Genetic origins of the Dogon population in the Arrondissement of Boni (Mali).

A study of probabilities of origin of genes was carried out on a Dogon population in Mali, spread over four massifs separated from each other by about 20 kilometers. Within each village, the founder contributions are very disparate and show that each village has a very specific origin. Therefore, the exchange of wives between massifs has not resulted in a homogenization of the population, which has remained strongly structured into four relatively independent isolates.     

Contribution to the Postglacial History at the Western Margin of Picea abies' Natural Area Using RAPD Markers

RAPD analysis was used (1) to assess the diversity of indigenousPicea abies within the French massifs (Alps, Jura and Vosges)in comparison with the Hercyno-Carpathian and Alpine domains(central Europe); and (2) to examine the molecular relationshipsamong provenances of these massifs and domains. One hundredand thirty-seven polymorphic RAPD fragments were screened. Resultsshowed that the phenotypic diversity estimates within the differentmassifs and domains analysed were similarly high. Factorialcorrespondence and cluster analyses revealed geographical structuringalong a latitudinal gradient among the French massifs and alongitudinal gradient from eastern Europe to France. Provenancesfrom the southern French Alps appeared to be genetically distinctfrom the others. Hypothetical postglacial pathways into theFrench massifs are proposed and the putative implications ofan additional refuge located in the Tuscan Apennines is discussed.Copyright 2000 Annals of Botany Company Picea abies, Norway spruce, phylogeography, phenotypic diversity, correspondence analysis, RAPD     

Species diversity of Amphibia, Reptilia and Lipotyphla (Mammalia) at Ambolokopatrika, a rainforest between the Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy massifs, NE Madagascar

The Réserve Spéciale d' Anjanaharibe-Sud and the Parc National de Marojejy are two important areas of biodiversity and endemicity in northeastern Madagascar. These reserves are separated by about 40 km, including the extensive Andapa Basin, and connected by a rather narrow mid-altitude montane ridge. Nothing was previously known about the biota of this corridor and its faunal relations with the two reserves. At this purpose, during 1997 the Ambolokopatrika rainforest (lying about midway between Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy massifs) was surveyed for amphibians, reptiles, and for small mammals belonging to the order Lipotyphla. As a general rule these vertebrates may be important ecological indicators, while the herpetofauna (Amphibia, Reptilia) exhibits a high degree of habitat specialisation and endemicity. Furthermore, the herpetofauna and lipotyphlans of Ambolokopatrika Forest were compared to those known from the forests of Anjanaharibe-Sud, Marojejy, and Tsararano massifs, the latter site being a southern extension of the Anjanaharibe-Sud chain. These animals were surveyed by use of opportunistic searching and pitfall trapping during two seasonal periods, May–June (winter), and November–December (summer). Forty-two species of amphibians, 23 of reptiles, and nine of lipotyphlans were recorded at Ambolokopatrika Forest. The biodiversity of Ambolokopatrika is comparable to those of other analysed sites, and this stresses the value of this forest in assuring biotic exchange between Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy reserves. Considerations are also provided on the faunal similarities and differences in terms of exclusivity and endemisms. It is therefore suggested that a certain degree of protection should be given to Ambolokopatrika rainforest, to assure a biological connection and exchange between the protected areas of Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy.     

Structure and evolution of dune massifs in the Vilyui River Basin over the Late Quaternary Period (by the example of the Makhatta and Kysyl-Syr Tukulans)

The data of the comprehensive study of deposits of dune sand massifs—the Makhatta and Kysyl-Syr Tukulans—in the Vilyui River Basin (Central Yakutia) are given. We have revealed the structure and preliminarily reconstructed the evolution of tukulans in the Vilyui River basin and the environmental conditions of the surrounding area in the Late Pleistocene–Holocene period (the chronological period of the formation of tukulans) on the basis of lithological and palynological data and 17 radiocarbon datings. It has been revealed that the tukulans should be assigned to eolian deposits formed on sediments of complicated facial structure. We have distinguished four stages in the vegetation evolution within the last 40000-year period and three chronostratigraphical phases in the development of dune massifs.     

