Phylogeny of the holometabolous insect orders: molecular evidence

Phylogenetic relationships among the holometabolous insect orders were reconstructed using 18S ribosomal DNA data drawn from a sample of 182 taxa representing all holometabolous insect orders and multiple outgroups. Parsimony analysis supports the monophyly of all holometabolous insect orders except for Coleoptera and Mecoptera. Mecoptera is paraphyletic with respect to Siphonaptera, which is nested within Mecoptera. Coleoptera is scattered as a paraphyletic assemblage across the tree topology. These data support a monophyletic Halteria (Strepsiptera + Diptera), Amphiesmenoptera (Trichoptera + Lepidoptera), Neuropterida (Neuroptera + (Megaloptera + Raphidioptera)), but Antliophora (Halteria + Mecoptera + Siphonaptera) and Mecopterida (Antliophora + Amphiesmenoptera) are paraphyletic. The limitations of using 18S ribosomal DNA as the sole phylogenetic marker for reconstructing insect ordinal relationships are discussed.     

The Larval Eye of Nannochoristid Scorpionflies (Insecta,Mecoptera)

Abstract The stemmata of last–instar Nannochoristalarvae are compound eyes composed of 10 or more ommatidia. Each ommatidium has four Semper cells, four distal and four proximal retinula cells which form a cruciform and layered rhabdom. The ommatidia are separated by epidermal cells (possibly rudimentary pigment cells). Corneal lenses are lacking. At the posterior edge, aberrant stemma units may be present which lack a dioptric apparatus and have a star–shaped rhabdom composed of at least six retinula cells. The stemmata of Nannochoristaappear to be derived from stemmata of the Panorpa-type (Mecoptera-Panorpidae). Differences between the stemmata of Nannochoristaand Panorpacan be explained as adaptations to aquatic life (flat cornea) or as regression. A compound larval eye is ascribed to the ground plan of the Mecoptera sensu latoand is considered a genuine plesiomorphy. The identical basic number (seven) of stemmata in the Neuropteroid/Coleoptera assemblage, Amphiesmenoptera and some Mecoptera (Bittacidae, Boreidae) is attributed to parallel evolution.     

The phylogenetic system of the Mecoptera

Abstract. Many families like the Mesochoristidae, Agetopanorpidae and Permopanorpidae, which were believed by earlier writers to be Mecoptera, are members of the stem group of the Antliophora (Diptera Mecoptera+Siphonaptera) or of stem groups of monophyletic groups of even higher rank (e.g. Mecopteroidea). Others - like the so-called 'Pro-tomecoptera' from the Permian of the Kusnetsk Basin - are not even closely related to the Mecopteroidea. Only the families mentioned in the following phylogenetic system of the Mecoptera are definitely members of the order:
1 Nannomecoptera (Nannochoristidae)
2 Pistillifera
2.1 Raptipedia (Neorthophlebiidae, Bittacidae, Cimbrophlebiidae)
2.2 Opisthogonopora
2.2.1 Boreomorpha (Boreidae)
2.2.2 Meropomorpha (Meropeidae)
2.2.3 Panorpomorpha
2.2.3.1 Eomeropina (Eomeropidae=Notiothaumidae)
2.2.3.2 Panorpina
2.2.3.2.1 Apteropanorpini (Apteropanorpidae)
2.2.3.2.2 Panorpini
2.2.3.2.2.1 Choristoidea (Choristidae)
2.2.3.2.2.2 Panorpoidea (Orthophlebiidae, Dinopanorpidae, Austropan-orpidae, Muchoriidae, Panorpodidae, Panorpidae)
The Orthophlebiidae and Neorthophlebiidae are not monophyletic. There are, however, no characters preserved which would allow a clarification of the exact relations between members of these two groups and the families derived from them. The fossil Xenochoristidae, Triasso-choristidae, Mesopanorpodidae and Robinjohniidae may be further members of the Mecoptera. Their exact phylogenetic relations, however, are unknown.     

