Justification for the generic status of Courtoisina (Cyperaceae)

In the past, the two species of Courtoisina were placed either in Cyperus L., Mariscus Vahl, or in Courtoisia Nees (now Courtoisina Sojak). While these species show undoubted external similarities to both Cypm and Muriscus , they differ by their widely winged glumes and the arrangement of the veins of the glumes. They also differ profoundly from Mariscus and most species of Cypm in anatomical characteristics, and it is concluded that these differences warrant separate generic status.     

The relationships of Heberdenia bahamensis and H. penduliflora (Myrsinaceae)

A morphological and anatomical investigation is presented of the two species of Heberdenia, H. bahamensis (Macaronesia) and H. penduliflora (Mexico). A cladistic analysis including 27 taxa of the Myrsinaceae and using Jacquinia (Theophrastaceae) and Manilkara (Sapotaceae) as outgroup was performed to provide a hypothesis of the relationships of the two species of Heberdenia. It was concluded that H. bahamensis and H. penduliflora are not more closely related to each other than either is to many other species of the Myrsinaceae, and that they should not be referred to the same genus. Heberdenia bahamensis appears to be most closely related to the Old World genera Pleiomeris, Embelia , and Grenacheria , whereas H. penduliflora is nested within Ardisia s. L , possibly being most closely related to the segregate genus Gentlea. It is suggested that H. penduliflora is probably best referred to a genus of its own.     

Reproductive biology of Echinodorus longipetalus (Alismataceae): Sexual morphs,breeding system and pollinators

The floral biology, pollinators and breeding system of Echinodorus longipetalus Micheli were studied in a marshy area of the district of Taquaritinga (State of São Paulo), southeastern Brazil. E. longipetalus is gynodioecious and as far as is known, this is the first record of unisexual flowers, besides perfect flowers, in Echinodorus. Proportion of female individuals in the studied population is 50% and produces 31% more flowers than hermaphrodites. Perfect and pistillate flowers of E. longipetalus are similar in appearance and are pollinated by several species of Hymenoptera (mainly by Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) suspecta Moure & Camargo). Perfect flowers offer pollen as a reward. Pistillate flowers attract floral visitors by deceit with their staminodes that resemble the stamens of the perfect flowers. Visits to pistillate flowers are quick (1–2 s), while visits to perfect flowers last up to 120 s. The perfect flowers are self-compatible and produce fruits through spontaneous self-pollination (control flowers), whereas the pistillate ones only set fruits through cross-pollinations. Perfect and pistillate flowers set more fruits under natural conditions than in manual treatments, respectively. Although the pistillate and perfect flowers bear a strong similarity, the selective pollinator behavior seems to be responsible for the increase of fruit set in perfect flowers.     

Earliest fossil record of the Certhioidea (treecreepers and allies) from the early Miocene of Germany

A complete tarsometatarsus of a passerine bird from the early Miocene (MN 3) of Petersbuch (Bavaria, Germany) is identified as an extinct representative of the climbing Certhioidea, i.e., a clade comprising treecreepers (Certhiidae), nuthatches and wallcreepers (Sittidae). The fossil specimen represents the so far earliest evidence of a representative of the Certhioidea and is described as †Certhiops rummeli gen. et sp. nov. Similarities to other climbing passerines are discussed.     

Paleolimnology and diatom flora of the Miocene Quincy Diatomite,Washington, USA

The Quincy Diatomite, central Washington, USA, is a middle Miocene (∼ 15 Ma) lacustrine deposit located between flows of the Columbia River Basalt Group. Two primary localities along the western margin of the deposit are examined for stratigraphic and geographic variation. Three lithologic units are recognized in the deposit and are distinguished by distinct diatom floras and subtle lithologic differences. Diatom assemblages vary geographically along the western margin of the basin. Distinctions between these assemblages are confirmed through analysis of point count data using nonMetric Multidimensional Scaling and cluster analyses. Three stages of lake development, directly influenced by the regional geology and geography, are recognized. The earliest stage was likely deposited in a series of small-interconnected pocket lakes that were eutrophic and slightly alkaline. This lake stage was succeeded by a period of shallower water depth, and dominated by benthic species. The latest stage of the lake is interpreted as representing a deepening and expansion of the lake, based on the dominance of planktonic diatom species. Tectonic uplift of the western Frenchman Hills Anticline combined with overall subsidence of the Quincy Basin during intermediate and late stages of lake development is interpreted to be the driver for relative changes in lake bathymetry.     

