Ultrastructure of the sexually dimorphic tarsal glands and tegumental glands in gonyleptoid harvestmen (Opiliones,Laniatores)

In at least four closely related families of the diverse harvestmen lineage Gonyleptoidea, males may possess sexually dimorphic tarsal glands in the swollen tarsomeres of the basitarsus and/or metatarsus of leg I. The first histological and ultrastructural examination of the sexually dimorphic tarsal glands in leg I focused only on Manaosbiidae. In this study, we examine the morphology and ultrastructure of the sexually dimorphic glands, and their associated glandular openings, found in the basitarsus and/or metatarsus of leg I of males representing Cosmetidae, Gonyleptidae, and Cranaidae (glandular openings only). In cosmetids and gonyleptids, the tarsal glands are made up of 20–60 glandular units that form distinct groups within the prolateral and retrolateral half of the tarsomere. Each glandular unit consists of a pair of terminal secretory cells, an intercalary cell wrapped around the receiving canal, and a canal cell tightly wrapped around the length of the conducting canal. Cosmetidae, Gonyleptidae, and Cranaidae exhibit remarkably similar tarsal glands and gland openings although the location of the glands in the leg differs slightly among them. Males of these three families exhibit markedly different glands and glandular openings compared to males of the family Manaosbiidae. The sexually dimorphic tarsal glands may provide an important morphological character for determining phylogenetic relationships among gonyleptoid families. Finally, we provide morphological and ultrastructural data for the common tegumental glands. These data indicate that the sexually dimorphic tarsal glands are strikingly similar to, and may possibly be derived from, the tegumental glands. J. Morphol. 274:1203–1215, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructure of chemoreceptive tarsal sensilla in an armored harvestman and evidence of olfaction across Laniatores (Arachnida,Opiliones)

Harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones) are especially dependent on chemical cues and are often regarded as animals that rely mainly on contact chemoreception. Information on harvestman sensilla is scarce when compared to other arachnid orders, especially concerning internal morphology. Using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, we investigated tarsal sensilla on the distal tarsomeres (DT) of all leg pairs in Heteromitobates discolor (Laniatores, Gonyleptidae). Furthermore, we explored the typological diversity of sensilla present on the DT I and II in members of the suborder Laniatores, which include two thirds of the formally described opilionid fauna, using species from 17 families representing all main laniatorian lineages. Our data revealed that DT I and II of H. discolor are equipped with wall-pored falciform hairs (two types), wall-pored sensilla chaetica (two types) and tip-pored sensilla chaetica, while DT III and IV are mainly covered with trichomes (non-sensory) and tip-pored sensilla chaetica. The ultrastructural characteristics support an olfactory function for all wall-pored sensilla and a dual gustatory/mechanoreceptive function for tip-pored sensilla chaetica. Based on our comparative SEM survey, we show that wall-pored sensilla occur in all investigated Laniatores, demonstrating their widespread occurrence in the suborder and highlighting the importance of both legs I and II as the sensory appendages of laniatorean harvestmen. Our results provide the first morphological evidence for olfactory receptors in Laniatores and suggest that olfaction is more important for harvestmen than previously thought.     

Morphological variation in the appendicular skeleton of atlantic forest sigmodontine rodents

Rodents of the subfamily Sigmodontinae comprise a highly diversified group in the Atlantic Forest, with semifossorial, terrestrial, semiaquatic, scansorial, and arboreal forms. In this study, we analyzed morphometric variation in humerus, scapula, ulna, radius, femur, tibia, and pelvis to investigate its possible relationship with the different types of locomotion recorded in the literature. Skeletal characters were measured in 321 specimens belonging to 29 species and 19 genera either restricted to or recorded in this ecoregion. Multivariate morphometric analyses (principal component and canonical variate analyses) arranged individuals of different genera in groups congruent with the different types of locomotion. This arrangement was more clearly defined when analyses included only forelimb measurements, indicating that most of the variation in appendicular traits associated with the different locomotor modes occurs in the forelimb skeleton. Semifossorial forms exhibited the most distinct appendicular morphology, as well as the greatest frequency of endemism among analyzed species. These results suggest that this mode of locomotion led to greater differentiation in semifossorial Atlantic forest sigmodontines than in terrestrial and arboreal forms, which were found to have more subtle differentiation and fewer endemics. Scansorial species could not be set apart from terrestrial ones in terms of appendicular morphology, suggesting that these two modes of locomotion are the most similar and generalized for the group, as they occur in most lineages in the subfamily. The results of this study corroborate previous observations on the relevance of appendicular characters in the differentiation of species and genera in the subfamily Sigmodontinae. J. Morphol. 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Further structures in the jaw apparatus of Limnognathia maerski (Micrognathozoa), with notes on the phylogeny of the Gnathifera

