The endemic plant families and the palms of New Caledonia: a biogeographical analysis

This paper provides a panbiogeographical analysis of the endemic plant families and the palms of New Caledonia. There are three endemic plant families in New Caledonia and several genera that were previously recognized as endemic families. Of these taxa, some are sister to widespread Northern Hemisphere or global groups (Canacomyrica, Austrotaxus, Amborella). The others belong to trans‐Indian Ocean groups (Strasburgeria), trans‐tropical Pacific groups (Oncotheca) or Tasman Sea/Coral Sea groups (Phelline, Paracryphia) that are sister to widespread Northern Hemisphere or global groups. In palms, the four clades show allopatric regional connections in, respectively: (1) western Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand; (2) Vanuatu/Fiji and the southern Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan; (3) the western Tasman/Coral Sea (eastern Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands); and (4) the eastern Tasman/Coral Sea (Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands). The four clades thus belong to different centres of endemism that overlap in New Caledonia. The patterns are attributed not to chance dispersal and adaptive radiation but to the different histories of the eight terranes that fused to produce modern New Caledonia. Trans‐tropical Pacific connections can be related to the Cretaceous igneous plateaus that formed in the central Pacific and were carried, with plate movement, west to the Solomon Islands and New Zealand, and east to Colombia and the Caribbean.     

Biometric relationships between body and otolith measurements in nine demersal fishes from north‐eastern Tasmanian waters,Australia

Relationships between fish and otolith measurements were analyzed in nine demersal fishes from the north‐eastern Tasmanian waters: Foetorepus calauropomus, Trachurus declivis, Parequula melbournensis, Neosebastes scorpaenoides, Platycephalus aurimaculatus, Platycephalus bassensis, Platycephalus conatus, Lepidotrigla mulhalli and Lepidotrigla vanessa. The values of exponent b from the relationships between fish weight and fish total length, total length and otolith length, total length and otolith width, and fish weight and otolith length were estimated. All above relationships were statistically significant. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the effect of the categorical factor of species in the fish length and otolith length relationship. Significant differences in fish length and otolith length relationship between species were highlighted in both gurnards and flatheads. Results from this study will provide novel information on quantitative biometric relationships between body and otolith measurements of fish species in Australian waters.     

Phenotypic plasticity in the Antarctic fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trematomus newnesi</Emphasis> (Nototheniidae) from the South Shetland Islands

The presence of the two morphs, “typical” and “large mouth”, in the Antarctic fish species Trematomus newnesi (Perciformes, Notothenioidei) was recorded for the first time in nearshore waters of the South Shetland Islands (Potter Cove) and western Antarctic Peninsula (Petermann Island). The two morphs were distinguishable in specimens of 60–241 mm total length (TL); about 30% of the specimens constituted intermediate forms. In addition to the previously known characters separating the morphs, we found that the “relative size of the eye” can also be used to identify smaller and larger fish of the typical morph. The ecological significance of the two morphs remains unclear. Ratios of diagnostic characters for identification of the species at two size ranges (60–131 and 132–241 mm TL) are provided.     

Femtosecond laser ablation ICP-MS measurement of otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca composition reveal differential use of freshwater habitats for three amphidromous Sicyopterus (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Sicydiinae) species

The use of freshwater habitats was examined in three amphidromous goby species of the genus Sicyopterus using otolith microchemistry. Two species were endemic to either New Caledonia or Vanuatu whilst the other was widely distributed. Depositional patterns of strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) in the otolith of adults were analysed with femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca results uncovered three different adult behaviours within the freshwater habitat. Some fishes stayed in elevated locations (square profile); others undertook back-and-forth migrations between higher and lower reaches (up-and-down profile), and finally, others stayed in the lower reaches (constant profile). The consequences of these movements to larval survival or competition for food and territory are discussed. This work brings new knowledge on amphidromous behaviour, and it highlights the necessity of multi-elemental analysis to study amphidromy in freshwater systems.     

