Vertical niche separation between two closely related planktonic flagellate species (Rhodomonas lens and Rhodomonas minuta v. nannoplanctica)

Rhodomonas minuta v. nannoplanctica Skuja and Rhodomonas lensPascher et Ruttner were found to perform vertical migrations.From sunrise until afternoon they adjust their vertical positionto an optimum light-intensity, which is for R. minuta 2.5 timeshigher than for R. lens. The spatial separation of both speciesis increasing throughout the whole light phase. The speciesdistinction between them has been questioned recently, but canbe maintained not only because of morphological differencesbut also because they are occupying different niches withinthe plankton community.     

Regulation of phytoplankton dynamics in a Laurentian Great Lakes estuary

The composition and dynamics of phytoplankton populations were examined in Old Woman Creek estuary, Lake Erie (USA). The centric bacillariophytes,Cyclotella atomus Hust.,Cyclotella meneghiniana Kütz., andAulacoseira alpigena (Grun.) Krammer, and the cryptophytes,Cryptomonas erosa Ehren. andRhodomonas minuta var. nannoplanctonica Skuja, dominated the phytoplankton most of the year. Chlorophytes, euglenophytes, and cyanophytes were observed less frequently. Estuarine and Lake Erie phytoplankton were considered distinct populations; lake taxa were largely confined to the estuary mouth and present only in low biomass. Maxima and minima of estuarine phytoplankton coincided with meteorological and hydrological forcing in the form of rainfall and subsequent storm-water inflows, respectively. Distinct population dynamics between the upper and lower estuary following storm events were attributed to the presence/absence of refugia serving as a source for repopulation by opportunistic taxa, fluctuating light conditions in the water column resulting from influx of particulate matter and resuspension of bottom sediments, and nutrient inputs associated with surface runoff and sub-surface interflow. Additionally, agricultural herbicides introduced by storm-water inflows potentially may affect and/or control the growth and physiological responses of individual taxa.     

中国淡水硅藻新记录——偏肿内丝藻兴凯变种

于2016年5月对浙江省仙居国家公园进行藻类多样性调查时,发现了中国淡水硅藻的1个新记录种——偏肿内丝藻兴凯变种[Encyonema ventricosum var.hankensis(Skvortzov) RodionovaPomazkina]。该文采用光镜和扫描电镜对偏肿内丝藻兴凯变种浙江种群的形态特征进行了观察和描述,并将其与该种的其他地理种群及内丝藻属其他相似物种的形态特征进行比较,同时讨论了该物种的生境特征。结果表明:(1)偏肿内丝藻兴凯变种壳面均具明显背腹之分,背缘明显拱起,腹缘轻微波曲;端部呈头状至喙状。(2)偏肿内丝藻兴凯变种浙江地理种群在背部中央区域具一孤点,而其兴凯种群对孤点这一特征未有描述。(3)偏肿内丝藻兴凯变种在俄罗斯的兴凯湖和贝加尔湖等地有分布,该种在中国是首次报道。     

In Situ Identification by Fluorescently Labeled Oligonucleotide Probes of Morphologically Similar,Closely Related Ciliate Species

Ciliate protozoa are important members of microbial communities in which they play specific ecological roles. The determination of single species distribution is fundamental for food web analysis, but species recognition, which is mainly based on morphological characters, is often difficult between closely related species. The use of species-specific, purposely designed, fluorescently labeled probes for in situ hybridization is here presented as an easy and fast identification method for three closely related species belonging to the widespread genus Euplotes, namely E. crassus, E. vannus, and E. minuta, that in spite of their remarkable morphological similarity have significant metabolic and ecological differences. These three species can be detected simultaneously, provided the probes employed are bound to different fluorescent dyes: in this way their relative abundance and their population dynamics in the natural environment can be evaluated. As more ciliate sequences become available in databases, species-specific probes can be designed for other ciliates, thus rendering the application of the method of more general importance. The probes used in this study may also provide a tool to prevent erroneous species identification in future studies.     