The jaws of Limnognathia maerski, Micrognathozoa, were investigated with light- and scanning electron microscopy. The study yielded several new structures and sclerites, including the ventral part of main jaw, the pharyngeal lamellae, the manus, the dorsal and ventral fibularium teeth, and a reinterpretation of the fibularium compartmentalization. Furthermore, it was shown that several jaw elements are composed of densely packed rods. Comparison with Rotifera and Gnathostomulida suggested that the micrognathozoan main jaw is homologous with the rotifer incus and the gnathostomulid articularium and that the pseudophalangids (the ventral jaws) and their associated sclerites correspond to the rotifer mallei. These results imply that Micrognathozoa is more closely related to Rotifera than to Gnathostomulida.     

The structure of the cereal sensory system and ventral nerve cord of Grylloblatta

Summary The structure of cereal sensilla, the cereal nerve and the central projections of the cereal sensory nerve of a notopteran (Grylloblatta sp.) are described and compared with other orthopteroid insects in which the cereal sensory system and central connections are well known. The cereal sensilla are similar to those of gryllids and blattids, but the gross structure of the cerci and distribution of cereal sensilla more closely resemble those of the Thysanura. The elements of the cereal sensory nerves and the central nervous system are similar to those of other orthopteroid insects, but extracellular material is present in greater quantity, and more extensive glial bundling of axons occurs in both the cereal nerve and central connectives. Glial structure, extracellular material and large multicristate mitochondria may be adaptations to life near 0° C. The form of central projections of the cereal nerve and the configuration of the largest abdominal interneurons are unlike those of gryllids and Dictyoptera; they are similar to those of Dermaptera.     

Functional morphology of the stone canal in the sea urchin Eucidaris (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

The lack of mesocoelomic pores and the existence of a stone canal connecting proto-and mesocoel are characteristic peculiarities of echinoderms in contrast with the situation in other trimeric archicoelomates. The ultrastructure of the stone canal has been studied in order to understand its function in the strategically important position between two coelomic spaces with different functions. The epithelium of the Eucidaris (Echinoidea) stone canal is composed of three cell types: (1) ciliated cells, (2) cells with long basal processes containing myofilaments, and (3) granulated cells, which may represent secretory neurons. Nerve fibres of two types are common in the epithelium. We consider the stone canal to be a structure controlling fluid transport; its wall may exert peristaltic movements or tonic contractions and dilations which are under control of the nervous system. The ciliated cells additionally may have phagocytotic capacities. Similarities with the fine structure of the wall of the mesocoelomic pores in the pterobranch Cephalodiscus are discussed.     

The water vascular system and functional morphology of Paleozoic asteroids

Asteroids of all geologic ages share a single basic body form, surficial skeletal arrangement, and aspects of water vascular construction. In almost all described Paleozoic species, however, either podial pores to the interior of the arm were lacking, or they are directed laterally, above the adambulacrals. They are internal and above the ambulacrals in known post-Paleozoic species and the Pennsylvanian Calliasterella. Certain features of the ambulacral skeletal arrangement also differ. Calliasterella is the closest known Paleozoic relative of post-Paleozoic asteroids. Classifications of asteroids that stress only overall form and surticial skeletal arrangement erroneously include Paleozoic and Holocene species in common ordinal or even lower level groupings. Taxonomic revision is premature: however, most known Paleozoic asteroids represent primitive lineages. Transitional forms allow reconstruction of events leading to the modern arrangement. Ampullar and skeletal arrangements of post-Paleozoic asteroids appear to offer some functional advantages over those of their precursors, but as early as the Ordovician, diverse feeding habits had evolved and ecological roles paralleled those of Holocene species.     

