Morphological evolution of silica scales in the freshwater genus Synura (Stramenopiles)

A high degree of morphological variability is expressed between the ornately sculptured siliceous scales formed by species in the chrysophycean genus, Synura. In this study, we aimed to uncover the general principles and trends underlying the evolution of scale morphology in this genus. We assessed the relationships among thirty extant Synura species using a robust molecular analysis that included six genes, coupled with morphological characterization of the species‐specific scales. The analysis was further enriched with addition of morphological information from fossil specimens and by including the unique modern species, Synura punctulosa. We inferred the phylogenetic position of the morphologically unique S. punctulosa, to be an ancient Synura lineage related to S. splendida in the section Curtispinae. Some morphological traits, including development of a keel or a labyrinth ribbing pattern on the scale, appeared once in evolution, whereas other structures, such as a hexagonal meshwork pattern, originated independently several times over geologic time. We further uncovered numerous construction principles governing scale morphology and evolution, as follows: (i) scale roundness and pore diameter decreased during evolution; (ii) elongated scales became strengthened by a higher number of struts or ribs; (iii) as a consequence of scale biogenesis, scales with spines possessed smaller basal holes than scales with a keel and; and (iv) the keel area was proportional to scale area, indicating its potential value in strengthening the scale against breakage.     

On Sea Turtle‐associated Craspedostauros (Bacillariophyta), with Description of Three Novel Species

The current study focuses on four species from the primarily marine diatom genus Craspedostauros that were observed growing attached to numerous sea turtles and sea turtle‐associated barnacles from Croatia and South Africa. Three of the examined taxa, C. danayanus sp. nov., C. legouvelloanus sp. nov., and C. macewanii sp. nov., are described based on morphological and, whenever possible, molecular characteristics. The new taxa exhibit characters not previously observed in other members of the genus, such as the presence of more than two rows of cribrate areolae on the girdle bands, shallow perforated septa, and a complete reduction of the stauros. The fourth species, C. alatus, itself recently described from museum sea turtle specimens, is reported for the first time from loggerhead sea turtles rescued in Europe. A 3‐gene phylogenetic analysis including DNA sequence data for three sea turtle‐associated Craspedostauros species and other marine and epizoic diatom taxa indicated that Craspedostauros is monophyletic and sister to Achnanthes. This study, being based on a large number of samples and animal specimens analyzed and using different preservation and processing methods, provides new insights into the ecology and biogeography of the genus and sheds light on the level of intimacy and permanency in the host–epibiont interaction within the epizoic Craspedostauros species.     

Taxonomic revision of oil‐producing green algae,Chlorococcum oleofaciens (Volvocales,Chlorophyceae), and its relatives

Historically, species in Volvocales were classified based primarily on morphology. Although the taxonomy of Chlamydomonas has been re‐examined using a polyphasic approach including molecular phylogeny, that of Chlorococcum (Cc.), the largest coccoid genus in Volvocales, has yet to be reexamined. Six species thought to be synonymous with the oil‐producing alga Cc. oleofaciens were previously not confirmed by molecular phylogeny. In this study, seven authentic strains of Cc. oleofaciens and its putative synonyms, along with 11 relatives, were examined based on the phylogeny of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, comparisons of secondary structures of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS2 rDNA, and morphological observations by light microscopy. Seven 18S rRNA types were recognized among these strains and three were distantly related to Cc. oleofaciens. Comparisons of ITS rDNA structures suggested possible separation of the remaining four types into different species. Shapes of vegetative cells, thickness of the cell walls in old cultures, the size of cells in old cultures, and stigma morphology of zoospores also supported the 18S rRNA grouping. Based on these results, the 18 strains examined were reclassified into seven species. Among the putative synonyms, synonymy of Cc. oleofaciens, Cc. croceum, and Cc. granulosum was confirmed, and Cc. microstigmatum, Cc. rugosum, Cc. aquaticum, and Cc. nivale were distinguished from Cc. oleofaciens. Furthermore, another related strain is described as a new species, Macrochloris rubrioleum sp. nov.     

Taxonomic revision of Chlamydomonas subg. Amphichloris (Volvocales,Chlorophyceae), with resurrection of the genus Dangeardinia and descriptions of Ixipapillifera gen. nov. and Rhysamphichloris gen. nov.