Shallow genetic divergence and species delineations in the endemic Labeobarbus species flock of Lake Tana,Ethiopia

To assess whether the species distinctions of Lake Tana's Labeobarbus spp. are supported by genetic information, microsatellite markers were used. A total of 376 Labeobarbus spp., belonging to 24 populations of 11 species from three regions of the lake (north, south and east), were sampled. Eight microsatellite markers were analysed. In general, differences between conspecific populations were smaller than differences between populations of different species. For six species, conspecific populations from different regions in the lake were consistently more similar than populations of other species from the same region. For four species this was not the case, while for one species two populations were similar, but different from the third population. River‐spawning species appeared to be more distinct than presumed lake spawners. On the species level, there was a significant correlation between genetic and morphological differentiation, especially in morphological aspects associated with ecological functioning. This suggests that genetic differentiation arose together with adaptive radiation, although the overall genetic differentiation among the Lake Tana Labeobarbus spp. is small.     

Hybridization and introgression in New World red mangroves, Rhizophora (Rhizophoraceae)

? Premise of the study: Hybridization is common in both animals and plants and can lead to a diverse array of outcomes ranging from the generation of new ecotypes or species to the breakdown of morphological differences. Here, we explore the extent of hybridization in the three currently recognized New World Rhizophora species-R. mangle, R. racemosa, and the putative hybrid species R. harrisonii. ? Methods: We assayed variation across the three recognized Rhizophora species using two noncoding chloroplast (cpDNA), two flanking microsatellite regions (FMRs), and six microsatellite loci. ? Key results: Gene genealogies of cpDNA and FMRs showed a strong phylogeographic break across the Central American Isthmus, but little relationship to recognized species boundaries. Instead, individuals collected in the same ocean basin and classified as R. mangle and R. racemosa by morphological characteristics were more closely related to each other than with similar looking individuals collected in the other ocean basin. Nonetheless, there were low, yet significant differences at microsatellite loci among co-occurring populations of R. mangle and R. racemosa in both ocean basins, suggesting that two taxonomic groups coexist. However, we found no genetic evidence that R. harrisonii was a hybrid species. Rather, R. harrisonii appears to represent a morphotype produced by ongoing hybridization and backcrossing between R. mangle and R. racemosa. ? Conclusions: Our data support ancient and persistent introgressive hybridization among new world Rhizophora and argue for a full revision of the systematic relationships of the group based on much finer morphological, ecological, and genetic analyses.     

Clarification of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus group (Acari,Ixodoidea, Ixodidae). I. R. sulcatus Neumann, 1908 and R. turanicus Pomerantsev, 1936

For many years the biosystematic status of several species in the Rhipicephalus sanguineus group has been confused, with the result that they have often been misidentified. Over the years some 18 of these species have been synonymised with R. sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) itself. More recently four new species in the group have been described: R. guilhoni Morel & Vassiliades, 1963; R. moucheti Morel, 1964; R. bergeoni Morel & Balis, 1976; and R. camicasi Morel, Mouchet & Rodhain, 1976.The literature on this group is critically reviewed and the main systematic problems analysed. R. sulcatus Neumann, 1908 and R. turanicus Pomerantsev, 1936 are two species that were confused both morphologically and ecologically. This has resulted in erroneous conclusions regarding their host relationships and distributions. Integrated biological, morphological and ecological studies on these two species have been conducted. Cross-breeding experiments have proved that both are distinct taxonomic entities. Interbreedings between African and Cypriot strains of R. turanicus demonstrated marked heterosis.A scanning electron microscope was used to determine the main diagnostic morphological differences between the larvae, nymphae and adults of R. sulcatus and R. turanicus, and the morphological similarities between African and Cypriot strains of R. turanicus. Rhipicephalus sulcatus occurs widely in the Afrotropical region in wetter ecological habitats and most frequently parasitises hares, dogs and jackals. R. turanicus occurs more-or-less throughout the Afrotropical region in a wide range of climatic biotopes, as well as in parts of southern Europe, Arabia and Asia, and is most abundant in the late rainy/early dry seasons. It occurs on a wide range of domesticated and wildlife hosts, including ground-feeding birds.     