Using otolith shape and morphometry to identify four Alburnus species (A. chalcoides,A. escherichii,A. mossulensis and A. tarichi) in Turkish inland waters

Asteriscus otolith shapes as well as their morphometry and shape contours were investigated in order to identify four allopatric Alburnus species: A. chalcoides (Güldenstädt, 1772) (Ordu), A. escherichii Steindachner, 1897 (Eski?ehir), A. mossulensis Heckel, 1843 (Tunceli), and A. tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814) (Van) in Turkish inland waters. These were compared using the shape indices (form factor, roundness, circularity, ellipticity, rectangularity and aspect ratio), and the morphological characters [otolith weight (OWE), otolith length (OL), otolith width (OW), otolith perimeter (OP), and otolith area (OA)]. The overall canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) classification score was 93.8%, with the lowest score for A. escherichii (82.5%) and the highest for A. chalcoides (100%). The otolith shapes, morphology and shape contours of all sampled fish were a clear species differentiator, thereby demonstrating that the otolith shape is species‐specific. The current study presents for the first time comprehensive variation information on interspecific left‐right asteriscus otoliths in males and females of each Alburnus species: A. chalcoides from Ordu, A. escherichii from Eski?ehir, A. mossulensis from Tunceli and A. tarichi from Van, based on a total of 307 individuals. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, shape contours and other otolith characters vary within the same genus; these differences should be investigated not only in other freshwater fish species or genera but also in the same species living in different habitats. In addition, further investigation is required not only with respect to the morphometry, biometry, shape, geometry, and shape contours of the otoliths, but also regarding the genetic methods for robust identification of various sympatric and allopatric fish populations.     

Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> concentrations in coastal fish otoliths: understanding environmental and biological influences from EPR

The Mn²⁺ concentrations in the sagittae otoliths of 12 fish families (and 19 species) that co-occur in a coastal area of southeastern Brazil (~21°S) were quantified using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Inferences were made about the relationship between fish habitat and trace element incorporation. Inferences were made on the relationship between trace element concentration and otolith shape. The differences in Mn²⁺ concentrations among the species suggest that habitat (and feeding habits) might drive the incorporation of this trace element into fish otoliths, with higher values in bottom-associated fish species than in surface-associated species. In surface-associated fish species, the correlation between trace element concentrations and otolith shape was stronger than in bottom-associated species. Thus, while the Mn bioavailability in a fish’s habitat, especially from feeding resources, is a local driving influence of trace element incorporation in sagittae otoliths, species-specific requirements also have an influence. Quantitative EPR is a non-destructive technique that is very useful when the available samples cannot be damaged, like with otolith collections.     

Traditional Knowledge and Management of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Feijoa (Acca sellowiana)</Emphasis> in Southern Brazil

Traditional Knowledge and Management of Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) in Southern Brazil. This paper investigates traditional knowledge of the use and management of Acca sellowiana in southern Brazil. Fifty-six informants from three rural communities were assigned to one of four subgroups (“maintainers,” “managers,” “cultivators,” or “users”) based on their responses regarding management and use of A. sellowiana. Traditional knowledge related to use of this species is widespread among rural residents, but traditional knowledge related to management is fragmented depending on whether one uses, manages, or cultivates the species. Knowledge held in rural communities suggests that A. sellowiana could play an expanded role in local economies as well as biodiversity conservation. We suggest that participatory research could stimulate greater local use as well as on-farm conservation of A. sellowiana.     

Heterogeneity of heterochromatin in six species ofCtenomys (Rodentia: Octodontoidea: Ctenomyidae) from Argentina revealed by a combined analysis of C- and RE-banding

Exceptional chromosomal variability makesCtenomys an excellent model for evolutionary cytogenetic analysis. Six species belonging to three evolutionary lineages were studied by means of restriction endonuclease and C-chromosome banding. The resulting banding patterns were used for comparative analysis of heterochromatin distribution on chromosomes. This combined analysis allowed intra- and inter-specific heterochromatin variability to be detected, groups of species belonging to different lineages to be characterized, and phylogenetic relationships hypothesized from other data to be supported. The “ancestral group”,Ctenomys pundti andC. talarum, share three types of heterochromatin, the most abundant of which was also found in C. aff.C. opimus, suggesting that the latter species also belongs to the “ancestral group”. Additionally, within the subspeciesC. t. talarum, putative chromosomal rearrangements distinguishing two of the three chromosomal races were identified. Two species belong to an “eastern lineage”,C. osvaldoreigi andC. rosendopascuali, and share only one type of heterochromatin homogeneously distributed across their karyotypes.C. latro, the only analyzed species from the “chacoan” lineage, showed three types of heterochromatin, one of them being that which characterizes the “eastern lineage”.C. aff.C. opimus, because of its low heterochromatin content, is the most primitive karyotype of the genus yet described. The heterochromatin variability showed by these species, reflecting the evolutionary divergence toward different heterochromatin types, may have diverged since the origin of the genus. Heterochromatin amplification is proposed as a trend withinCtenomys, occurring independently of chromosomal change in diploid numbers.     