Chlamydomonas (Cd.) is one of the largest but most polyphyletic genera of freshwater unicellular green algae. It consists of 400–600 morphological species and requires taxonomic revision. Toward reclassification, each morphologically defined classical subgenus (or subgroup) should be examined using culture strains. Chlamydomonas subg. Amphichloris is characterized by a central nucleus between two axial pyrenoids, however, the phylogenetic structure of this subgenus has yet to be examined using molecular data. Here, we examined 12 strains including six newly isolated strains, morphologically identified as Chlamydomonas subg. Amphichloris, using 18S rRNA gene phylogeny, light microscopy, and mitochondria fluorescent microscopy. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed three independent lineages of the subgenus, separated from the type species of Chlamydomonas, Cd. reinhardtii. These three lineages were further distinguished from each other by light and fluorescent microscopy—in particular by the morphology of the papillae, chloroplast surface, stigmata, and mitochondria—and are here assigned to three genera: Dangeardinia emend., Ixipapillifera gen. nov., and Rhysamphichloris gen. nov. Based on the molecular and morphological data, two to three species were recognized in each genus, including one new species, I. pauromitos. In addition, Cd. deasonii, which was previously assigned to subgroup “Pleiochloris,” was included in the genus Ixipapillifera as I. deasonii comb. nov.     

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the genus Wittrockiella (Pithophoraceae,Cladophorales), including the descriptions of W. australis sp. nov. and W. zosterae sp. nov.

Wittrockiella is a small genus of filamentous green algae that occurs in habitats with reduced or fluctuating salinities. Many aspects of the basic biology of these algae are still unknown and the phylogenetic relationships within the genus have not been fully explored. We provide a phylogeny based on three ribosomal markers (ITS, LSU, and SSU rDNA) of the genus, including broad intraspecific sampling for W. lyallii and W. salina, recommendations for the use of existing names are made, and highlight aspects of their physiology and life cycle. Molecular data indicate that there are five species of Wittrockiella. Two new species, W. australis and W. zosterae, are described, both are endophytes. Although W. lyallii and W. salina can be identified morphologically, there are no diagnostic morphological characters to distinguish between W. amphibia, W. australis, and W. zosterae. A range of low molecular weight carbohydrates were analyzed but proved to not be taxonomically informative. The distribution range of W. salina is extended to the Northern Hemisphere as this species has been found in brackish lakes in Japan. Furthermore, it is shown that there are no grounds to recognize W. salina var. kraftii, which was described as an endemic variety from a freshwater habitat on Lord Howe Island, Australia. Culture experiments indicate that W. australis has a preference for growth in lower salinities over full seawater. For W. amphibia and W. zosterae, sexual reproduction is documented, and the split of these species is possibly attributable to polyploidization.     

Balechina and the new genus Cucumeridinium gen. nov. (Dinophyceae), unarmored dinoflagellates with thick cell coverings

The genus Balechina (=subgenus Pachydinium) was established for heterotrophic gymnodinioid dinoflagellates with a thick cell covering. The type species, B. pachydermata (=Gymnodinium pachyderm‐atum), showed numerous fine longitudinal striae, whereas B. coerulea (=G. coeruleum) showed ~24 prominent longitudinal surface ridges or furrows and a distinctive blue pigmentation. We have investigated the morphology and molecular phylogeny of these taxa and the species Gymnodinium cucumis, G. lira and G. amphora from the western Mediterranean, Brazil and Japan. Sudden contractions at the cingulum level were seen in B. pachydermata, which also showed a high morphological variability which included morphotypes that have been described as Amphidinium vasculum, G. amphora, G. dogielii and G. gracile sensu Kofoid and Swezy. Molecular phylogeny based on small subunit rRNA gene sequences revealed that Balechina coerulea, G. cucumis and G. lira formed a clade distantly related to the clade of the type species, B. pachydermata, and G. amphora. We propose the new genus Cucumeridinium for the species with longitudinal ridges and a circular apical groove (Cucumeridinium coeruleum comb. nov., C. lira comb. nov. and C. cucumis comb. nov.), and Gymnodinium canus and G. costatum are considered synonyms of C. coeruleum. The genus Balechina remains for the species with a double‐layer cell covering, bossed surface with fine striae, and an elongated elliptical apical groove. At present, the genus is monotypic containing only B. pachydermata.     

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.     