Dynamics of an Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis Outbreak by Mycoplasma conjunctivae on Pyrenean Chamois Rupicapra p. pyrenaica

Between 2006 and 2008, an outbreak of Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) affected Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra p. pyrenaica, an endemic subspecies of mountain ungulate that lives in the Pyrenees. The study focused on 14 mountain massifs (180,000 ha) where the species’ population is stable. Cases of IKC were detected in ten of the massifs and, in five of them, mortality was substantial. The outbreak spread quickly from the first location detected, with two peaks in mortality that affected one (2007) and three (2008) massifs. In the latter, the peak was seasonal (spring to autumn) and, in the former, the outbreak persisted through winter. To identify the outbreak’s aetiology, we examined 105 Pyrenean chamois clinically affected with IKC. TaqMan rt-PCR identified Mycoplasma conjunctivae in 93 (88.5%) of the chamois. Another rt-PCR detected Chlamydophila spp. in 14 of chamois, and 12 of those had mixed infections with mycoplasmas. In the period 2000–2007, the chamois population increased slightly (λ 1.026) but decreased significantly during the IKC outbreak (λ 0.8, 2007–2008; λ 0.85, 2008–2009) before increasing significantly after the outbreak (λ 1.1, 2009–2010). Sex-biased mortality shifted the adult sex ratio toward males (from 0.6 to 0.7 males per female) and reduced productivity slightly. Hunting was practically banned in the massifs where chamois experienced significant mortality and allowed again after the outbreak ended. Long-term monitoring of wild populations provides a basis for understanding the impacts of disease outbreaks and improves management decisions, particularly when species are subject to extractive exploitation.     

Structure of vegetation of steppe hills in the Altai piedmont

The phytocenotic diversity of the Altai steppe piedmont is described. Plant communities were ordinated along the moisture gradient. The results were used to analyze the structure of vegetation of steppe hill massifs. Distribution of steppe vegetation over an ideal hill was simulated, and the main patterns of distribution were typified.     

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra reproductive success according to hay cutting schedule and meadow passerine density in alluvial and upland meadows in France

In France, whinchat Saxicola rubetra populations now rarely breed at altitudes below 1,000 m except in flooded alluvial plains. Whinchat reproductive success, the timing of haymaking and meadow bird density were assessed in 2003 in six areas selected in three different flooded plains, in five areas from two massifs at altitudes ranging from 990 to 1,250 m, and in 2004 in six areas of three flooded plains, in seven areas from three massifs at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 m. The percentage of whinchat territories in which juveniles were observed was negatively correlated with mown areas at the time when 80% of hatched broods (observation of prey carryings by adults) would theoretically be fledged. Additionally, assessed hatching success was negatively correlated with early haymaking in 2003 and with meadow passerine territory density in 2004. In upland meadows, whinchat populations exhibited either low reproductive success and low density (1,200 m) or high reproductive success and high density (1,200 m). In lowland flooded meadow however, high density could match low reproductive success and whinchat population then acts as a sink population. We conclude that adequate agri-environmental policy should not focus only on lowland meadows, even if the highest meadow bird diversity is often found there.     

Distribution of Triassic Foraminifers in the Limestone Massifs of the Dalnegorsk District,Primorsky Krai

Paleontological Journal - Foraminifer assemblages from five massifs of the Triassic limestones of the Dalnegorsk District have been described for the first time, and images of these foraminifers...     

Birds and biogeography of Mount Mecula in Mozambique’s Niassa National Reserve

The montane forests of northern Mozambique’s isolated massifs are inhabited by numerous range-restricted and threatened bird species, but until recently were extremely little-known. We report on a first avifaunal survey of the isolated montane habitats of Mt Mecula (1 442 m), Niassa National Reserve, notable as the only currently protected montane area in northern Mozambique. Mount Mecula’s moist forest is small (approximately 136 ha in total) and patchy, and although known botanically to have some montane affinities, was found to support an avifauna more typical of riparian forests of medium to low altitude. The only montane forest species recorded was Lemon Dove Aplopelia larvata. Other montane elements included Vincent’s Bunting Emberiza (capensis) vincenti, one of six species recorded new to the Niassa National Reserve list. Overall, it appears that despite its intermediate location, Mt Mecula does not represent a biogeographical ‘stepping stone’ for montane forest bird species. This probably owes to its remoteness from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania to the north and the massifs of other parts of northern Mozambique, to the south and west.     