Genetic variation among populations of the endangered fan mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinna nobilis</Emphasis> (Mollusca: Bivalvia) along the Tunisian coastline

The Mediterranean fan mussel Pinna nobilis is an endangered invertebrate due to overexploitation and habitat deterioration. In this species, two distinctive morphs, the “combed” and “straight and wide” forms, have been recorded and it is not known whether this morphometric variability is attributed to genetic or environmental factors. In this study, we used mitochondrial COI sequences to describe the genetic variability of five Pinna nobilis populations sampled along the northern, eastern, and southern Tunisian coastline, and to examine whether there is a genetic differentiation between the two forms of this species. DNA sequences of 675 bp from the mitochondrial COI gene have revealed 10 different haplotypes among 49 examined specimens. Haplotype diversity was high, ranging between 0.40441 and 0.80952, and showed a decreasing North-East gradient, which seems to be explained by the hydrogeography of the study area. The mitochondrial COI marker did not suggest a genetic distinctiveness between the two Pinna nobilis shell forms, “combed” and “straight and wide”. Although the morphometric plasticity of the fan mussel could be due to the influence of environmental factors, further genetic studies using nuclear markers are envisaged to investigate whether this differentiation is associated to gene flow restrictions.     

Long‐distance dispersal and local retention of larvae as mechanisms of recruitment in an island population of a coral reef fish

Abstract Although recruitment of pelagic larvae is a fundamental and well‐documented process in the dynamics of benthic marine populations, identifying the sources of recruitment, or the degree to which populations are connected via dispersal of larvae, has remained elusive for most marine taxa. In this study we used natural environmental markers (trace elements) recorded in fish otoliths (ear stones) as tags of natal origin. Specifically, we used the otolith core and edge chemistries of a locally endemic wrasse (Coris bulbifrons) from Lord Howe Island (LHI), Australia, and a widely distributed species (Coris picta) from three potential mainland source regions, to determine the likely sources of recruitment to C. picta populations on LHI. The use of a local endemic species, which is by definition self‐recruiting, is a novel approach for ground‐truthing the dispersal history of non‐endemic coral reef fish. Discriminant function analyses were able to separate LHI from mainland fish, using both edge and core signatures, with a high degree of accuracy, suggesting at least some of the C. picta collected on LHI were of local origin. This result was corroborated when half of the C. bulbifrons and LHI C. picta were introduced as unknowns into a discriminant function analysis using the remaining C. bulbifrons, LHI C. picta, and the mainland C. picta as a training data set. Overall, our findings suggest that both long distance dispersal and local retention are important sources of recruitment to populations of C. picta on LHI and that otolith chemistry of endemic species could be a useful benchmark for determining the prevalence of self‐recruitment in insular populations of other widespread species.     

Sex-linked variations in the sagittal otolith biometry of Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Few studies have been conducted on the sagittal otolith shape and morphometry of Nemipterus randalli, and none of these studies has examined the effect of sexual dimorphism on the otolith morphology of this species, therefore this study aimed to contribute to knowledge about the otolith morphology of N. randalli, an invasive fish species for the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, a total of 132 samples (51 female and 81 male) were obtained from İskenderun Bay with the help of commercial fishermen in November 2018. Relationships between otolith measurements and fish size were determined. Shape indices and elliptic Fourier coefficients were calculated. Significant differences were detected between males and females in all analysis. The sexes were separated from each other using both shape indices and elliptic Fourier coefficients. However, shape analysis was more effective in distinguishing sexes than traditional morphometric analysis. Asymmetry in the otolith morphology of sexes has been attributed to differences in the growth and sexual maturity of male and female fish. The results of this study indicated that sexual dimorphism in Nemipterus randalli was also reflected in the otolith morphology.     