Contribution to the knowledge of female west palaearctic Glyptotendipes Kieff. (Diptera, Nematocera, Chironomidae)

The characters of the genitalia of the females of Glyptotendipes glaucus (Meigen, 1818), Glyptotendipes pallens (Meigen, 1804), Glyptotendipes paripes (Edwards, 1929), Glyptotendipes gripekoveni (Kieffer, 1913), Glyptotendipes aequalis (Kieffer, 1922), Glyptotendipes barbipes (Staeger, 1839) and Glyptotendipes salinus Michailova, 1987 are described. A key for the identification of these species is given.The taxonomic status of Glyptotendipes aequalis is discussed.     

Seed-coat anatomy of the non-pleurogrammic seeds in the tribe Ingeae (Leguminosae,Mimosoideae)

An anatomically complex structure of the seed-coat is a general characteristic of all members of the Leguminosae. Nonetheless, certain genera exhibit a particular type of seed, the “overgrown” seen that has been defined by a developmental criterion and by more simple anatomical features of the seed-coat. Only the last criterion seems suitable for unambiguously distinguishing this type of seed, which is here referred to as “overgrown-like.” This type appears to be apomorphic in the Ingeae (and probably in all the Leguminosae) and likely results from a heterochronic loss of tissue differentiation. Variations in this character may be useful at the generic level, and detailed anatomical observations reveal the occurrence of three distinct patterns. The high degree of correlation with other characters suggests that overgrown-like seeds have evolved separately at least three times in the Ingeae and thatPithecellobium s.s. may be polyphyletic. The overgrown-like seeds are likely to be an adaptive response to wet tropical climates.     

Population genetics of two rare perennials in isolated wetlands: Sagittaria isoetiformis and S. teres (Alismataceae)

We investigated genetic structure in two closely related perennial plants that occur in isolated wetlands: Sagittaria isoetiformis, restricted to the southeastern Coastal Plain of North America, and S. teres, endemic to the northeastern Coastal Plain. Using horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis, we screened 527 individuals from 11 populations of S. isoetiformis and 367 individuals from seven populations of S. teres. A high proportion of the 16 loci were polymorphic (%P(S) = 93.8% in S. isoetiformis and %P(S) = 75.0% in S. teres), with higher mean numbers of alleles per polymorphic locus and effective alleles per locus in S. isoetiformis (AP = 3.27, A(E) = 1.90) than in S. teres (AP = 2.58, A(E) = 1.30). Species- and population-level expected heterozygosities were higher in S. isoetiformis (H(ES) = 0.399, H(EP) = 0.218) than in S. teres (H(ES) = 0.177, H(EP) = 0.101). Jackknife estimates of F statistics indicated moderate levels of inbreeding in S. teres (F(IS) = 23.1%). Strong differentiation characterized these geographically isolated populations (G(ST) = 39.9% in S. isoetiformis, and G(ST) = 26.1% in S. teres). Genetic identities varied substantially within (ī = 75%, range = 0.558-0.963 in S. isoetiformis; ī = 89%, range = 0.776-0.963 in S. teres) and among species (ī = 81%, range = 0.506-0.882), leading to the discrimination of four regional population clusters using nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). It appears that S. isoetiformis and S. teres are a progenitor-derivative species pair.     

Floral Ontogeny in Bourreria (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales)

Gynoecium and fruit ontogeny is studied in eight species of Bourreria (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales). The internal architecture of the bicarpellate ovary results from the development of several secondary septs, i.e., apical, basal, and false septs. Flower and fruit morphology provide additional characters for phylogenetic analyses. Apomorphies of monophyletic Bourreria are the valvate calyx lobes, an extensive disc, and an additional sterile chamber in each endocarpid (i.e., fruit part). The development of transfer cells and endosperm haustoria confirm the systematic placement of Bourreria in the Primarily Woody Boraginales (i.e., Heliotropiaceae, Cordiaceae, and Ehretiaceae including Lennoaceae). However, the precise systematic position of Bourreria within Ehretiaceae cannot be resolved on the basis of the morphological data provided here.     