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) diversity within Monarda fistulosa var. brevis (Lamiaceae) and divergence between var. brevis and var. fistulosa in West Virginia

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) banding patterns were used to examine genetic diversity within and among populations ofMonarda fistulosa var.brevis, a rare taxon restricted to several populations in limestone glades and barrens in eastern West Virginia and Virginia. More than 34% of the total ISSR diversity in var.brevis occurred among populations, which is high when compared to the few other rare species that have been examined for ISSR variation. Prior studies demonstrated that var.brevis is morphologically distinct from the more widespread var.fistulosa, and that the differences are maintained when the two varieties are grown together in a uniform environment. The present study utilizing ISSR markers indicated that the two varieties are distinct, though quite similar genetically, and this is concordant with prior investigations documenting their morphological and habitat differences. However, the ISSR results suggest that the two varieties have diverged relatively recently and/or there is a low level of gene flow between them.     

Molecular genetic analysis of two taxa of the Pleurotus eryngii complex: P. eryngii (DC.Fr.) Quèl. var. eryngii and P. eryngii (DC.Fr.) Quèl. var. ferulae

With the use of isozymes and PCR-fingerprinting analysis molecular markers were found between the varieties Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii and P. eryngii var. ferulae within the Pleurotus eryngii complex, which allowed the identification of the fruitbodies collected in Southern and Central Italy. The study of sympatric localities has shown that there is no gene exchange between them in the field. The post-mating barriers between these taxa are not yet completely efficient. However, in the field the gene pools of the two taxa appear isolated and associated with specific host plants: Eryngium campestre and Ferula communis . On the basis of the genetic and ecological differences observed and given the absence of gene exchange in sympatric localities, P. eryngii and P. ferulae are to be considered distinct biological species. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 75 , 125–136.     

A biosystematic study on Ranunculus subgenus Batrachium in S Sweden

A detailed study of Ranunculus subgenus Batrachium was undertaken on material from SW Skåne, S Sweden. 38 populations were sampled including 5 from outside the study area. A comprehensive morphological investigation of the variation pattern, which included biometric analyses, led to a reassessment of diagnostic characters. 64 chromosome counts were made from 28 populations. Minor differences in karyotype constitution between species were demonstrated. Crossing experiments involving 4 species were carried out, and F, was analysed as regards morphology, compatibility, meiosis and seed set. The two diploid species (2n=16), R. fluitans and R. circinatus , are shown to be homogeneous and reproducing vegetatively in S Sweden. The tetraploid R. peltatus is outcrossing and probably self-incompatible, whereas the likewise tetraploid R. baudotii is self-compatible and mainly self-pollinated. These tetraploids are interfertile, but morphologically distinct and kept apart by different ecological demands. Hexaploids, generally referred to two separate species, R. aquatilis and R. trichophyllus , are automatically self-pollinated in bud (sometimes cleistogamous). All characters used to distinguish these two species are found to be variable and readily modified. Crosses between typical R. aquatilis and typical R. trichophyllus are fully fertile. A division into two species seems untenable. ( R. trichophyllus is treated as conspecific with R. aquatilis ). Semifertile, natural pentaploid hybrid derivates with varying chromosome numbers between R. aquatilis and R. peltatus were found, and have also been experimentally synthesized. The variation pattern in S Sweden deviates in sereral respects from that reported by Cook based mainly on C and W European material.     

Aquatic fungi from peat swamp palms: Phruensis brunneispora gen. et sp. nov. and its hyphomycete anamorph

Phruensis brunneispora is a new genus and species occurring on decaying trunks of the palm Licuala longecalycata in Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest, Thailand. We compare the genus with other aquatic ascomycetes with falcate septate ascospores: Pseudohalonectria and Ophioceras. Ascospores differ from species in these genera in being brown with lighter end cells. Also, the ascus pore is subapical, with a channel leading to the apex. Lollipopaia minuta differs from Phruensis brunneispora in that the ascomata are borne in a stroma, asci have an apical pore and the ascospores are hyaline. No genus was found to accommodate the new species. Molecular analysis of rDNA ribosomal 18S confirmed the exclusion of the new species from Pseudohalonectria, and Ophioceras and Lollipopaia minuta formed a sister group with it. Phruensis brunneispora and Lollipopaia minuta grouped in the Diaporthales with 100% bootstrap support. Therefore, both morphological and molecular evidence supports erecting a new genus to accommodate this taxon. A hyaline Phialophora-like anamorph was formed when single ascospores were plated out on agar. The taxon is described and illustrated with light micrographs.     

