Independent origins of tetraploid cryptic species in the fern <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratopteris thalictroides</Emphasis>

Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn is a tetraploid fern species that contains at least three cryptic species, the south, the north and the third type. In this study we combined data from both chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and nuclear DNA sequences of three diploid species and three cryptic species of C. thalictroides to unravel the origin of the cryptic species, particularly of the reticulate relationships among the diploid and tetraploid taxa in the genus Ceratopteris. Of the three diploid species examined, C. cornuta had cpDNA identical to that of the tetraploid third type plants, and this diploid species is a possible maternal ancestor of the tetraploid third type. Analysis of the homologue of the Arabidopsis thaliana LEAFY gene (CLFY1) identified ten alleles in the genus Ceratopteris, with six alleles found in C. thalictroides. The unrooted tree of the CLFY1 gene revealed four clusters. Each cryptic species showed fixed heterozygosity at the CLFY1 locus and had two alleles from different clusters of the CLFY1 tree. Consideration of the cpDNA sequences, CLFY1 genotypes of the cryptic species and CLFY1 gene tree in concert suggested that the cryptic species of C. thalictroides had originated through independent allopolyploidization events involving C. cornuta and two unknown hypothetical diploid species.     

The evolution of euhermaphroditism in caridean shrimps: a molecular perspective of sexual systems and systematics

Background  

The hippolytid genus Lysmata is characterized by simultaneous hermaphroditism, a very rare sexual system among Decapoda. Specialized cleaning behavior is reported in a few pair-living species; these life history traits vary within the genus. Unfortunately, the systematics of Lysmata and the Hippolytidae itself are in contention, making it difficult to examine these taxa for trends in life history traits. A phylogeny of Lysmata and related taxa is needed, to clarify their evolutionary relationships and the origin of their unique sexual pattern. In this study, we present a molecular phylogenetic analysis among species of Lysmata, related genera, and several putative hippolytids. The analysis is based upon DNA sequences of two genes, 16S mtDNA and nuclear 28S rRNA. Phylogenetic trees were estimated using Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood, and Maximum Parsimony.     

Sexual Cannibalism in the Brown Widow Spider (Latrodectus geometricus)

Sexual cannibalism may represent an extreme form of male monogamy. According to this view, males gain reproductive success by sacrificing themselves to females. We studied the occurrence and timing of sexual cannibalism in the brown widow spider Latrodectus geometricus and compared male courtship and mating behavior with virgin and with previously mated females. We found that events of sexual cannibalism are frequent, that they occur during copulation and that males initiate cannibalism by placing the abdomen in front of the female’s mouth‐parts during copulation (somersault behavior). Both the somersaults and mating occurred more frequently with virgins than with previously mated females. Our results support the hypothesis that sexual cannibalism is a male strategy in this species. The somersault behavior was previously known only from the redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti. It is as yet unknown whether self‐sacrifice has evolved more than once in this genus.     

Nonconceptive Sexual Behavior in Bonobos and Capuchins

Sexual behavior by infecundable females, and by same-sex and adult-immature dyads, occurs in wild and captive bonobos (Pan paniscus). Proposed functions of these behaviors, in social primates generally, include practice, paternity confusion, exchange, and communication as well as appeasement. We used this framework to interpret and to compare observations of sexual behavior in a captive bonobo group and a wild white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) group. In both species, (a) sexual behavior was no more frequent in cycling females than in pregnant or lactating females and (b) same-sex and adult-immature dyads engaged in as much mounting or genitogenital contact as adult heterosexual dyads did. The species differed in that (a) bonobos engaged in sexual behavior 65 times as frequently as capuchins, (b) only bonobos engaged in sexual contact other than ventrodorsal mounting during focal observation, and (c) bonobo sexual contact was concentrated most heavily in socially tense situations in adult female–female dyads, whereas capuchin sexual contact was concentrated most heavily in socially tense situations in adult male–male dyads. These data and published literature indicate that (a) practice sex occurs in both species, (b) paternity confusion may be a current function of C. capucinus nonconceptive sex, (c) exchange sex remains undemonstrated in capuchins, and (d) communication sex is more important to members of the transferring sex—female bonobos and male capuchins—than to members of the philopatric sex.     