Meiosis researchers exchange information in the Alps

The 6th European Meiosis Workshop, sponsored by EMBO and organized by Franz Klein of the University of Vienna, met in mid-September. More than 150 participants who have not discovered anything more interesting than sex gathered in a bucolic Alpine valley near the town of Obertraun, Austria, surrounded by granite massifs.     

Diversity and ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Armillaria</Emphasis> species in virgin forests in the Ukrainian Carpathians

In this study, we investigated the diversity and ecology of Armillaria species in virgin pure beech and mixed conifer forests (15,000 ha) of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine. Armillaria rhizomorphs were systematically sampled, both from the soil and from the root collar of trees (epiphytic), on 79 plots (25 × 20 m) of a 1.5 × 1.5 km grid. In both forest massifs, rhizomorphs were present in the majority of the soil samples, with an estimated dry weight of 512 kg/ha in the pure beech forests and 223 kg/ha in the mixed conifer forests. Similarly, in both forest massifs, most of the trees inspected had rhizomorphs at the root collar. Species identification based on DNA analyses showed that all five annulated European Armillaria species occur in these virgin forests, as previously observed in managed forests in central Europe. However, differences in the frequencies of the single species were observed. The predominance of the preferentially saprotrophic A. cepistipes and A. gallica (84 and 15% of the specimens, respectively) and the absence of significant pathogenic activity suggest that in these virgin forests Armillaria species are most likely to behave as saprotrophs. Forest management may increase the frequency of the pathogenic species A. ostoyae, which is rare in virgin forests.     

New data on the Devonian and Carboniferous Graptolithina (Dendroidea) from Belgium with notes on possible occurrences of Rhabdopleuridae in the Belgian Carboniferous

An old find of a graptolite from the Eifelian Jemelle Formation, combined with the recent discovery of an exceptionally well-preserved specimen from the Upper Frasnian (Matagne Formation), allow documentation of the geologically oldest and youngest dendroid fossils from the Devonian of Belgium. Both are ascribed to the long-ranging genus Callograptus (Acanthograptidae). These records enlarge the sparse knowledge of graptolite diversity and occurrences along the southern margin of Laurussia during the mid-Paleozoic. In Belgium, Devonian dendroids are exclusively known from the Dinant Synclinorium. The Devonian dendroid faunas previously reported from the Eifelian, Givetian and Frasnian of the Ardenne–Rhenish massifs (Belgium and Germany) are of low diversity (one to five species per locality). The specimens, generally inedaquatelly preserved, were ascribed to the genera Callograptus, Dictyonema, Palaeodictyota?, and Ruedemannograptus? In these massifs, Carboniferous dendroids are only known from the Viséan (Moliniacian) Denée Konservat-Lagerstätte. Other but undocumented reports of dendroids (and rhabdopleurids) are from the historical type area of the Tournaisian Stage (Tournai area, Brabant Parautochthon). Rhabdopleuridae from the Viséan–Serpukhovian of the Campine Basin (Turnhout borehole) remain incompletely known in the absence of the previously described material.     

Glacial refugia,recolonization patterns and diversification forces in Alpine‐endemic Megabunus harvestmen

The Pleistocene climatic fluctuations had a huge impact on all life forms, and various hypotheses regarding the survival of organisms during glacial periods have been postulated. In the European Alps, evidence has been found in support of refugia outside the ice shield (massifs de refuge) acting as sources for postglacial recolonization of inner‐Alpine areas. In contrast, evidence for survival on nunataks, ice‐free areas above the glacier, remains scarce. Here, we combine multivariate genetic analyses with ecological niche models (ENMs) through multiple timescales to elucidate the history of Alpine Megabunus harvestmen throughout the ice ages, a genus that comprises eight high‐altitude endemics. ENMs suggest two types of refugia throughout the last glacial maximum, inner‐Alpine survival on nunataks for four species and peripheral refugia for further four species. In some geographic regions, the patterns of genetic variation are consistent with long‐distance dispersal out of massifs de refuge, repeatedly coupled with geographic parthenogenesis. In other regions, long‐term persistence in nunataks may dominate the patterns of genetic divergence. Overall, our results suggest that glacial cycles contributed to allopatric diversification in Alpine Megabunus, both within and at the margins of the ice shield. These findings exemplify the power of ENM projections coupled with genetic analyses to identify hypotheses about the position and the number of glacial refugia and thus to evaluate the role of Pleistocene glaciations in driving species‐specific responses of recolonization or persistence that may have contributed to observed patterns of biodiversity.     