Revision of the scorpionfly family Holcorpidae (Mecoptera), with description of a new species from Early Eocene McAbee,British Columbia,Canada

The scorpionfly family Holcorpidae (Mecoptera) has been informally discussed since the early 1960’s, but a detailed treatment in accordance with the provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature for naming families was not provided until Willmann did so in 1989; he is recognized as author of the family. The Holcorpidae concept is revised here based on examination of its two specimens of Holcorpa maculosa from the Late Eocene of Florissant, Colorado, and a third, new specimen from the Early Eocene Okanagan Highlands locality at McAbee, British Columbia, Canada. This new specimen belongs to a second, new species, which is described here, Holcorpa dillhoffi n. sp.     

A multivariate approach to identify vegetation belts: Gallery forest and its surrounding savanna along the river Kota in north Benin

Abstract

The floristic composition and spatial structure of a West African riverine forest in north-western Benin were studied in order to identify vegetation zones and their arrangement and composition. Data were collected on five continuous belt transects and were analysed using multivariate methods. A total of 133 tree taxa from 34 plant families were identified, with Rubiaceae and Leguminosae-Papilionoideae as the most frequent families. Fifteen homogeneous transect sections were documented. Near-river sections were dominated by water-demanding species (Syzygium guineense, Garcinia ovalifolia, Berlinia grandiflora, Breonardia salicina) (=gallery forest), whereas uphill sections were characterised by savanna species (Terminalia laxiflora, Hymenocardia acida, Detarium microcarpum, Burkea africana) (= savanna). The shift from gallery forest to savanna was reflected by a floristic turnover and the different physiognomy of the vegetation, although diversity values for gallery forest and savanna were very similar. In the Principal Co-ordinates Analysis (PCoA), gallery forest and savanna sections did not overlap. Parallel sections at both sides of the river could be linked by isolines following the topography parallel to the river, resulting in a continuous gallery forest belt (width between 10 and 30 m) flanked by savanna. Tree species typical for gallery forests have wider areas of distribution than savanna species.     

Neue Mecopteren aus dem oberen Jura von Karatau (Kasachstan) (Insecta, Mecoptera: ‘Orthophlebiidae’)

Structures of the wings, legs and abdomen of three new species of Jurassic ‘Orthophlebiidae’ from Karatau in Kazachstan (Orthophlebia elenae, O. heidemariae, O. longicauda) are described in detail. On their hind legs, the males of two of the species have a so-called metatarsal organ of unknown function, which certainly is a synapomorphy.Orthophlebia longicauda is very similar to the Tertiary speciesHolcorpa maculosa, as they both possess a fork consisting of two long processes arising from the hind margin of abdominal segment 6 as well as an elongate abdomen. A female specimen ofO. elenae shows, in its 9th abdominal segment, the medigynium, a genital structure of major importance for reconstructing the phylogenetic position of Mecoptera. As in the Panorpodidae andHolcorpa, the medigynium ofO. elenae does not bear two tongue-shaped processes which are characteristic of the Panorpidae. This is the first time that female genitalia are described from a Mesozoic mecopteran species. The males of the three new species show the tergites and sternites of abdominal segments 6 to 8 to be unfused or incompletely fused, as the sclerites’ margins are still visible. This implies that contrary to earlier assumptions, completely fused sclerites in segment 8 leaving no trace of their delimitations are not a synapomorphy of the Panorpomorpha (= Eomeropidae,Apteropanorpa, Choristidae,Choristopanorpa and ‘Orthophlebiidae’ plus descendants).     