中国青藓科植物分类学修订(Ⅱ):燕尾藓属

基于燕尾藓属(Bryhnia Kaurin)被处理为狭义青藓属(Brachythecium Schimp.s.str.)的异名,燕尾藓属已不复存在。笔者对原分布于中国的5种燕尾藓属植物进行了相应的分类学修订,结果如下:短尖燕尾藓(B.hultenii E.B.Bartram)、燕尾藓[B.novae-angliae(Sull.Lesq.)Grout]和毛尖燕尾藓(B.trichomitria DixonThér.)被移入狭义青藓属并处理为短尖青藓[Brachythecium hultenii(E.B.Bartram)Min LiY.F.Wang]、燕尾青藓[B.novae-angliae(Sull.Lesq.)A.Jaeger]和东亚青藓[B.trichomitrium(DixonThér.)Huttunen,Ignatov,Min LiY.F.Wang];短枝燕尾藓(B.brachycladula Cardot)被移入鼠尾藓属(Myuroclada Besch.),并处理为羽枝鼠尾藓[M.longiramea(Müll.Hal.)Min Li,Y.F.Wang,IgnatovHuttunen]的异名;密枝燕尾藓[B.serricuspis(Müll Hal.)Y.F.WangR.L.Hu]移入拟异叶藓属(Pseudokindbergia Min Li,Y.F.Wang,IgnatovB.C.Tan),并处理为拟异叶藓[P.dumosa(Mitt.)Min Li,Y.F.Wang,IgnatovB.C.Tan]的异名。     

INDUCTION OF APOMIXIS BY OUTCROSSING BETWEEN GENETICALLY DIVERGENT ENTITIES OF CALOGLOSSA LEPRIEURII (CERAMIALES,RHODOPHYTA) AND EVIDENCE OF HYBRID APOMICTS IN NATURE1

Our previous study revealed that apomixis, recycling of tetrasporophytes, can be generated through outcrossing between genetically divergent entities of Caloglossa monosticha M. Kamiya, though such apomicts have never been found in nature. In the case of C. leprieurii (Mont.) G. Martens, the most widespread species in this genus, many apomictic strains have been isolated worldwide, but it is unknown whether these apomicts evolved through an outcrossing process similar to that in C. monosticha. In this study, heterogeneity of the apomicts and their sexual relatives as well as their evolutionary relationships was examined using the nuclear‐encoded actin gene and plastid‐encoded RUBISCO spacer region. Thirteen out of 18 apomictic strains were heterogeneous and contained divergent actin alleles, whereas only two out of 23 sexual strains were heterogeneous. The five homogeneous apomicts were genetically identical, or quite similar, to the sexual strains isolated from adjacent sites. Furthermore, three of the five homogeneous apomicts frequently produced tetraspores that grew into gametophytes, while all the heterogeneous apomicts never generated gametophytes. Apomictic strains from Florida were allotriploid, and each of the three actin sequences was closely related to those of sexual strains from Florida, Peru, and Mexico/Guatemala. In crossing tests, obligate apomixis was generated through the outcrossing between the male from Madagascar and the female from the northwestern Atlantic. These results suggest that outcrossing between genetically divergent sexual entities is one factor that induces apomixis in C. leprieurii.     

Behavioral correlates to gonadal state in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Female Anolis carolinensis of unknown reproductive condition were introduced into cages containing a sexually active male and the resulting sexual behavior was noted. Female sexual receptivity was found to be correlated with the stages of follicular maturation. These results suggest that sexual receptivity in female A. carolinensis is restricted to a time immediately preceding the ovulation of each follicle and is dependent upon hormonal conditions normally arising during follicular development. Evidence is offered to suggest that during the breeding season, female sexual receptivity is rhythmical and contingent upon the cyclic ovarian changes peculiar to lizards of this genus.     

Revision of the puella group of the genus Coenagrion Kirby, 1890 (Odonata,Zygoptera), with emphasis on morphologies contributing to reproductive isolation

The puella group of the zygopteran genus Coenagrion Kirby, 1890 is revised. The group, as treated here, includes C. puella (L., 1758), C. syriacum (Morton, 1924), C. ponticum (Bartenef, 1929) and C. intermedium (Lohmann, 1990). All four species are redescribed on the basis of a scanning electron microscopical (S.E.M.) analysis of morphological characters involved in copulation. Full species rank is attributed to intermedium. A key to males and females of the four species is included. Reproductive isolation is discussed in the genus Coenagrion.     

Development of microsatellite loci for the black-footed limpet, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Patella depressa</Emphasis>, and cross-amplification in two other <Emphasis Type="Italic">Patella</Emphasis> species

Limpets (Patella spp.) are suitable organisms to investigate the effects of climate change in marine systems. They are widespread over NE Atlantic intertidal rocky shores and have been extensively studied in terms of population dynamics and ecology. Within genus Patella, microsatellites have only been developed for Patella caerulea and cross-species tests are unknown. In this work, we describe 11 primer pairs for Patella depressa and the results of cross-species testing on Patella candei and Patella rustica.     