Echium anchusoides (Boraginaceae), a new species from Sardinia (Italy)

The new species Echium anchusoides , endemic to the main siliceous massifs of Sardinia, is described and illustrated. It was formerly confused with E. pustulatum , a Mediterranean form of E. vulgare , but differs in characters regarding habit, leaves, inflorescence, corolla, stamens and mericarps. Contrary to the taxa of the E. vulgare group, E. anchusoides is also characterized by a higher ecological specificity, being linked to natural habitats with siliceous growth substratum. Micromorphological analyses provide additional information on the indumentum and reproductive structures, such as pollen, stigmatic papillae, nectar ducts and mericarp coat surface.     

The legacy of ice ages in mountain species: post‐glacial colonization of mountain tops rather than current range fragmentation determines mitochondrial genetic diversity in an endemic Pyrenean rock lizard

Aim The genetic impact of Quaternary climatic fluctuations on mountain endemic species has rarely been investigated. The Pyrenean rock lizard (Iberolacerta bonnali) is restricted to alpine habitats in the Pyrenees where it exhibits a highly fragmented distribution between massifs and between habitats within massifs. Using mitochondrial DNA markers, we set out: (1) to test whether several evolutionary units exist within the species; (2) to understand how the species persisted through the Last Glacial Maximum and whether the current range fragmentation originates from distribution shifts after the Last Glacial Maximum or from more ancient events; and (3) to investigate whether current mitochondrial diversity reflects past population history or current habitat fragmentation. Location The Pyrenees in south‐western France and northern Spain. Methods We used variation in the hypervariable left domain of the mitochondrial control region of 146 lizards collected in 15 localities, supplemented by cytochrome b sequences downloaded from GenBank to cover most of the species’ distribution range. Measures of population genetic diversity were contrasted with population isolation inferred from topography. Classical (F‐statistics) and coalescence‐based methods were used to assess the level of gene flow and estimate divergence time between populations. We used coalescence‐based simulations to test the congruence of our genetic data with a scenario of simultaneous divergence of current populations. Results Coalescence‐based analyses suggested that these peripheral populations diverged simultaneously at the end of the last glacial episode when their habitats became isolated on mountain summits. High mitochondrial diversity was found in peripheral, isolated populations, while the populations from the core of the species’ range were genetically impoverished. Where mitochondrial diversity has been retained, populations within the same massif exhibited high levels of genetic differentiation. Main conclusions As suggested for many other mountain species, the Pyrenean rock lizard survived glacial maxima through short‐distance range shifts instead of migration or contraction in distant southern refugia. Most of the main Pyrenean range has apparently been re‐colonized from a single or a few source populations, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity in re‐colonized areas. As a result, current levels of intra‐population mitochondrial diversity are better explained by post‐glacial population history than by current habitat fragmentation. Genetic population differentiation within massifs implies severe reduction in female‐mediated gene flow between patches of habitats.     

Influence of Hydrological Conditions on the Formation of Forested Peatlands and Shallow-Peat Forests at Watersheds in the Central Forest Nature Reserve

The spatial variability of the water regime determined by peat-deposit structure and surface slope is characteristic of watershed forested peatlands and shallow-peat forests that belong to similar forest types The specific features of the water regime determine the tree-stand structure, the composition of the herb–shrub and moss tiers, and the reaction to climatic changes of the past. The history of forested peatlands formation is comparable in duration to that of large peatbog massifs formation. An increase in wood-macrofossils content in peat is characteristic of warm periods of the Holocene. Conversely, a decrease in wood-macrofossils content accompanied by an increase in sphagnum moss remains, intensive growth of the deposit, and paludification of the adjacent forests were timed to the cold periods. The climatic factor was shown to determine the general direction of forested peatlands development, whereas the hydrological features of the site determined the variety of scenarios and resistance to environmental changes.     