Ultrastructural studies of spermatozoa in three bivalve species with notes on evolution of elongated sperm nucleus in primitive spermatozoa

Sperm ultrastructure and spermiogenesis of the three bivalve species Musculus discors, Nucula sulcata, and Dreissena polymorpha have been studied. During spermatid differentiation in Musculus discors and Nucula sulcata the nucleus attains an elongated rod-like shape. The spermatozoon from Nucula sulcata was found to have a cup-shaped acrosome and five mitochondria surrounding two centrioles in the middle piece. The spermatozoa from Musculus discors has a long complex acrosome. From the distal centriole striated processes extend and attach to the plasma membrane. The spermatozoon of the fresh water species Dreissena polymorpha agrees in all main features with those of other invertebrate groups with external fertilization. It is thus of the primitive type with barrel-shaped nucleus and four to five mitochondria1 spheres in the middle piece. The acrosome is a prominant, complex structure at the apex of the mature spermatozoon. A comparison of sperm ultrastructure among bivalves indicates that there is a certain correlation between the evolution of the elongated sperm nucleus and large, yolk-rich eggs. In species with an elongated sperm nucleus the increased egg size has often led to a lecithotrophic or direct development. The elongated nucleus is a slight modification of the primitive type. There is a great variation in acrosome structure among bivalve spermatozoa, reflecting diverging functional demands at fertilization of the eggs.     

Fine structure and functional morphology of the mouthparts of a male Veigaia sp. (Gamasida: Veigaiidae) with remarks on the spermatodactyl and related sensory structures

Mites of the genus Veigaia are common gamasid inhabitants of forest litter. They engage in the peculiar reproductive strategy of podospermy which, along with other morphological and behavioral adaptations, involves modification of the chelicerae of the relatively rare males into gonopods. Each movable digit is provided with an appendage (spermatodactyl) that is involved in sperm transfer. We describe the gross anatomy, fine structure, and functional morphology of the mouthparts of a male Veigaia species and give ultrastructural details for the corniculi, laciniae, preoral cavity, labrum, pharynx, and movable and fixed digits. The fine structure of the spermatodactyl is illustrated here for the first time in detail. A semischematic reconstruction of the gnathosoma and spermatodactyl is provided. The spermatodactyl is totally fused with the movable digit and a sperm transfer duct runs along its entire length. This duct starts at the adaxial base of the movable digit, continues inside the digit into the tube of the spermatodactyl, and finally opens at the distal abaxial surface of the spermatodactyl. Several sensory structures associated with the spermatodactyl probably provide the male with mechanical and chemical clues.     

The Pollen Morphology and Exine Ultrastructure of Paeonia L in China

The pollen morphology of 9 species of Paeonia L. has been investigated with both light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In addition, the exine structure of pollen grains of Paeonia suffruticosa and P. lactiflora was examined by transmission electron microscope. Tricolporoidate aperture is an important character of the pollen grains of the Paeonia. The surface of the exine is characterized by reticulate, foveolate and irregularly tuberculate-foveolate sculpture under the SEM. Thin sections of the pollen of this genus shows that the layers of exine are complete i.e. a perforate rectum to semitectum, columellae and foot layers. The endexine is continuous, considerably thickened in the aperture areas and relatively thin or indistinct in the mesocolpia. Paeonia has been placed in Ranunculaceae. But since the beginning of this century many authors have suggested to separating Paeonia from Ranunculaceae. Pollen marphology supports such separation. In Ranunculaceae most pollen grains are tricolpate or have other types of aperture, and exine with spinules and perforations between them. In electron microscopy, the ektexine contains a foot layer, columellae, and perforate rectum, the columellar layer with two types of columellae; the endexine is generally thin. However, the columellar layer of Paeonia has only monomorphic columellae. Some authors considered that there is a close relationship between Paeonia and the Dilleniaceae, but these also differ in the characters of the pollen grains. In Paeonia the constriction of the colpus in equator is in some degree similar to that of Theaceae (Camellia sasanqua Thunb.), Guttiferae (Hypericum L.), Actinidiaceae and Rosaceae. But in the other respects they are quite different. In sum, the pollen morphology of Paeonia is unique. So the palynological information supports Takhtajan's view that Paeonia should be elevated to a family (Paeoniaceae) or order (Paeoniales).     