中国的被孢霉种类

被孢霉属(Mortierella Coemans)是接合菌纲(Zygomycetes)、毛霉目(Mucorales)、被孢霉科(Mortierellaceae)中的一个大属,目前已知约有90种;主要存在于土壤、植物残体、动物粪便等基物中。我国过去对被孢霉的研究不多,在《中国真菌总汇》(1979)中记录了8个种。本研究从全国22个省、市、自治区采集的2000多号样品中,分离到约220个被孢霉菌株。本研究主要采用Gams (1970, 1977)的分类系统进行分类鉴定,并对该系统进行了修改。在属下分3个亚属(Micromucor, Mortierella和Gamsiella), 8个组(Actinomortierella, Alpina,Hygrophila, Mortierella, Schmuckii, Simplex, Spinosa和Stylospora),单囊霉(Haplosporangium)被承认为独立的一个属。本研究鉴定出22个种和3个变种,包括一个新种(武夷山被孢霉Mortierella wuyishanensis sp. nov.)和一个新变种(极细无色被孢霉Mortierella hyalina(Harz) W. Gams var. subtilissima var. nov.), 14个中国新纪录。这14个新纪录为:产芽胞被孢霉(Mortierella. gemmifera M. Ellis)、园圃被孢霉(M. horticola Linnem.)、矮小被孢霉(M. humilis Linnem.)、无色被孢霉(M. hyalina(Harz) W. Gams)、印度被孢霉(M. indica B.S. Mehrotra)、英杜被孢霉(M. indohii C.Y. Chien),詹金氏被孢霉(M. jenkinii (A.L. Sm.) Naumov)、可疑极小被孢霉(M. minutissima Tiegh. var. dubia Linnem.)、易变被孢霉(M. mutabilis Linnem.)、微孢被孢霉(M. parvispora Linnem.)、角胞拉曼被孢霉(M. ramanniana(Moller) Linnem. var. angulispora (Naumov) Linnem.)、网孢被孢霉(M. reticulata Tiegh.& G. Le Monn.)、多疣被孢霉(M. verrucosa Linnem.)、轮枝被孢霉(M. verticillata Linnem.)。文中讨论和评价了一些分类性状,还列出分亚属、分组、分种和变种的检索表.每个分类单元都有描述和讨论以及线条图、并列出分布地区。     

基于分子与形态证据的桃色无心菜(石竹科)分类地位探讨

广义无心菜属(Arenaria L.s.l.)是石竹科(Caryophyllaceae)中分类较为困难的大属之一,基于分子系统学研究结果该属目前已被拆分为多属.基于形态学证据,桃色无心菜(Arenaria melandryoides Edgew.)被置于无心菜属齿瓣亚属[subg.Odontostemma(G.Don)...     

中国算盘子属(叶下珠科)一些种的分类学处理

算盘子属(Glochidion J.R.G.Forst.)是叶下珠科(Phyllanthaceae)叶下珠族(Phyllantheae)中一个分类极为困难的类群。基于广泛野外考察与馆藏标本查阅,对中国该属部分物种进行分类学处理。其中,长柱算盘子[G.khasicum(Müll.Arg.)Hook.f.]与倒卵叶算盘子(G.obovatum SieboldZucc.)在中国的分布予以排除,菲岛算盘子[G.philippicum(Cav.)C.B.Rob.]在中国被发现仅分布于台湾地区;G.bodinieri H.Lév.,G.pseudo-obscurum var.glabrum Pamp.与G.pseudo-obscurum var.lanceolatum Pamp.这三个名称被处理为湖北算盘子(G.wilsonii Hutch.)的新异名;G.vaniotii H.Lév.被排除在算盘子属外,并接受为芸香科臭常春(Orixa japonica Thunb.)的异名。另外,对G.khasicum(Müll.Arg.)Hook.f.,G.obovatum SieboldZucc.,G.philippicum(Cav.)C.B.Rob.,G.pseudo-obscurum var.lanceolatum Pamp.及G.wilsonii Hutch.这五个名称进行了后选模式的指定。     

Female menstrual cyclicity and sexual behavior in stumptail Macaques (Macaca arctoides)

The sexual behavior and female reproductive cycles of a captive group of stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides)were monitored during a 12-month period. The data, consisting of 303 ad libitummounts and copulations and 125 hr of focal-female testing, were analyzed by their frequency of occurrence during the three hormonal phases of the female menstrual cycle. Regularly cycling females exhibited statistically higher frequencies of all sexual behaviors compared to the amenorrheal controls. Contrary to previous reports which indicate no variation in sexual behavior throughout the reproductive cycle in this species, our data show marked increases in copulations during the periovulatory phase. Male dominance rank is associated with sexual behavior only at midcycle.     