Evolutionary history of a widespread Indo-Pacific goby: the role of Pleistocene sea-level changes on demographic contraction/expansion dynamics

Compared to endemics, widespread species are of particular interest to retrace recent evolutionary history. These species have a large population size which provides a clearer genetic signature of past events. Moreover, their wide geographic range increases the potential occurrence of evolutionary events (expansion, divergence, etc.). Here, we used several coalescent-based methods to disentangle the evolutionary history of a widespread amphidromous goby (Sicyopterus lagocephalus), in the light of sea-level variations during the Pleistocene. Using 75 samples recovered from three biogeographic regions (Western Indian Ocean, Melanesia and Polynesia), we analysed a portion of the cytochromeb gene and confirmed three major haplogroups, each specific to a region. Furthermore, we found that: (1) the Melanesian haplogroup was the oldest while the two peripheral regions hosted daughter haplogroups; (2) two centrifugal colonisation events occurred from Melanesia to the periphery, each synchronised with periods of strong paleo-ENSO episodes; (3) the demographic contraction-expansion events were linked to Pleistocene sea-level changes; (4) Melanesia and Polynesia acted as efficient refuges during the Last Glacial Maximum. These results highlight the importance of studying widespread species to better understand the role of climate changes and paleo-oceanography on the evolution of biodiversity.     

Description of a new species of the carabid genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Harpalus</Emphasis> Latr. from the Southwestern United States,with remarks on the composition of the subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glanodes</Emphasis> Casey (Coleoptera,Carabidae)

Harpalus apache sp. n. is described from the eastern part of New Mexico, USA (type locality: Hwy I 40, near Santa Rosa, Guadalupe Co). The new species is very similar in appearance to H. cordatus (Le-Conte, 1853) but readily distinguished from it by the male genitalia structure. These two species constitute a natural taxon which is included as the “cordatus” group (= Opadius Casey, 1914) in the subgenus Glanodes Casey, 1914. Distinctive characters, distribution and composition of the subgenus Glanodes and two its species groups (“obliquus” and “cordatus”) are provided. Two names, H. cordatus (LeConte, 1853) (= H. tadorcus Ball, 1972) and H. puncticeps (Casey, 1914) (= H. cunctipeps Ball, 1973), rejected because of the secondary homonymy, are reinstated as valid since they are not homonyms of Ophonus cordatus (Duftschmid, 1812) and Ophonus puncticeps Stephens, 1828, respectively.     

Possible links between phenotypic variability,habitats and connectivity in the killifish Aphaniops stoliczkanus in Northeast Oman

There is a significant gap in our knowledge of the intraspecific morphological variability in freshwater fish, although such data are crucial for understanding species diversity. Here we use the killifish Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Day, 1872; Aphaniidae: Cyprinodontiformes), which is a widespread but poorly known freshwater species in the Middle East, to investigate variability in morphological traits within and between its populations. As otolith morphology is known to evolve on ecological timescales and can signal the presence of cryptic lineages, a special focus lies on otolith variability. Based on samples from six populations in northern Oman, we found that variation in pigmentation, disparities in body shape and otolith variability can be associated with distinctive environmental conditions. The unique otolith shape of A. stoliczkanus from a hot sulphuric spring (Nakhal) suggests that a cryptic lineage may have emerged there. Our new data can serve as a benchmark for future studies on the diversity of Aphaniops and other Aphaniidae and help to clarify whether cryptic diversity is present in some lineages. Moreover, our data can serve as an actualistic model for studies on fossil fishes, in which morphological characters provide the only accessible data source for taxonomic and phylogenetic interpretations.     