There is no trade-off between speed and force in a dynamic lever system

Lever systems within a skeleton transmit force with a capacity determined by the mechanical advantage, A. A is the distance from input force to a joint, divided by the distance from the joint to the output force. A lever with a relatively high A in static equilibrium has a great capacity to generate force but moves a load over a small distance. Therefore, the geometry of a skeletal lever presents a trade-off between force and speed under quasi-static conditions. The present study considers skeletal dynamics that do not assume static equilibrium by modelling kicking by a locust leg, which is powered by stored elastic energy. This model predicts that the output force of this lever is proportional to A, but its maximum speed is independent of A. Therefore, no trade-off between force and velocity exists in a lever system with spring-mass dynamics. This demonstrates that the motion of a skeleton depends on the major forces that govern its dynamics and cannot be inferred from skeletal geometry alone.     

The spermatheca in the land snail, Arianta arbustorum (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora): muscle system and potential role in sexual selection

Abstract. Previous studies have shown variable patterns of paternity after multiple mating, and also variation in sperm storage among individuals of Arianta arbustorum , which suggests that the spermatheca may influence paternity in this promiscuous land snail. To identify possible morphological correlates of sperm manipulation, we investigated arrangement and ultrastructure of the muscles of the spermatheca. The musculature surrounding the 2–9 spermathecal tubules is arranged in a complex three dimensional network. In addition, each tubule has a thin sheath in which longitudinally oriented cells make up the innermost layer. Usually, the smooth muscle cells are enclosed by connective tissue. Only occasionally is direct muscle-muscle contact established through dense plaques. The short thick filaments, their small diameter, the relatively weak development of the tubular system and sarcoplasmic reticulum, and the low density of mitochondria indicate that the muscle cells contract relatively fast but with little strength, that they recover slowly, and have low endurance. A single muscle cell may be innervated by several axons and one axon may contact several muscle cells. Combining evidence of the present paper and a foregoing investigation on the spermathecal epithelium, we suggest that the main function of the spermathecal muscles is to expel sperm stored for fertilization, while the ciliation of the common duct is probably responsible for the distribution of sperm among the tubules.     

The root of the problem: palaeoecology of distinctive crinoid attachment structures from the Silurian (Wenlock) of Gotland

The holdfast (attachment structure) is the most understudied aspect of the palaeoecology of the endoskeleton of fossil crinoids. A new collection of well-preserved holdfasts from a recently reopened quarry at Hunninge, Gotland, in Homerian (upper Wenlock) strata includes several morphologies. The most common are terminal dendritic radicular holdfasts (TDRHs) that may be derived from the cladid Ennallocrinus d'Orbigny. These have a consistent morphology of five, equally spaced, long radices that spread across the sea floor. These crinoids were gregarious, and TDRHs in a group commonly show the same radice orientations. The radices have a large axial canal compared with those of modern crinoids; each included, at least, nervous tissues. Taken together, these features suggest that, apart from attachment, these distinctive TDRHs may have served a sensory function. Other holdfasts in this assemblage also show monospecific aggregations, perhaps suggesting biochemical attraction such as that shown by certain other sessile invertebrates such as barnacles.     

Morphofunctional effects of applications of glutamate and dopamine on the goldfish Mauthner neurons

In the goldfish, we studied the effects of intramedullar applications of glutamate (Glu), dopamine (DA), and of long-lasting rotational stimulation on the functional activity, dimensional characteristics, and ultrastructure of Mauthner neurons (MNs). Applications of Glu, especially when combined with rotational stimulation, were found to result in suppression of the function of MNs, in a decrease in their dimensions and lengths of desmosome-like contacts (DLCs, whose structure is determined by filamentous actin) in afferent mixed and chemical synapses, and in destruction of actin microfilaments in the cytoskeleton of MNs. Applications of DA, vice versa, induced an increase in the resistance to the effects of long-lasting stimulation and stabilized the dimensions of MNs; the length of DLCs increased in afferent synapses of both the above types, and the number of fibrillar actin bridges in the DLC cleft of mixed synapses also increased. Bundles of the actin filaments, which were preserved after stimulation, appeared in the cytoskeleton of MNs. Testing of the action of neurotransmitters on actin preparations in vitro showed that Glu entirely depolymerizes filamentous actin, while DA, vice versa, polymerizes monomeric actin. Thus, the Glu-and DA-induced reactions are similar in their types and are of a reciprocal nature both in the actin cytoskeleton of MNs in situ and in purified actin in vitro; these effects correlate with suppression of the functional state of MNs under the influence of Glu and with stabilization of this state under the influence of DA. These results agree with the concept on the roles of depolymerization and polymerization of actin in changes of the morphofunctional state of MNs and show that actin of the cytoskeleton of MNs is a cellular target for the actions of Glu and DA. The similarity between the effects of tested neurotransmitters on actin in MNs in situ and in cell-free preparations in vitro allows us to hypothesize that these transmitters can penetrate into the neuron. Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 320–330, July–August, 2006.     