香槐属分类学研究随记

基于对标本和文献的比较研究,确认豆科香槐属(Cladrastis Raf.)中小叶香槐(C.parvifolia C.Y.Ma)、藤香槐(C.scandens C.Y.Ma)、秦氏香槐(C.chingii DuleyVincent)与本属分布最广的翅荚香槐[C.platycarpa(Maxim.)Makino]为同种植物。其中,小叶香槐被处理为翅荚香槐的一变种,即C.platycarpa var.parvifolia(C.Y.Ma)Z.Q.Song,D.X.XuS.J.Li,藤香槐与秦氏香槐被处理为翅荚香槐原变种的两个新异名。同时讨论了翅荚香槐的分类地位及其散布。     

Description of a fertilization-independent obligate apomictic species: Corunastylis apostasioides Fitzg

The Australian midge orchid Corunastylis apostasioides of the tribe Diurideae has completely eliminated any male contribution in the process of seed formation, which occurs directly from the maternal tissue by a process termed apomixis. Here, we report C. apostasioides to be an obligate apomictic species devoid of any sexuality and compare its development to a close sexual relative C. fimbriata (R. Br.) D.L. Jones & M.A. Clem. Apomictic characteristics in C. apostasioides include production of seed in absence of fertilization, frequently closed flowers, production of immature pollen in non-dehiscent anthers, expansion of ovaries despite the lack of fertilization and the absence of a citronella scent that is found in C. fimbriata produced to attract pollinating vinegar flies (Jones 2006). The nature of apomixis in C. apostasioides was examined by ovule histology and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) in each case drawing comparison with sexual C. fimbriata. In C. apostasioides the central megaspore mother cell undergoes diplosporic apomixis, while additional embryos are derived from nucellar or integument initials formed by sporophytic apomixis. Typical of apomicts, C. apostasioides is polyploid compared to the sexual C. fimbriata. The divergences of C. apostasioides from sexuality to apomictic development are discussed.     

Geographic and stratigraphic distributions of the Caribbean species of Cladocora (Scleractinia, Faviidae)

A complete account of the faviid genus Cladocora within the Caribbean is presented. In the Caribbean this genus represents an extant group that had its earliest occurrence during the Campanian-Maastrichtian of Jamaica. Recent forms have been reported throughout the Caribbean. The following forms were found (with stratigraphic ranges in the Caribbean): C. arbuscula (Pliocene-Recent), C. debilis (Pleistocene-Recent), C. gracilis (Middle-Upper Maastrichtian), C. jamaicaensis (Campanian-Maastrichtian and Eocene), C. johnsoni (Pliocene), and C. recrescens (Middle-Upper Oligocene). The occurrence of the genus Cladocora in the Caribbean is largely continuous from the Campanian to Recent, during the majority of the Caribbean species show affinities to European assemblages. For the time intervals Paleocene, Lower Oligocene, and Miocene the taxon has not been reported from the Caribbean.     

New species of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Epuraeinae,Cybocephalinae) from the Baltic amber

A new genus, Baltoraea gen. nov., two new species of this genus, B. insignis sp. nov. and B. simillima sp. nov., and three other new species, Cybocephalus (Cybocephalus) balticus sp. nov., C. (C.) electricus sp. nov. and C. (C.) kerneggeri sp. nov. are described from the Late Eocene Baltic amber. The systematic position of the genus Baltoraea and presumable bionomics of the new sap beetles are discussed.     

Intrasexual Competition and Mating Behavior in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ptomascopus morio</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Silphidae Nicrophorinae)

In nicrophorine beetles, genus Nicrophorus care their larva using small vertebrate carrion, whereas genus Ptomaucopusreproduce with small vertebrate carrion but show no parental care. Aggression and sexual behavior were examined in Ptomascopus morio and Nicrophorus quadripunctatus. Nicrophorus quadripunctatus had intense female–female as well as male–male contests. In Ptomascopus morio, by contrast, female–female aggression was rarely observed. Male–male aggression (pushing, biting, male–male mounting) in Ptomascopus morio was observed when a resource for breeding was present, whether or not a female was present. The lack of female–female aggression, and male–male aggression when resources but not females are present, suggest that the mating system of Ptomascopus morio is resource defense polygyny. Large males of Ptomascopus morio were also found to exhibit mate choice, preferring large females over small females.