The morphology,taxonomy and evolution ofRhodocoma (Restionaceae)

The vegetative and reproductive morphology, culm and rhizome anatomy and seed surface micromorphology ofRhodocoma are described. It is shown that this variation is best contained by recognizing three new species in the genus. These new taxa are described, and the phylogeny of the genus is investigated by cladistic analysis. The environmental parameters and distributions of the species are related to the cladogram. This suggests that the species are at present ecologically separated, and indicates that the speciation may have been sympatric. This is the first support for the hypothesis that sympatric speciation may have been important in the speciose Cape flora.     

Morphology, anatomy, and taxonomic position of Pagameopsis (Rubiaceae-Rubioideae)

Morphological and anatomical features (including wood anatomy and pollen morphology) of the small neotropical genusPagameopsis (Rubiaceae-Rubioideae) are discussed and illustrated. The fused ovaries, fenestrate corolla tube, basally attached anther filaments, and absence of raphides are especially noteworthy.Pagameopsis is definitely not a member of the Psychotrieae because of significant differences in wood anatomy and gynoecial and fruit structure. A close affinity with Gaertnereae seems doubtful for similar reasons. The taxonomic affinities ofPagameopsis remain obscure. The genus shows similarities with several taxa of the Rubioideae, such as Coccocypseleae, Morindeae, Hedyotideae, andMetabolos. The absence of raphides, on the other hand, makes a position in the Rubioideae doubtful.     

On the taxonomy and geographical distribution of the superfamily Sidoidea Baird, 1850 (Crustacea: Cladocera)

A systematic revision of the superfamily Sidoidea Baird, 1850 is carried out based on a considerable amount of material, including types. Unification of the families Sididae and Holopedidae in one group is found to be justified. Two new tribes of the recently isolated subfamily Sidinae Baird, 1850 are described. In considering the systematics of taxa at a species level, special attention is given to the genus Diaphanosoma. Its taxonomy is far from satisfactory but most species may be included in two morphoecological groups. The distribution of some genera and species is analyzed and their regions of origin and ranges are discussed.     

Epicuticular wax morphology and the taxonomy ofRosa (sectionCaninae, subsectionRubiginosae)

Classification within the genusRosa is problematic due to ± continuous variation of morphological characters. The dogroses, (Rosa, sectionCaninae) are classified only by their unique meiotic system not by directly visible characters. The intrasectional structure remains insufficient, as the characters (glands, hairs and prickles) are known to exhibit great morphological divergence affected by both genetic plasticity and environmental influences. Taxonomy of dogroses follows a highly artificial system which allows us to identify morphospecies, which are not necessarily evolutionary species. However, SEM-studies in theCaninae revealed that all taxa of the subsectionRubiginosae are characterised by a granule type of epicuticular waxes, whereas members from the other subsections (with three exceptions) form triangular rodlets. Comparison with specimens grown under the same conditions confirmed these findings on natural populations and additionally revealed that following artificial hybridism, offspring develop the maternal type of wax structure due to the matroclinal inheritance in this section.     

Epibiontic and endobiontic polychaetes of Geodia cydonium (Porifera,Demospongiae) from the Mediterranean Sea

Polychaete assemblages associated to the sponge Geodia cydonium were investigated at two sampling sites in the Mediterranean Sea: Porto Cesareo Basin (Apulia) and Marsala Lagoon (Sicily), both characterized by sheltered hydrodynamic conditions. Samples were seasonally performed during 1997, in order to compare the assemblages coming from the two localities studied, considering separately the internal and external tissues of the sponge, and with the aim of evaluating the influence of sponge size on polychaete colonization. The examined sponge is characterized by a peculiar stratification of its tissues: an external thick and hard layer, the cortex, and an internal softer one, the choanosome. Statistical analysis showed that this was the main factor controlling polychaete assemblage, with the internal tissue, less rich and diversified, appearing impoverished with respect to the external layer. A similarity in species composition was observed between sites, even though some differences were evidenced in the abundance of some species, mainly reflecting differences in local environmental conditions. Species richness and density increased with the increasing sponge size. Such a situation is particularly evident at Porto Cesareo, where sponges are covered by an algal layer which is particularly rich on the largest specimens, thus suggesting that most of the species of polychaetes were linked more to the neighbouring environment than to the sponge itself.     