Genotypic and phenotypic evaluation of Rutilus spp. from Skadar, Ohrid and Prespa Lakes supports revision of endemic as well as taxonomic status of several taxa

One mtDNA gene (cytochrome b), one nuclear DNA fragment, five microsatellites and a suite of morphological characters were evaluated in samples of Rutilus spp. from Skadar, Ohrid and Prespa Lakes. Both genetic and phenotypic data supported two sympatric taxa in Lake Skadar, whereby Prespa and Ohrid Lakes revealed only a single taxon each. One of the taxa from Lake Skadar was similar to samples from Lake Prespa, whereas the second taxon was the most divergent in the data set. The estimated time to the most recent common ancestor of these two sympatric taxa in Lake Skadar was between 125 000 and 500 000 years. The data did not support existing taxonomic schemes for Rutilus in these lakes. This study poses the following working hypothesis: (1) Rutilus prespensis lives both in Lake Prespa and Lake Skadar and therefore is not endemic to Lake Prespa, (2) Rutilus ohridanus lives in Lake Ohrid only and therefore could be considered an endemic if its species status is retained and (3) a third recently described taxon (Rutilus albus) sympatric to R. prespensis lives in Lake Skadar.     

Observations on Rhinomonas reticulata comb. nov. and R. reticulata var. eleniana var. nov. (Cryptophyceae), with comments on the genera Pyrenomonas and Rhodomonas

Seven marine red strains of Cryptophyceae were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Six of these, possessing a nucleomorph housed within the pyrenoid and a periplast with distinctly hexagonal periplast areas, are assigned to Rhinomonas reticulata comb. nov. Rhinomonas reticulata var. eleniana var. nov. is described on the basis of the smaller size of the periplast areas. In a strain of the genus Pyrenomonas , which Rhinomonas otherwise resembles, the periplast areas appear more or less rectangular. Since it is impossible to know with certainty which red marine forms fall within the original concept of the genus Rhodomonas , the name Pyrenomonas should be preferred to a recent emendation of Rhodomonas.     

营养和光照对不同生态幅风毛菊属植物幼苗形态可塑性的影响

以青藏高原东部4种不同生态幅的风毛菊属植物为试验对象,研究了不同营养和光照条件对风毛菊幼苗相对生长率、根冠比和比叶面积的可塑性影响.结果表明: 营养和光照条件对4个物种幼苗的3个形态特征变化呈现显著影响并存在一定的交互作用.这些形态特征的可塑性及其对营养和光照变化的响应模式存在一定的种间差异.物种与营养、光照的交互作用对风毛菊属幼苗的根冠比和比叶面积(P<0.001)存在一定的显著影响.4种植物幼苗的平均形态表型可塑性指数的大小与其生态分布相关,风毛菊幼苗的平均表型可塑性指数最大(0.71),是分布生境最多的一个物种.风毛菊属植物形态可塑性与其分布生态幅呈一定正相关关系.     

Morphometric analysis on ecomorphologically equivalent cichlid species from Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika

Landmark-based geometric morphometric techniques were used to test the hypothesis that Petrochromis spp. from Lake Tanganyika are ecomorphologically equivalent to Petrotilapia spp. from Lake Malawi. Both genera are epilithic algal feeders and inhabit the rocky shores of their respective lakes. We investigated the morphological component of the ecomorphology hypothesis by investigating body shape, using landmark-based morphometric techniques. A MANOVA revealed significant differences among species and an ordination of all species along the first two CV axes showed clear separation of the two genera in the morphospace with Petrochromis fasciolatus as an intermediate. A thin-plate spline analysis revealed that Petrochromis spp. had a deeper, broader anterior body, larger gape, shorter anal fin base and narrower caudal peduncle than Petrotilapia spp. Basically, differences between lakes were found, but there were no similarities or clusters of presumptive ecomorphs. Based on such results, we reject the hypothesis of morphological equivalence between these two genera. However, considering the non-significant difference in body shape revealed between P. fasciolatus , Petrotilapia genalutea and Petrotilapia 'mumbo blue', we conclude that these three species represent morphological equivalence and hence display a best example of convergent evolution.     