Convergent camouflage and the non‐monophyly of ‘seadragons’ (Syngnathidae: Teleostei): suggestions for a revised taxonomy of syngnathids

Wilson, N. G. & Rouse, G. W. (2010). Convergent camouflage and the non‐monophyly of ‘seadragons’ (Syngnathidae: Teleostei): suggestions for a revised taxonomy of syngnathids. —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 551–558. The phylogeny and classification of the charismatic Syngnathidae (e.g. pipefish, seahorses) has not been comprehensively examined to date. In particular, we assessed morphological hypotheses that previously suggested the three ‘seadragon’ genera (Phycodurus, Phyllopteryx, Haliichthys) do not form a monophyletic group. We used three mitochondrial markers to investigate evolutionary relationships within Syngnathidae, and demonstrated that Phycodurus + Phyllopteryx formed a clade that excluded Haliichthys, indicating the elaborate appendages used for camouflage have evolved independently. A time‐calibrated tree revealed the divergence of true seadragons as coincident with other kelp‐associated fauna. We found evidence for the resurrection of neglected subfamily names, and recovered Doryrhampinae, Nerophinae, Soleganthinae, Phyllopteryginae, Sygnathoidinae and Haliichthyinae as clades. Even after removing these groups from what is currently recognized as Syngnathinae, we showed that the remaining members of Syngnathinae are not monophyletic. In the light of this information, some conclusions about the diversity of reproductive strategies found within ‘Syngnathinae’ need to be re‐examined and further revision of syngnathid classification is needed.     

African Americans respond to stigmatization: the meanings and salience of confronting,deflecting conflict,educating the ignorant and ‘managing the self’

Abstract

Drawing on interviews with 150 randomly sampled African Americans, we analyse how members of a stigmatized group understand their experience of stigmatization and assess appropriate responses when asked about the best approach to deal with stigmatization and about responses to specific incidents. Combining in-depth interviews with a systematic coding of the data, we make original contributions to the previous literature by identifying the relative salience of modalities and tools for responding. We also examine closely through qualitative data the two most salient modalities of response, ‘confronting’ and ‘deflating’ conflict, the most salient tools, teaching out-group members about African Americans, and ‘the management of the self’, a rationale for deflating conflict that is largely overlooked in previous studies. We find that ‘confronting’ is the more popular modality for responding to stigmatization among African Americans.     

Into the darkness: the ecologies of novel ‘microbial dark matter’ phyla in an Antarctic lake

Uncultivated microbial clades (‘microbial dark matter’) are inferred to play important but uncharacterized roles in nutrient cycling. Using Antarctic lake (Ace Lake, Vestfold Hills) metagenomes, 12 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs; 88%–100% complete) were generated for four ‘dark matter’ phyla: six MAGs from Candidatus Auribacterota (=Aureabacteria, SURF-CP-2), inferred to be hydrogen- and sulfide-producing fermentative heterotrophs, with individual MAGs encoding bacterial microcompartments (BMCs), gas vesicles, and type IV pili; one MAG (100% complete) from Candidatus Hinthialibacterota (=OLB16), inferred to be a facultative anaerobe capable of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia, specialized for mineralization of complex organic matter (e.g. sulfated polysaccharides), and encoding BMCs, flagella, and Tad pili; three MAGs from Candidatus Electryoneota (=AABM5-125-24), previously reported to include facultative anaerobes capable of dissimilatory sulfate reduction, and here inferred to perform sulfite oxidation, reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle for autotrophy, and possess numerous proteolytic enzymes; two MAGs from Candidatus Lernaellota (=FEN-1099), inferred to be capable of formate oxidation, amino acid fermentation, and possess numerous enzymes for protein and polysaccharide degradation. The presence of 16S rRNA gene sequences in public metagenome datasets (88%–100% identity) suggests these ‘dark matter’ phyla contribute to sulfur cycling, degradation of complex organic matter, ammonification and/or chemolithoautotrophic CO₂ fixation in diverse global environments.     