Polymorphism of canonical and noncanonical <Emphasis Type="Italic">gypsy</Emphasis> sequences in different species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">melanogaster</Emphasis> subgroup: possible evolutionary relations

Mobile genetic elements constitute a substantial part of eukaryotic genome and play an important role in its organization and functioning. Co-evolution of retrotransposons and their hosts resulted in the establishment of control systems employing mechanisms of RNA interference that seem to be impossible to evade. However, “active” copies of endogenous retrovirus gypsy escape cellular control in some cases, while its evolutionary elder “inactive” variants do not. To clarify the evolutionary relationship between “active” and “inactive” gypsy we combined two approaches: the analysis of gypsy sequences, isolated from G32 Drosophila melanogaster strain and from different Drosophila species of the melanogaster subgroup, as well as the study of databases, available on the Internet. No signs of “intermediate” (between “active” and “inactive”) gypsy form were found in GenBank, and four full-size G32 gypsy copies demonstrated a convergence that presumably involves gene conversion. No “active” gypsy were revealed among PCR generated gypsy ORF3 sequences from the various Drosophila species indicating that “active” gypsy appeared in some population of D. melanogaster and then started to spread out. Analysis of sequences flanking gypsy variants in G32 revealed their predominantly heterochromatic location. Discrepancy between the structure of actual gypsy sites in G32 and corresponding sequences in database might indicate significant inter-strain heterochromatin diversity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A new species of deepwater cardinalfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epigonus mayeri</Emphasis>, from the eastern Central Atlantic,and redescription of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epigonus heracleus</Emphasis> Parin and Abramov 1986 (Perciformes: Epigonidae)

A new epigonid fish, Epigonus mayeri, is described on the basis of two specimens (109.7–113.8 mm in standard length: SL) from off Angola, and Epigonus heracleus Parin and Abramov 1986 is redescribed on the basis of 12 additional specimens with type specimens from off eastern New Zealand. These species belong to a subgroup of Epigonus, known as the “Epigonus robustus group,” which have a pungent opercular spine and VII-I, 9 dorsal-fin rays. The new species differs from other species of the group by having a sharp-pointed mustache-like process, presence of a rib on the last abdominal vertebra, vertebrae 10 + 15, tongue toothless, pyloric caeca 5, pectoral fin reaching to vertical line from anus (length 22.2–23.6% SL), orbital diameter 16.4–17.0% SL, head length 37.8–38.0% SL, and lower jaw length 16.7–17.0% SL.     

Taxonomic and conservation status of a newly discovered giant landsnail from Mount Augustus,New Zealand

The Rhytidae (Mollusca; Gastropoda; Pulmonata) are a group of large carnivorous land snails distributed in the southern hemisphere, with a particularly rich fauna in New Zealand. The endemic genus Powelliphanta consists of at least 10 species and many more recognised subspecies, most of which are restricted to the western margin of South Island, New Zealand. Powelliphanta taxa tend to have restricted ecological and spatial ranges among the mountains of this region, with some species being limited to lowland forest and others to habitats at or above the treeline. Among recent discoveries is a population of snails occupying habitat on and around a peak called Mt Augustus, which is situated at the edge of a large and economically important coalfield. Since recognition of the potential biological significance of the Mt Augustus snails in 2004, almost all of their habitat has been destroyed by opencast mining revealing a direct conflict between economic and biodiversity prioritisation. Our analysis of mtDNA sequence data indicate Powelliphanta “Augustus” is a distinctive evolutionary lineage, more closely related to a nearby lowland species Powelliphanta lignaria than the spatial and ecological neighbour Powelliphanta patrickensis. Powelliphanta “Augustus” appears to be a specialised local endemic species. Despite a growing international awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation, the demand for foreign earnings continues to take priority over the protection of our biota.     

Disappearance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acropora</Emphasis> from the Marquesas (French Polynesia) during the last deglacial period

The major reef-building coral genus Acropora has never been recorded, living or fossil, from the Marquesas Islands in the central Pacific Ocean, which are characterized by limited modern reef formations. During the “Musorstom 9” cruise in 1997, investigations of marine platforms representing drowned reef systems revealed for the first time the presence of two Acropora species as fossils at seven Marquesas islands. The predominant species was Acropora valida, which was widespread in the archipelago and dated between 7.4 and 48.6 ka, providing evidence of an earlier Pacific distribution pattern broader than previously observed. It is proposed that disappearance of Acropora after 7.4 ka was linked to climatic events probably ENSO events controlling the distribution of corals and coral reefs in the eastern Pacific without excluding alternatively the effects of an increase in sea-level rise.