least twice in diatoms, in the true pennates, and in the bipolar centrics. The two lateral pattern centers of Ardissonea and Climacosphenia likely represent a modified annulus that subtends ribs internally as well as externally. Studies of sexual reproduction are needed to determine whether Ardissonea, Climacosphenia, and Toxarium achieve their elongate shape by similar means to each other and to true pennates, that is, by controlling the expansion of the auxospores by sequential addition of silicified bands (to form a properizonium or perizonium).     

富宁附地菜果实形态特征及其分类学意义

紫草科(Boraginaceae)附地菜属(Trigonotis)的果实形态具有重要的分类学意义,是该属组级水平划分的重要依据.而该属之中的中国特有种富宁附地菜(T.funingensis)果实形态特征尚不清楚,其组级水平分类学地位的归属尚存疑问.野外考察在广西那坡采集到该种成熟果实,在解剖镜和扫描电镜下观察形态特征并...     

DASYA ROSLYNIAE SP. NOV. (DASYACEAE,RHODOPHYTA), WITH A DISCUSSION ON GENERIC DISTINCTIONS AMONG DASYA,EUPOGODON, RHODOPTILUM,AND POGONOPHORELLA1

Dasya roslyniae sp. nov. (Dasyaceae, Rhodophyta) is described from subtidal habitats at Split Solitary Island (30°14′S, 153°11′E), New South Wales, Australia. The new species is distinct within the genus due to its strongly compressed and secondarily bilaterally branched axes, differing from the majority of Dasya species that are terete and secondarily radially organized. Pseudolaterals are quickly caducous on ventral and dorsal (transverse) surfaces but are persistent on lateral surfaces for short distances from the apex, leaving the bulk of the plants flattened and denuded. Its gross morphological characters are thus similar to those displayed by the genera Pogonophorella, Eupogodon (formerly known as Dasyopsis), and Rhodoptilum. Characters used for separating these genera and Dasya are, in some cases, overlapping and in need of critical evaluation. To the primarily radially organized taxa, determined by examination of divisions of the apical cell, are placed species of Dasya, six species now included in Eupogodon, and the type and only species of Pogonophorella californica. Examination of the activity of the apical cells of Eupogodon planum and Rhodoptilum plumosum, the type species of their genera, confirms the primary bilaterality of these two genera, and the traditional defining feature of Eupogodon (lack of discernible pericentral cells in cross-section of indeterminate axes) is shown to be untenable. A secondary character that would separate Eupogodon and Rhodoptilum is the polysiphonous bases of otherwise monosiphonous laterals (pseudolaterals) in Eupogodon and the monosiphonous bases in Rhodoptilum.     

Antidiatom and antibacterial activity of epiphytic bacteria isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">lactuca</Emphasis> in tropical waters

Bacteria and diatoms are primary colonizers of marine surfaces and hence play a crucial role in the attachment and subsequent growth of macroorganisms. It has been suggested that the temperate green alga Ulva lactuca relies on the defence provided by the epiphytic bacterial community to regulate surface fouling of colonising organisms. In this study, ten resident bacterial isolates from tropical U. lactuca were tested for their antibacterial and antidiatom properties that may regulate surface colonization on the algae. Sixty percent of the epiphytic isolates expressed antibacterial properties against other resident bacteria and 80% had antidiatom activity against the pennate diatom, Cylindrotheca fusiformis. Isolates of the Pseudoalteromonas genus showed both- antibacterial and antidiatom activities, while members of the genus Bacillus, Vibrio and Shewanella mostly possessed antidiatom activity. Our results show that a high proportion of bacterial isolates from tropical U. lactuca, like that of their temperate counterparts contain antibiotic properties that might impact on the bacterial community composition and prevent fouling by diatoms.