Vegetation influence on ectomycorrhizal inoculum Available to sub-arctic willow (Salix lapponum L.) planted in an upland Site

Summary

Restoration of scrub and woodland in deforested upland sites is an important conservation activity. However, little is known about the mycorrhizal colonisation potential of upland soils or the factors that influence the distribution of mycorrhizal inoculum. We investigated the effect of existing vegetation on mycorrhizal colonisation potential for a sub-arctic willow (Salix lapponum) by planting uninoculated cuttings into plotsrepresenting two upland habitats with either grassand herbs (‘grass’) or Vaccinium myrtillus (‘vaccinium’) and assessing mycorrhizal colonisation after 14 months using morphological and molecular techniques. From 40 willow cuttings (20 in each habitat), DNA sequences of rive ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal taxa were recovered: Laccaria proxima, Thelephora terrestris, Hebeloma sp., ‘Thelephoraceae sp.’ and ‘Pezizales sp.’. Cuttings in the ‘grass’ habitat were dominated by Laccaria proxima and ‘Pezizales sp.’ and in the ‘vaccinium’ habitat by Thelephora terrestris which was absent from the ‘grass’ habitat. There were no significant differences between habitats in frequency of EcM inoculum (overall percentage of cuttings colonised = 70%) or colonisation potential (overall mean percentage of root tips colonised per cutting = 20 %). These data suggest that the mycorrhizal colonisation potential and diversity of fungi available to willow in these upland soils are low and planted willow may benefit from inoculum enhancement.     

Theoretical Model of the Three-dimensional Structure of a Disease Resistance Gene Homolog Encoding Resistance Protein in Vigna mungo

Abstract

Plant disease resistance (R) genes, the key players of innate immunity system in plants encode ‘R’ proteins. ‘R’ protein recognizes product of avirulance gene from the pathogen and activate downstream signaling responses leading to disease resistance. No three dimensional (3D) structural information of any ‘R’ proteins is available as yet. We have reported a ‘R’ gene homolog, the 'VMYR1′, encoding ‘R’ protein in Vigna mungo. Here, we describe the homology modeling of the 'VMYR1′ protein. The model was created by using the 3D structure of an ATP-binding cassette transporter protein from Vibrio cholerae as a template. The strategy for homology modeling was based on the high structural conservation in the superfamily of P-loop containing nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase in which target and template proteins belong. This is the first report of theoretical model structure of any ‘R’ proteins.     

An assessment of the status of Polycirridae genera (Annelida: Terebelliformia) and evolutionary transformation series of characters within the family

A phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the monophyly of non‐monotypic genera of the terebelliform family Polycirridae, i.e. Polycirrus, Amaeana, Lysilla, and Hauchiella, and the evolution of characters among members of this clade. The monotypic genera, Enoplobranchus and Biremis, were also included, together with members of both known species in Hauchiella. Representative species were included for remaining genera: 14 species of Polycirrus, six species of Amaeana, and six species of Lysilla. Out‐groups consisted of representatives of Spionidae, Cirratulidae, and Sabellariidae, as well as several species of Telothelepodidae. A total of 40 in‐ and out‐group species were coded for 50 subjects (‘characters’) and 117 subject–predicate relationships (‘states’). Although results are consistent with recent phylogenetic studies within Terebelliformia that suggest Polycirridae monophyly, only Hauchiella was found to be monophyletic, albeit part of the more inclusive clade comprising remaining polycirrid genera. Evolutionary transformation series are discussed for selected characters in relation to the non‐monophyly of Polycirrus, Lysilla, and Amaeana. Implications for the use of supraspecific taxa as ‘taxonomic surrogates’ are highlighted. The definition of Polycirridae is emended. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Founders,ancestors, and enemies: memory,family, time,and space in the Pernambuco sertão

This article concerns the use of narrative and genealogical frameworks among sertanejos, the inhabitants of the hinterlands (sertão) of Pernambuco in the Northeast of Brazil, in the process of grouping and differentiating families. It explores how accounts produced by different people are linked by shared memories of past conflicts – such as cangaço and questões de família (lit. ‘family issues’). Through conceived and lived relationships among relatives and the correlated concepts of ‘blood’ and ‘race’ current in this social formation, I look to identify the different meanings attributed to time and space, inscribed in the collective memory, and implicated in the moving configurations of ‘family’ in a cognatic universe.     