Genetic structure and evolution of Alpine polyploid complexes: Ranunculus kuepferi (Ranunculaceae) as a case study

The alpine white-flowered buttercup, Ranunculus kuepferi Greuter & Burdet, is a polyploid complex with diploids endemic to the southwestern Alps and polyploids – which have been previously described as apomictic – widespread throughout European mountains. Due to the polymorphic status of both its ploidy level and its reproductive mode, R. kuepferi represents a key species for understanding the evolution of polyploid lineages in alpine habitats. To disentangle the phylogeography of this polyploid taxon, we used cpDNA sequences and AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers in 33 populations of R. kuepferi representative of its ploidy level and distribution area. Polyploid individuals were shown to be the result of at least two polyploidization events that may have taken place in the southwestern Alps. From this region, one single main migration of tetraploids colonized the entire Alpine range, the Apennines and Corsica. Genetic recombination among tetraploids was also observed, revealing the facultative nature of the apomictic reproductive mode in R. kuepferi polyploids. Our study shows the contrasting role played by diploid lineages mostly restricted to persistent refugia and by tetraploids, whose dispersal abilities have permitted their range extension all over the previously glaciated Alpine area and throughout neighbouring mountain massifs.     

Isolation and functional characterization of the heavy and light chains of human tissue-type plasminogen activator

Two-chain tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), which consists of a heavy chain (Mr congruent to 38,000) and a light chain (Mr congruent to 31,000) connected by a disulfide bridge, was reduced with 2-mercaptoethanol and then air-reoxidized at a low protein concentration and carboxamidomethylated. The two chains were separated by means of zinc chelate-agarose, which was found to bind the light chain selectively. The light chain was fully active on the tripeptide substrate H-D-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine p-nitroanilide (S-2288) and partially active on plasminogen. The plasminogen activator activity of the light chain was, in contrast to that of two-chain t-PA, not stimulated by fibrin or fibrinogen fragments. Fibrin-agarose chromatography of radiolabeled chains showed that only the heavy chain bound to fibrin. These results indicate that the active site-containing light chain in t-PA needs the heavy chain for fibrin stimulation of its plasminogen activator activity.     

High genetic differentiation in the alpine plant Campanula alpina Jacq. (Campanulaceae): evidence for glacial survival in several Carpathian regions and long-term isolation between the Carpathians and the Alps

A survey of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation was conducted to elucidate the phylogeography of Campanula alpina , a key species of silicicolous alpine grasslands in the Carpathians with a disjunct distribution in the Eastern European Alps. The Carpathians experienced a different glacial history from the Alps: local glaciers were present only in the highest massifs, while alpine habitats extended over larger areas related to their present distribution in this region. We asked: (i) whether in the Carpathians a high-mountain plant exhibits a complex phylogeographical structure or rather signatures of recent migrations, and (ii) whether the disjunct part of the species' distribution in the Alps resulted from a recent colonization from the Carpathians or from a restricted expansion from separate Eastern Alpine refugia. Our study revealed a clear phylogeographical pattern in AFLPs supported by congruent groups of distinct cpDNA haplotypes. Highest genetic differentiation was observed between the Alps and the Carpathians, indicating a long-term isolation between populations from these two mountain ranges. Further genetic division within the Carpathians suggests that current species' distribution is composed of several groups which have been isolated from each other for a long period. One genetic break separates Western from Southeastern Carpathian material, which is in line with a classical biogeographical boundary. A further, strongly supported genetic group was identified at the southwestern edge of the Carpathian arch. In the Eastern Alps, genetic traces of glacial survival in separate refugial areas in the calcareous northern part and the siliceous central part were found.     

Endogamy among the Dogon of Boni, Mali

This paper examines factors influencing endogamy in a Dogon population in Mali. Situated in Boni district, this population of about 5000 individuals is distributed over fifteen villages located on four independent massifs. This population is strongly endogamous (only 4% of all marriages are contracted with neighbouring ethnic groups), and each massif shows high endogamy. The roles of lineage, residence in the same village, and geographical distance in mating choice are examined. These different factors are successively analysed using log-linear statistical models and the results offer a more precise interpretation of endogamy in this population.