Morphological and Molecular Diversity of the Neglected Genus Rhizomastix Alexeieff, 1911 (Amoebozoa: Archamoebae) with Description of Five New Species

The genus Rhizomastix is a poorly known group of amoeboid heterotrophic flagellates living as intestinal commensals of insects, amphibians or reptiles, and as inhabitants of organic freshwater sediments. Eleven Rhizomastix species have been described so far, but DNA sequences from only a single species have been published. Recently, phylogenetic analyses confirmed a previous hypothesis that the genus belongs to the Archamoebae; however, its exact position therein remains unclear. In this study we cultured nine strains of Rhizomastix, both endobiotic and free‐living. According to their light‐microscopic morphology and SSU rRNA and actin gene analyses, the strains represent five species, of which four are newly described here: R. bicoronata sp. nov., R. elongata sp. nov., R. vacuolata sp. nov. and R. varia sp. nov. In addition, R. tipulae sp. nov., living in the intestine of crane flies, is separated from the type species, R. gracilis. We also examined the ultrastructure of R. elongata sp. nov., which revealed that it is more complicated than the previously described R. libera. Our data show that either the endobiotic lifestyle of some Rhizomastix species has arisen independently from other endobiotic archamoebae, or the free‐living members of this genus represent a secondary switch from the endobiotic lifestyle.     

The basicoxal gland, a new exocrine structure in poneromorph ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

The tegumental epithelium of the outer dorsolateral region in the proximal part of the coxae in the mid‐ and hindlegs of both workers and queens of the ants Odontomachus rixosus and O. simillimus is differentiated into a conspicuous and hitherto unknown exocrine gland. The glandular cells display a clear microvillar differentiation of their apical cell membrane, and are lined with the tegumental cuticle, which in this part contains crack‐like channels perpendicular to its surface, that carry the glandular secretions to the outside. Apical microvilli support the transport of substances, and contain an extension of tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum in their centre. The function of the gland may be that of providing lubricant substances to the articulation region of the generally heavily sclerotized ponerine ant species. The gland is also found in several other ponerine and amblyoponine species, but not in the ectatommine species studied. The foreleg coxae lack a basicoxal gland in all species examined, which may be explained by the more limited articulation between the thorax and the coxae in the forelegs compared to the mid‐ and hindlegs.     

蛙科精子形态结构研究进展

本文对已有的蛙科精子形态结构的研究进行总结,归纳了蛙科精子形态结构及量度的特征和类型,以及蛙科精子结构与其它两栖类精子结构的异同,探讨蛙科精子形态结构研究中存在和亟待解决的问题。     

The problem of similarity: analysis of repeated patterns of microsculpture on gastropod larval shells

Abstract. The problem of similarity is one of explaining the causes of striking resemblances between patterns and architectural themes that recur in organisms at various scales of biological organization. Classical explanations that have considered only the alternatives of homology and analogy overlook similarities of form that are primarily a consequence of fabrication, conveying little information about evolutionary relationships or functional role. When viewed at successively higher magnifications and when mapped onto a phylogeny, patterns of delicate cancellate microsculpture and granular microprotuberances on the surfaces of larval shells of marine gastropods fail to meet the predictions of exclusively historical or exclusively functional explanations, but are shown to be rich in fabricational information. Similar patterns suggest that early biomineralization of the initial organic shell is under weaker biological control than the processes that modulate assembly of the multi-layered, hierarchically-organized composite materials of the adult shell. Some patterns suggest remote biomineralization, without direct influence of living tissue. Scanning electron microscopy of larval shell features reveals previously undetected variation on basic themes that may have implications for the traditional disciplines of systematics, functional morphology, and fabricational morphology. The integration of the approaches of the traditional divisions of biology is required for full explanation of similarity and to generate a unified set of principles for the analysis of form in living and fossil organisms.