Predation on soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) by the nemertean Cerebratulus lacteus in Atlantic Canada: implications for control measures

The nemertean, Cerebratulus lacteus Verrill (Nemertinea: Heteronemertini), has been identified as an important threat to soft-shell clam (Mya arenariaL.) populations in Atlantic Canada. The biology of this species, however, is still largely unknown. Field and laboratory studies were undertaken in 1998 and 1999 in Prince Edward Island, Canada, to test certain control measures to reduce predation on soft-shell clam populations and to better describe the relationship between C. lacteus and M. arenaria. Field abundance of C. lacteus, M. arenaria and Nereis virens Sars were evaluated in relation to particular habitat modifications that were used as control measures. Sediment manipulations tested were: (1) addition of shells and (2) use of a hydraulic rake. No difference was observed on the abundance of C. lacteus, M. arenaria and N. virens after treatments were applied. In the laboratory, C. lacteus was shown to be an efficient predator of M. arenaria. Clam mortalities reached 100% in the presence of C. lacteus while 0% mortality was observed in its absence. A complementary set of experiments was carried out to see if the sympatric polychaetes N. virens and Glycera dibranchiata Ehlers had any impact on the relationship between C. lacteus and M. arenaria. N. virens showed no impact on C. lacteus predation on clams. The presence of G. dibranchiata significantly reduced the nemertean predation rate. Analysis of clam size selection revealed no significant preference by C. lacteus. Other experimental studies revealed that high predator densities did not impede predation on clams and that C. lacteus preferred soft-shell clams among other commercial bivalve species presented (Mercenaria mercenariaL., Crassostrea virginica Gmelin and Mytilus edulisL.). This study should provide a better understanding of the relationship between C. lacteus and M. arenaria and lead to the development of improved nemertean control measures.     

On Gaussia Wolfenden (Copepoda,Calanoida, Metridinidae)

Aspects of the female genital segment with and without attached couplers and enclosed spermatophores are studied of Gaussia specimens collected in the SW Atlantic and SE Pacific. A new species found in the SW Atlantic, Gaussia asymmetrica, is proposed.     

Review of the taxonomy of the Calanidae (Copepoda) and the limits to the genus Calanus

Conflicting systems of classifying the Calanidae (Brodsky, 1972; Bradford & Jillett, 1974) are analysed and a preferred system recommended. Brodsky's system, based on characters with assumed adaptive and functional significance is rejected as is his claim to have produced a phylogenetic scheme. Bradford & Jillett's system, based on a variety of characters, results in a coherent classification which aims to be neutral concerning phylogenetic relationships among genera. Species of Calanoides, Calanus, Nannocalanus, and Neocalanus are surveyed and the need for further taxonomic work is assessed.     

Trichome structure of fourAphanizomenon taxa (Cyanophyceae) from Czechoslovakia,with notes on the taxonomy and delimitation of the genus

The dimension and variation range of terminal and intercalary cells, heterocysts, and akinetes of fourAphanizomenon taxa occurring in Czechoslovakia were studied. Statistical and graphical procedures were used for evaluation. With regard toA. flos-aquae, the results support the distinction of two varieties (var.flos-aquae and var.klebahnii). In the samples determined asA. gracile two clearly distinguishable morphological types could be found; one of them is recognized as a new species:A. flexuosum. Its diacritical features are established and problems of the intrageneric taxonomy ofAphanizomenon and its demarcation from the genusAnabaena are discussed.Dedicated to Prof. DrLothar Geitler on the occasion of his 90th birthday.     

The taxonomy of the genusFrankia

Summary A discussion covering the problems ofFrankia taxonomy was held at the Frankia Workshop in Wageningen, September 4–6, 1983. It was agreed that the genusFrankia can be satisfactorily defined, but that solid criteria for species determination are not now available and that use of specific names should be avoided for the present.     

The taxonomy of Vaccinium section Myrtillus (Ericaceae)

Phenetic analyses of 218 OTUs belonging toVaccinium sectionMyrtillus and scored for 13 characters generated five robust clusters.Vaccinium parvifolium is the most distinct cluster, followed by the “myrtillus-scoparium” complex, thenV. membranaceum, V. caespitosum, and the “ovalifolium-deliciosum” complex. Biosystematic studies suggest that the five clusters comprise seven taxa that possess many of the properties that define biological species. Indeed, the recognition of the seven taxa as species is supported by cytological, phenological, biogeographical and ecological as well as chemical data. A detailed taxonomic treatment for all these taxa is presented.     

Restriction enzyme analysis of variation and taxonomy in the kelp genus Laminaria (Laminariales,Phaeophyta)

High levels of phenotypic variation in kelp species necessitate the use of taxonomic markers that are independent of morphology. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of nuclear DNA can provide such markers. In this paper we present the results of an RFLP analysis of cytoplasmic ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in three Laminaria species (L. agardhii, L. digitata, L. groenlandica). Comparison of the restriction maps of the nontranscribed spacer (NTS) in the rDNAs suggests that this method should be useful for the differentiation of these taxa. These results are discussed, as are the applications of RFLP mapping to the identification of field-collected, morphologically variable plants.     