Morphological,ecological and biological variations in the mustard aphid,Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from different host plants

Genetic and morphological differentiation of insect populations in relation to the use of different host plants is an important phenomenon that leads to ecological specialization. In this study, we describe variations in morphology, and in ecological and biological parameters of Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Kaltenbach) clones associated with three host species of Cruciferae, Brassica juncea (L.) var. rai sarson Czern and Cross (brown mustard), Brassica campestris L. var. sarson Prain (yellow mustard), and Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern (wild herb). This study was aimed at obtaining evidence regarding phenotypic differentiation induced by, or associated with, the use of distinct host species. Ten morphological characters, 4 growth parameters and 8 biological functions were investigated in wingless aphids collected from plants of the three host species. Aphids from B. campestris and B. juncea clones were bigger in size, heavier in weight and showed higher growth rates and fecundity than the clones from R. indica. Between the two crop plants, clones from B. juncea showed significantly higher growth rates than the clones from B. campestris. Transfer of L. pseudobrassicae populations from B. campestris to B. juncea and R. indica and vice versa resulted in poor performance. Results indicate that the average phenotype of L. pseudobrassicae individuals inhabiting different host plant species differs as a consequence of the contrasting feeding environments the host species provide.     

Subsurface Chlorophyll Maximum and Associated Cyclotella Pulse in Lake Superior

An investigation of the subsurface chlorophyll layer (SCL) in Lake Superior was conducted from 1 May through 15 October. During spring unstratified conditions (1 May–17 July), chlorophyll a and phytoplankton biomass were vertically and temporally uniform. Phytoflagellates such as Rhodomonas minuta, Cryptomonas spp., and Ochromonas spp. were dominant at this time. The photosynthetic maximum was associated with the depth receiving 10% of surface irradiance, ca. 15–25 m. Once thermal stratification occurred, a SCL developed around 20 m. Although epilimnetic chlorophyll concentrations remained similar to spring mixing levels, concentrations in the SCL increased 3-fold. In situ production was the principal process associated with the development of the SCL. The upper portion of the SCL was dominated by Cyclotella species; C. stelligera, C. comensis, and C. ocellata. The increased abundance of Cyclotella appeared to be related to stable irradiance fields produced during thermal stratification.     

The effects of dissolved heavy metals on attached diatoms in the Uintah Basin of Utah,U.S.A.

The relationships of diatom species to dissolved heavy metals in the streams of the Uintah Basin of Utah were studied through four seasons of 1977–1978. Niche center gradient analysis, cluster analysis and correlation analysis were performed.Achnanthes minutissima, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Cymbella minuta, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula secreta var.apiculata, Nitzschia frustulum, Nitzschia frustulum var.perminuta, Nitzschia frustulum var.perpusilla, Nitzschia palea, andSynedra ulna appear to be indicator species of high or low heavy metal concentrations. Several other species also showed meaningful relationships to high or low heavy metal concentrations.Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young UniversityDept. of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University     

Survey for alpha-(1 leads to 3)-glucanase activity among yeasts.

Activity of alpha-(1 leads to 3)-glucanase was found in species of Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, and Endomyces. Observations on the expression and stability of this enzyme in Rhodotorula minuta var. texensis was presented.     

Ecology of testate amoebae (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) on peatlands in western Russia with special attention to niche separation in closely related taxa.

Testate amoebae (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) are frequently used as indicators of past environmental changes, and the interpretation of fossil assemblages depends upon our knowledge of ecological affinities of taxa in modern environments. A variety of taxonomic approaches have been used in fossil studies, mostly involving grouping of closely related taxa. This paper presents data from peatlands in western Russia relating surface wetness parameters to species occurrence. Relationships between species abundance, water table depth and soil moisture are modelled using weighted averaging, and species niches are calculated as optima and tolerance for these parameters. Niche separation of closely related taxa is examined in detail and it is shown that there is often a gradient of hydrological preference within each group of taxa. Wet to dry gradients include those found in the Trigonopyxis arcula group (T. arcula var. major > T. arcula > T. minuta), the Assulina-Valkanovia group (A. seminulum > A. muscorum > V. elegans), and the Trinema lineare group (T. lineare var. truncatum/ T. lineare > T. lineare var. terricola), all of which are associated with a large to small size gradient. In addition, spined forms within the Euglypha and Placocista genera are shown to consistently occur in wetter habitats than glabrous forms or those with shorter spines. It is concluded that palaeoecological studies should attempt the lowest taxonomic divisions possible within these groups, to maximise the ecological indicator value of the assemblages recorded.