Morphological Characterizations of Four Species of Parallelostrombidium (Ciliophora,Oligotrichia), with a Note on the Phylogeny of the Genus

The morphology and phylogeny of four oligotrichid ciliates, Parallelostrombidium paraellipticum sp. n., P. dragescoi sp. n., P. jankowskii (Xu et al. 2009) comb. n., and P. kahli (Xu et al. 2009) comb. n., are described or redescribed based on live observation, protargol stained material, and SSU rRNA gene sequences. The new species P. paraellipticum sp. n. is characterized by its obovoidal cell shape, adoral zone composed of 17–21 collar, 9–11 buccal, and two thigmotactic membranelles, and extrusomes attached in one row along the girdle kinety. The new species P. dragescoi sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by its obovoidal cell shape and a lack of thigmotactic membranelles. Based on ciliary patterns recognizable in the original slides, Omegastrombidium jankowskii Xu et al. 2009 and O. kahli Xu et al. 2009 should be transferred to the genus Parallelostrombidium Agatha 2004. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data demonstrate that all four new sequences cluster with previously described congeners. The genus Parallelostrombidium is separated into two clusters, suggesting its non‐monophyly and probably corresponding to the two subgenera proposed by Agatha and Strüder‐Kypke (2014), as well as their morphological difference (cell dorsoventrally flattened vs. unflattened).     

Phylogenetic Position of the Genus Cyrtostrombidium,with a Description of Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum nov. spec. and a Redescription of Cyrtostrombidium longisomum Lynn & Gilron, 1993 (Protozoa,Ciliophora) Based on Live Observation,Protargol Impregnation,and 18S rDNA Sequences

We redescribe Cyrtostrombidium longisomum Lynn & Gilron, 1993, the type species of the genus Cyrtostrombidium, and describe the new species Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum n. sp. using live observation, protargol staining and molecular data. The morphological characters of these two species are clearly distinct, i.e., dikinetid numbers in the girdle and ventral kineties; however, it is difficult to separate them by 18S rDNA sequences because they differ by only 8 bp, indicating that 18S rDNA sequences are insufficient for separating different species in the genus Cyrtostrombidium. We not only observed the position of the oral primordium in the genus Cyrtostrombidium but also observed a possibly homoplasious trait, a dorsal split in the girdle kinety, in (1) Apostrombidium, (2) Varistrombidium, and (3) Cyrtostrombidium/Williophrya. This partially supports the hypothesis of somatic ciliary pattern evolution recently put forth by Agatha and Strüder‐Kypke.     

Two new species in the Chaetoceros socialis complex (Bacillariophyta): C. sporotruncatus and C. dichatoensis,and characterization of its relatives,C. radicans and C. cinctus

The diatom genus Chaetoceros is one of the most abundant and diverse phytoplankton in marine and brackish waters worldwide. Within this genus, Chaetoceros socialis has been cited as one of the most common species. However, recent studies from different geographic areas have shown the presence of pseudo‐cryptic diversity within the C. socialis complex. Members of this complex are characterized by curved chains (primary colonies) aggregating into globular clusters, where one of the four setae of each cell curves toward the center of the cluster and the other three orient outwards. New light and electron microscopy observations as well as molecular data on marine planktonic diatoms from the coastal waters off Chile revealed the presence of two new species, Chaetoceros sporotruncatus sp. nov. and C. dichatoensis. sp. nov. belonging to the C. socialis complex. The two new species are similar to other members of the complex (i.e., C. socialis and C. gelidus) in the primary and secondary structure of the colony, the orientation pattern of the setae, and the valve ultrastructure. The only morphological characters that can be used to differentiate the species of this complex are aspects related to resting spore morphology. The two newly described species are closely related to each other and form a sister clade to C. gelidus in molecular phylogenies. We also provide a phylogenetic status along with the morphological characterization of C. radicans and C. cintus, which are genetically related to the C. socialis complex.     