Eocene ctenodactyloid rodent assemblages and diversification from Erden Obo,Nei Mongol,China

New ctenodactyloid occurrences (Yuomys magnus sp. nov., Gobiomys neimongolensis and Gobiomys exiguus) from the ‘Lower Red’ to the ‘Upper Red’ beds of the Erden Obo section in Nei Mongol, China are reported. Here, we present an updated review of the ctenodactyloid rodents from the Erden Obo section. We have recognised eight species and one indeterminate species belonging to six genera: Advenimus, Chenomys, Gobiomys, Tamquammys, Simplicimys, and Yuomys. The ctenodactyloids show an initial burst in diversification in the upper part of the ‘Basal Red’ of the early Eocene. A maximum richness peak is present at the lower part of the ‘Basal White’ which falls near the boundary of early and middle Eocene. Gobiomys, the only surviving genus from the ‘Middle Red’ to the ‘Upper Red’ beds, shows that the diversity of ctenodactyloids declined rapidly after late middle Eocene. Based on the study of the abundant ctenodactyloid rodents, we recognise some evolutionary tendencies among Eocene ctenodactyloids.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:33D2442E-DA27-494A-80CB-2DB9DA9E4E1A     

Total Synthesis of the Peptaibols Hypomurocin A3 and Hypomurocin A5, and Their Conformation Analysis

The total syntheses of hypomurocin A3 and hypomuricin A5 (HM A3 and HM A5, resp.) in solution phase are described. These syntheses have been successfully achieved by applying the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’ to introduce the two Aib‐Pro units into the backbone of these undecapeptaibols in one step with methyl 2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐azirine‐3‐prolinate as the ‘Aib‐Pro synthon’. The coupling of Z‐protected (Z=(benzyloxy)carbonyl) amino acids or peptide acids with amino acid tert‐butyl esters and of peptide segments was carried out according to the TBTU (=O‐(benzotriazol‐1‐yl)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate) and HOBt (=1‐hydroxybenzotriazole) protocol. Purification by reversed‐phase HPLC gave the peptides in pure form. The products were characterized by optical rotation, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of HM A3 and of an octapeptide fragment of HM A5 could be obtained. An NMR analysis was also carried out with HM A3 and HM A5 to determine their conformations in solution. A global structural comparison between the three sequences of HM A1, HM A3, and HM A5 was performed, as well as the HPLC correlation of the natural HM A family and the synthetic samples.     

Berriasian ammonites of supposed Tethyan origin from the type ‘Ryazanian’, Russia: a systematic re-interpretation

For more than a century, a number of ammonite taxa of supposed Tethyan origin or affinity have been reported from the Berriasian condensed deposits of Russia (referred to as ‘Ryazanian’). These occurrences have been used to constrain long-distance correlation and palaeobiogeographic interpretation of the Russian Platform during the earliest Cretaceous. We revise these taxa herein. To accommodate the systematic issues, we introduce a new ammonite genus: Mittaites n. gen. (type species: Mazenoticeras ceccai). We also provide re-assessment for the genera Tauricoceras (= Subriasanites), Riasanella, Riasanites, Prorjasanites, and Karasyazites. Considering the strong affinities between these genera (except for Karasyazites), resctricted palaeobiogeographic distribution and a problematic phyletic origin, we erect a new family Riasanitidae n. fam. Our re-examination suggests that the occurrence of western Tethyan migrants in the type ‘Ryazanian’ should be ruled out. Pending new investigation, correlation of the ammonites of the type ‘Ryazanian’ beds with the Berriasian part of the Standard Mediterranean Ammonite Scale (SMAS) should be treated with caution.     