Anatomical and developmental study of petrified Quercus (Fagaceae) fruits from the Middle Miocene, Yakima Canyon, Washington, USA

The first reported petrified acorns to show internal anatomical structure are here described from Middle Miocene (～15.6 million years old) chert of the Columbia River Basalt Group in Yakima Canyon, Washington. Quercus hiholensis Borgardt et Pigg sp. nov. is described from anatomical and morphological fruit features, as well as a little recognized anatomical feature, the umbilical complex. Acorns, each comprising a nut and its cupule, are up to 15.3 mm long and 18.8 mm wide with helically arranged, imbricate, tuberculate cupule scales. They show basal aborted ovules, short styles, broad stigmas, and lack grooves in their cotyledons. These characters and the developmental pattern seen in these fossil acorns demonstrate that Q. hiholensis conforms to genus Quercus (Fagaceae), subgenus Quercus, section Quercus (the white oaks). The correspondence of Q. hiholensis to the modern section Quercus reveals that the derived floral and fruit characters that distinguish section Quercus within the genus had evolved by the Middle Miocene.     

Taphonomy of the early Miocene flora, Hiwegi Formation, Rusinga Island, Kenya

A fossil flora was collected in situ from early Miocene deposits at site R117 in the Hiwegi Formation of Rusinga Island contemporaneous with and in close proximity to the sites from where the anthropoid primates were recovered. The flora exhibits a spatially and temporally patchy distribution of fruits and seeds, mixed with twigs of various sizes, fragments of wood, bark, and leaves, all with random orientations and very low depositional dips. There has been minimal transport and the flora evidently accumulated as in situ litter beneath local vegetation. Based on Nearest Living Relatives (NLR) of fruits and seeds, the vegetation represented is a deciduous broad-leaved woodland with continuous canopy, with trees, shrubs, lianas, and climbers, reminiscent of the structure of the modern vegetation in the steep-sided protected valleys in the Laetoli-Endulen area. The interpretation of the vegetation is supported by the presence of twigs, wood, and bark fragments from larger diameter axes. Climbers are represented by twining stem fragments as well as by a wide variety of distinctive fruits and seeds. The proportion of fossilised thorny twigs represents only 3% of the twig collections, and there are no unequivocal forest trees amongst the NLR. No grasses were present; monocotyledons are only represented by a single date palm stone. No conifer seeds or cones have been recovered, and there are no coniferous leafy shoots.     

The status of Phaiophleps lyckholmi (Dusen) R. G. Foster (Iridaceae)

An examination of the south Patagonian and Fuegian plant, Phaiophleps lyckholmi (Dusén) R. C. Foster, shows that it can be distinguished from the more widespread P. biflora (Thunb.) R. C. Foster by its leaf anatomy and perianth colour; these taxa can also be separated on the lengths of the peduncle and filament-tube, and on the shape of the perianth tube, although there is some overlap in these features. Because of the intermediates it is proposed that the two taxa be recognized as subspecies– P. biflora subsp. biflora , occupying grassland and dwarf-shrub communities at altitudes below 700 (-1000) m, reaches north to c. 46^o S latitude in Patagonia, while P. biflora subsp. lyckholmi (Dusén) D. M. Moore Stat. nov., is restricted to open habitats above (150-) 1050 m in Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia south of 48^o 50's latitude.     

Sexual Dimorphism of the Larynx of the Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa Pallas, 1777) (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Bovidae)

The larynges (except for the epiglottis) of two adult Mongolian gazelles, one male and one female, were dissected. This species is characterized by a pronounced sexual dimorphism of the larynx. Dimorphism with regard to the size of the entire larynx and of the thyroid cartilage is about 2:1 whereas the difference of mean body mass is about 1.3:1 between males and females. Unexpectedly, and in contrast to other bovids, the larynx of the male Mongolian gazelle has a paired lateral laryngeal ventricle. However, in contrast to horse, dog, pig and many primate species also possessing such a paired ventricle, its rostral opening in the Mongolian gazelle is situated lateral to the corniculate process of the arytenoid cartilage. The neck of the laryngeal ventricle is embraced by the bifurcated cuneiform process of the epiglottis. Despite the enlarged laryngeal cartilages, the vocal process of the male arytenoid cartilage is relatively shorter than that of the female. The male thyroarytenoid muscle is clearly separated into a rostral ventricular muscle and a caudal vocal muscle whereas the female's, as in other bovids, is almost uniform. The lateral sac of the two-chambered laryngeal ventricle in the male projects laterally between the ventricular and the vocal muscle. As in the domestic bovids and in many other artiodactyls the larynx of the male Mongolian gazelle is lacking any rostrally directed membraneous portion of the vocal fold. Instead, the thick and tough bow-like vocal fold projects caudally into the infraglottic cavity and is supported by a peculiar pan-like fibroelastic pad. This resilient element, situated medial to the bipartite thyroarytenoid muscle, might be a homologue of the vocal ligament, eventually including lateral portions of the elastic cone. A fibroelastic pad is absent in the female. The resilient floor of the laryngeal vestibulum, ventral to the fibroelastic pad, is rostrally and caudally subducted by tube-like spaces. Evolutionary enlargement of the male larynx, including the vocal folds, and of the caudal portions of the vocal tract may have shifted the fundamental and formant frequencies to a lower register. The paired lateral laryngeal ventricle might produce an amplitude increase of the vocalizations assisted by differential action of the bipartite thyroarytenoid muscle. In addition, the peculiar shape, size and tough consistency of the male vocal folds may, as in roaring felids, assist in producing high amplitude and low frequency vocalizations. Perhaps the biological role of the enlarged male larynx of Procapra gutturosa has evolved in relation to its mating system. In the rutting season, dominant males establish individual territories and maintain harems. During prolonged courtship prior to mating, these males perform an acoustic display uttering loud and guttural bellows. In addition, the bulging ventral neck region of males may serve as an optical attractant for the females. Thus, the evolution of the enlarged larynx of the male Mongolian gazelle may have been favoured by sexual selection.     