Anchusella, a new genus ofBoraginaceae from the Central-Eastern Mediterranean

The two closely related speciesLycopsis variegata andAnchusa cretica, formerly placed inAnchusa subg.Rivinia, were compared with the type species ofLycopsis andAnchusa, on the basis of a set of macro and microcharacters. The presence of only two fertile stamens as well as other peculiar characters in flower structure, androecium, gynoecium, pollen and fruit, supports the institution of the new genusAnchusella, consisting ofA. variegata andA. cretica. Karyological and eco-chorological aspects are consistent with morphological data in pointing to the autonomy of this genus, which appears characterized by autapomorphic, advanced traits.     

Two new species of the carnivorous genusPinguicula, (Lentibulariaceae) from Mediterranean habitats

Two species ofPinguicula (P. submediterranea andP. mundi) are newly described from the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula. We analysed morphometric, cytogenetic, RAPD, ecological, and breeding system data to support the distinctness of these taxa.Pinguicula submediterranea andP. mundi are both hexaploid (2n = 48), a chromosome number previously not reported for the genus. Biometric, cytogenetical and molecular results distinguishP. submediterranea andP. mundi from otherPinguicula species, and from each other.Pinguicula mundi is predominantly outbreeding, whereasP. submediterranea both inbreeds and outbreeds.Pinguicula submediterranea andP. mundi appear to be isolated reproductively, although gene flow between the allopatricP. submediterranea andP. mundi is unlikely. BothP. submediterranea andP. mundi are threatened with extinction because suitable habitats are diminishing in size, or even disappearing, due to current aridity in the region.     

Polysiphonia perforans sp. nova (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea

ABSTRACT

A new species of the genus Polysiphonia from the Mediterranean Sea is described. It is an ecorticate species, with 4 pericentral cells, showing prostrate axes from which erect axes arise. Rhizoids are formed by pericentral cells in a median position remaining in open connection with them. Erect axes are straight, simple throughout or pseudodichotomous at the base then simple or with one (rarely two-three) orders of branching; trichoblasts and scar cells not observed. Only tetrasporangial plants were found. They show ellipsoid tetrasporangia borne in short straight series, often interrupted by sterile segments. The new species is also characterized by a peculiar habit consisting of prostrate axes, adhering to lower faces of Peyssonnelia spp. by means of rhizoids growing upward, from which erect upright axes perforating thalli of the supporting species arise. A comparison with the related species of Polysiphonia was also carried out.     

DNA barcoding should accompany taxonomy - the case of Cerebratulus spp (Nemertea)

Many issues in DNA barcoding need to be solved before it can reach its goal to become a general database for species identification. While species delimitations are more or less well established in several taxa, there are still many groups where this is not the case. Without the proper taxonomic background/knowledge and corroboration with other kinds of data, the DNA barcoding approach may fail to identify species accurately. The classification and taxonomy of phylum Nemertea (nemerteans, ribbon worms) are traditionally based on morphology, but are not corroborated by an increasing amount of genetic data when it comes to classification either into species or into higher taxa. The taxonomy of the phylum needs to be improved before the full potential of DNA barcoding can be utilized to make sure that valid Linnean names accompany the barcode sequences. We illustrate the problematic situation in the phylum Nemertea by a case study from the genus Cerebratulus.     

Some observations on cell wall structure and taxonomy ofPhymatodocis nordstedtiana (Conjugatophyceae,Chlorophyta)

Filaments ofPhymatodocis nordstedtiana Wolle were isolated from a sample of a Texan lake. Cultures were established and examined by light and scanning electron (SEM) as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is shown that the pores apparent on light microscopical examination are not of the cosmaroid type as expected. TEM examination disclosed that they are similar to those found in the generaClosterium Ralfs andPenium Bréb. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated by light and SEM microscopy that the primary cell wall is shed during cell division. The remaining secondary cell wall of the mature cell consists of interwoven bands of parallel microfibrils. A conspicuous overlap of the semicell walls clearly denotes the isthmus region. The significance of these deviations unusual for desmids is discussed. Suggestions are made that the taxonomic position ofPh. nordstedtiana should be re-evaluated.     

Phenetic,biogeographical, and evolutionary study ofOrnithogalum subg.Heliocharmos (Hyacinthaceae) in the western Mediterranean basin

A macromorphological study is made on taxa of the genusOrnithogalum subg.Heliocharmos in North Africa, Spain, and France. The results obtained are consistent with data from cytogenetics, reproductive biology and strategies of reproduction. They allow the retention of two species:O. algeriense andO. umbellatum. A biogeographical and phylogenetic interpretation of the subgenus is proposed for the western Mediterranean. Theoretical views on phenetics are discussed.