Three-State Diagram for DNA

Abstract

Experimental phase diagrams (A form, B form, Coil) were built in the coordinates (a, alcohol fraction: T, temperature) for the natural DNAs and poly d(A-T). The main parameter of the B-A transition,—cooperativity length, v _o, was estimated by the slopes of the branches A-B, A-Coil, B-Coil in the vicinity of the triple point: v _o +AD0- 10-20 base pairs, which corresponds to the energy for the B/A junction of 1.2–1.8 kcal/mol.

We discovered two new effects which are due to the coexistence of the three different conformations in one polymeric molecule: an increase in the melting temperature above that for the ‘ideal’ triple point (i.e. for the case of the ideal phase transitions); a widening of the melting curve within the B-A transition range.

The physics of these phenomena is discussed.     

Surfing the Sixth Wave: A Hardboiled Technological Wonderland and the End of the World

The sixth wave: How to succeed in a resource-limited world, by James Bradfield Moody and Bianca Nogrady. Vintage Books, North Sydney, 2010, 311pp., endnotes, index. ISBN: 978-1-74166-889-6 (paperback).

This review article critically evaluates predictions about the near future of humanity put forward in The Sixth Wave: How to Succeed in a Resource-Limited World, a book produced by Australian author James Bradfield Moody (Executive Director, Development, CSIRO) in collaboration with freelance science journalist Ms Bianca Nogrady. The book paints a picture of the future, starting from the observation that society today is on the brink of several major crises demanding comprehensive change. Each of these crises presents its own challenge but, according to the authors, they are all related and call for one basic response: we must drastically increase the resource efficiency of our lifestyles. The main limitation of this attempt at ‘prophesy’ is the authors’ poverty of understanding regarding the political and cultural drivers of social change, and hence their misplaced faith in technological innovation as a panacea for all that ails contemporary societies. Anthropology, I argue, can provide a more holistic account of the present moment in human history, and of what may lie in store for us.     

Transient silencing of VvCSN5 enhances powdery mildew resistance in grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

As one of the most economically important fruit crops in the world, the grapevine (Vitis vinifera) suffers significant yield losses from various pathogens including powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe necator. In contrast, several wild Chinese grapevines, including Vitis pseudoreticulata accession Baihe-35-1, are highly resistant to powdery mildew pathogens. Here, we identified a grapevine gene CSN5 (COP9 signalosome complex subunit 5), designated VvCSN5, that was differentially expressed between the resistant ‘Baihe-35-1’ and susceptible ‘Thompson Seedless’ during powdery mildew isolate Erysiphe necator NAFU1 infection. Moreover, transient silencing of VvCSN5 in ‘Thompson Seedless’ leaves enhanced resistance to En NAFU1. This resistance manifested in cell wall callose deposition at attempted infection sites and hypersensitive response-like cell death of penetrated epidermal cells. Several defense-related marker genes (VvPR1, VvPR3, VvPAD4, and VvRBOHD) had higher basal expression levels in VvCSN5-silenced leaves. In addition, we found the structure and activity of CSN5 promoters in ‘Thompson Seedless’ and ‘Baihe-35-1’ were different, which may have been behind their different resistances to powdery mildew infection. Taken together, these results implied that grapevine CSN5 plays an important role in the response to powdery mildew infection.

     

On Zhejiangopterus and the relationships of pterodactyloid pterosaurs

A summary of recent studies on the interrelationships of pterodactyloid pterosaurs is used as a framework for reassessing the taxonomic status of Zhejiangopterus, a new, long‐necked, Late Cretaceous pterosaur from China that has been assigned to the Nyctosauridae. Characters cited in support of this decision include: a notarium, edentulous jaws, and lack of a cranial crest. However, none of these is diagnostic of the Nyctosauridae. Zhejiangopterus exhibits a number of derived characters (orbit relatively small and located in a low position, posteroventrally facing occiput, features of the humerus and ‘T‐shaped’ cross‐section of wing phalanges two and three) only otherwise found in azhdarchids, thus we propose that Zhejiangopterus be reassigned to the Azhdarchidae.