Molecular identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Schoenoplectiella</Emphasis> species (Cyperaceae) by use of microsatellite markers

Over the past few decades, use of molecular markers for species delimitation has drastically increased. Schoenoplectiella Lye has been recognized as a taxonomically difficult genus because of its morphological simplicity and frequent interspecific hybridization. The main objective of this study was to clarify the taxonomic identities of eight Schoenoplectiella species by use of molecular markers. We also evaluated the genetic relationships among S. × trapezoidea, known as a natural hybrid, and its close relatives. We used six microsatellite markers for 44 individuals from 31 natural populations of eight Schoenoplectiella species in South Korea. Six microsatellite marker combinations generated 59 amplification-detectable bands, of which 33 were specifically detected in one or more individuals of each species. Cluster analysis revealed that the grouping was consistent with the taxonomically recognized species. Our results do not support the hybrid origin of S. × trapezoidea. Rather, they suggest that this species is more closely related to S. hotarui. The informative microsatellite markers enabled us to clarify the distinctions among Schoenoplectiella species from South Korea and to identify the genetic relationships among these species. The molecular signatures found suitable for accurate identification of Schoenoplectiella species can be reliably used for studies of the phylogeny and evolution of this genus.     

Taxonomy of the long‐tailed mouse Oligoryzomys destructor (Sigmodontinae: Oryzomyini) with the designation of neotypes for Hesperomys destructor Tschudi, 1844 and Hesperomys melanostoma Tschudi, 1844

The genus Oligoryzomys, distributed from southern South America to southern North America, is the most diverse of the tribe Oryzomyini of sigmodontine rodents. Even when 22 species are currently recognized, species boundaries are unclear for several forms. The species Oligoryzomys destructor is one of the least studied species of the genus and is the one with the largest distribution along the Andes (from southern Colombia to northern Bolivia). The species was described without the selection of a holotype and indication of its type locality. In addition, several taxa are regarded as synonyms of O. destructor. These facts are relevant because previous analysis of DNA sequences has shown that O. destructor represents a species complex. Herein, in addition to test the phylogenetic position of O. destructor within the genus Oligoryzomys, we assess patterns of morphological and molecular variation of O. destructor and its associated nominal forms aimed to assess the boundaries of the species. As part of the study, we selected neotypes for Hesperomys destructor and H. melanostoma. At the light of our results, we recognized O. destructor as a species with two subspecies, O. d. destructor and O. d. spodiurus. Also, we discuss the role of Andean rivers, and their different permeability, as allopatric barriers molding the structure of O. destructor.     

The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in a temperate estuary with description of two new species: Pseudo-nitzschia plurisecta sp. nov. and Pseudo-nitzschia abrensis sp. nov.

The genus Pseudo‐nitzschia contains potentially toxic species of problematic taxonomy, making it one of the most intensively studied diatom genera. The study of 35 clonal strains isolated from the Bilbao estuary, an area that experiences recurrent blooms of Pseudo‐nitzschia, revealed the presence of two new species, P. abrensis and P. plurisecta, differing from their congeners in both morphology and gene sequence. The morphological features were analyzed by LM and EM, whereas molecular analyses were based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the rDNA. P. plurisecta appears closely related to P. cuspidata/P. pseudodelicatissima in the phylogenetic tree, whereas P. abrensis forms a moderately supported clade with P. heimii/P. subpacifica and P. caciantha/P. circumpora. Comparison of the secondary structure of ITS2 regions reveals marked differences in the most highly conserved regions among related taxa. Morphologically, the new species differ from their closest congeners in the arrangement of the poroid sectors and the density of valve striae and fibulae. The two species share similar pigment composition, and belong to the group of Pseudo‐nitzschia species containing only chlorophyll c₂ and c₃.     

Species‐delimitation and phylogenetic analyses of some cosmopolitan species of Hypnea (Rhodophyta) reveal synonyms and misapplied names to H. cervicornis,including a new species from Brazil

Hypnea has an intricate nomenclatural history due to a wide pantropical distribution and considerable morphological variation. Recent molecular studies have provided further clarification on the systematics of the genus; however, species of uncertain affinities remain due to flawed taxonomic identification. Detailed analyses coupled with literature review indicated a strong relationship among H. aspera, H. cervicornis, H. flexicaulis, and H. tenuis, suggesting a need for further taxonomic studies. Here, we analyzed sequences from two molecular markers (COI‐5P and rbcL) and performed several DNA‐based delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, PTP and GMYC). These molecular approaches were contrasted with morphological and phylogenetic evidence from type specimens and/or topotype collections of related species under a conservative approach. Our results demonstrate that H. aspera and H. flexicaulis represent heterotypic synonyms of H. cervicornis and indicate the existence of a misidentified Hypnea species, widely distributed on the Brazilian coast, described here as a new species: H. brasiliensis. Finally, inconsistencies observed among our results based on six different species delimitation methods evidence the need for adequate sampling and marker choice for different methods.