The genus Koenigia L. emend. Hedberg (Polygonaceae)

Pollen morphological studies revealed the occurrence of the characteristic spinulose pollen type of Koenigia not only in the three species earlier recognized in the genus (A" islandka, K. nepalensis and K. pilosd) but also in three additional species earlier treated under Polygonum , viz. K delicatula (Meisn.) Hara, K. forrestii (Diels) Mesicek & Soják, and A" nummularifolia (Meisn.) Mesicek & Soják. Further studies of flower morphology, fruit and petiole anatomy, basic chromosome number, etc., revealed additional similarities between those species, which led to a taxonomic revision of the genus Koenigia. This genus seems to be most closely related to Persicaria Mill, sections Cephalophilon (Meisn.) Gross and Echinocaulon (Meisn.) Gross, with Koenigia delicatula as a connecting link. There arc also interesting similarities with the genus Aconogonon (Meisn.) Rchb. Koenigia exemplifies the derivation from montane ancestors of a high mountain-dwelling genus displaying adaptive radiation to fit diverse alpine niches. Five species out of six are confined to high mountain areas in southeastern Asia, primarily in the Himalayas, whereas the sixth has spread to Arctic and alpine areas in the northern hemisphere and even penetrated to southern South America. The latter species shows progressive reduction in size in combination with adaptation to a very short summer under severe climatic conditions.     

Morphological and anatomical studies on economically important Empetrum nigrum L. subsp.hermaphroditum (hagerup) bocher (empetraceae)

The study is based on anatomical and morphological investigations of Empetrum nigrum L. subsp. Hermaphroditum (Hagerup) Bocher, an important plant because of its value for medicine and food. Plant samples were collected from the northeastern part of Turkey. Morphological and anatomical features of various plant parts (e.g., stem, leaf, flower, and fruit) are illustrated and described in detail.     

Aspects of the fossil record and phylogeny of the familyRutaceae (Zanthoxyleae,Toddalioideae)

A comparative analysis of the seed morphology and anatomy of fossil and extantRutaceae (mainlyZanthoxyleae andToddalioideae) is presented. This allows to place the most important fossil taxa in a time-table and on paleogeographical maps. A phylogenetic scheme demonstrates the postulated historical relationships ofEvodia, Zanthoxylum, Fagara, Rutaspermum, Acronychia, Toddalia, Fagaropsis, andPhellodendron.     

Phylogenetic relationships of subgenera of the genus Exorista Meigen,with a revision of the Japanese species (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Phylogenetic relationships of the subgenera of Exorista Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae) are inferred from morphological data. Our results show that the genus Exorista is not monophyletic and that members of the subgenus Spixomyia Crosskey are divided into two clades. Each subgenus is redefined based on male and female morphological features. The Japanese species of Exorista are revised and classified into five subgenera: Adenia Robineau‐Desvoidy, Exorista Meigen, Podotachina Brauer and Bergenstamm, Ptilotachina Brauer and Bergenstamm, and Spixomyia Crosskey. Thirteen species are recognized, including two newly recorded species, Exorista (Adenia) cuneata Herting and Exorista (Spixomyia) lepis Chao. Exorista cantans Mesnil is transferred to the subgenus Podotachina from Spixomyia.