AMMONOID SHELL STRUCTURES OF PRIMARY ORGANIC COMPOSITION

Abstract:  Palaeozoic and Mesozoic cephalopod conchs occasionally reveal dark organic coatings at the aperture. A number of these coatings, including still unrecorded examples, are described, figured and interpreted herein. On the basis of elemental analysis, actualistic comparison and a comparison with Triassic bivalves, some of these coatings are shown to consist of apatite and primarily probably of conchiolin (and also probably melanin). In several Mesozoic ammonoid genera such as Paranannites , Psiloceras , Lytoceras , Phylloceras , Harpoceras and Chondroceras , some of these coatings (recorded herein for most of these taxa for the first time) are interpreted as a structure similar to the black band, which was previously known only from Recent Allonautilus and Nautilus . In contrast to these nautilid genera, however, the organic material of some Mesozoic ammonoids was not deposited on the inside of the shell but externally, albeit positioned at the terminal aperture as in Recent nautilids. Some ammonoids of Carboniferous and Triassic age show several such bands at more or less regular angular distances on the ultimate whorls and at the aperture, e.g. Nomismoceras , Gatherites , Owenites , Paranannites , Juvenites and Melagathiceratidae gen. et sp. nov. Triassic material from Oman shows that the black coating was probably secreted from the inside, because the position of this organic deposit changes from interior to exterior in an anterior direction (i.e. adaperturally). This structure has previously been referred to as a 'false colour pattern' and is here interpreted as having been formed at an interim aperture or megastria ('alter Mundrand'). All structures discussed in the paper are considered to have been secreted by a single organ and to have been initiated by some form of stress or adverse conditions. Thus, certain environmental parameters and growth anomalies appear to have influenced their formation.     

Multiple mating in wild Drosophila melanogaster revisited by microsatellite analysis

The occurrence of multiple mating in Drosophila melanogaster is of particular interest to evolutionary biologists, as seminal fluid has some toxic effects for females. Thus, it has been predicted that the number of matings per females should be low. We have tested this prediction with seven highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in inseminated females from a Viennese D. melanogaster population. In contrast to the predicted low number of matings and previous studies in natural populations, we identified the genotypes of four to six different males fertilizing the offspring of each female tested. Potential causes and consequences are discussed.     

Genic microsatellite markers derived from EST sequences of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

Switchgrass is a large, North American, perennial grass that is being evaluated as a potential energy crop. There is a need to assess genetic diversity in stored accessions and in remaining native stands to assist breeding and conservation efforts. Marker development will also be necessary for genetic linkage mapping. Toward this end, 32 switchgrass genic di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide repeat microsatellites were identified from expressed sequence tags (ESTs). These microsatellites were used to screen individuals from two different named cultivars. The markers displayed a high level of polymorphism consistent with the tetraploid, allogamous behaviour of the cultivars tested.     

A comparative study of sex pheromone reception in the Hadeninae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract A comparative study of the olfactory responses to pheromone compounds was performed in twenty-four species of Hadeninae. Electroantennograms (EAG) were recorded on male moths in response to thirty compounds and the response profiles of each species were analysed by factorial correspondence analysis. A limited number of molecules were found active and the most effective stimuli were Z9 tetradecenes and Z11 hexadecenes. The species of the Mythimna genus were most sensitive to aldehydes. Tholera decimalis did not respond to any of the molecules tested. The species belonging to the Mamestra and the Orthosia genera responded to a variety of molecules and no simple correlation was found between the genus and the EAG sensibility. Pheromone reception is discussed in relation to the taxonomy and the evolution of olfactory communication in Hadeninae.     

NEW JELLYFISH TAXA FROM THE UPPER JURASSIC LITHOGRAPHIC LIMESTONES OF CERIN (FRANCE): TAPHONOMY AND ECOLOGY

Abstract:  Abundant well-preserved jellyfish impressions are described from the Cerin Lagerstätte (Ain, eastern France). The enclosing sediments are lithographic limestones deposited in a Late Kimmeridgian lagoon lying on an emergent reef complex. Two new taxa of Scyphozoa are proposed: Paraurelia cerinensis gen. et sp. nov. (abundant) and Paraurelia sp. A (rare), and two new taxa of Cubozoa: Bipedalia cerinensis gen. et sp. nov. (rare) and Paracarybdea lithographica gen. et sp. nov. (very rare). Rapid covering by a microbial mat helped the preservation of the animals. Many specimens of Paraurelia cerinensis are deformed by slippage down the palaeoslope, which characterizes the margin of the lagoon. Their resultant morphology and their orientation clearly indicate the downslope direction. Tentacles of Bipedalia cerinensis and Paracarybdea lithographica are also orientated according to the palaeoslope. The jellyfish were probably dead individuals occasionally introduced into the Cerin lagoon. However, another hypothesis may be considered with reference to the model of the present-day jellyfish lakes in Palau (Caroline Islands, Western Pacific). Jellyfish could have lived in the more oxygenated upper layer of water of the Cerin lagoon that allowed pelagic life. This situation could have corresponded to short periods of easier communication between the open sea and the lagoon. Jellyfish are only found in the lower beds of the lithographic limestones and their distribution illustrates the supposed evolution of the Cerin lagoon. Initially, it was deep, mainly flooded, with possibly autochthonous jellyfish and allochthonous animals indicating clear marine influence. Later, the lagoon shallowed and its sediments often emerged with marginal marine burrows and plants indicating increasing terrestrial influence.     

ISOPOD TRACKWAYS FROM THE CRAYSSAC LAGERSTÄTTE, UPPER JURASSIC, FRANCE

Abstract:  Well-preserved arthropod trackways are described from the laminated limestones of the Crayssac Lagerstätte (south-west France, Lower Tithonian). They occur in sediments deposited in the temporary coastal mudflats of intertidal to supratidal zones. The trackways are referred to Pterichnus isopodicus isp. nov., and are interpreted as the locomotion traces of isopods. Different trackway morphotypes are recognized and clearly resulted from variations in the original consistency of the sediment. Sinuous trackways may correspond to vagrant activity on wet mud whereas numerous straight ones indicate a more rapid crawling on a soft-to-firm substratum (e.g. tidal flat during emersion). The preferred orientation of trackways indicates that isopods were crawling in a direction perpendicular to shoreline as a result of possible taxis induced by sediment wetness and/or by a migratory behaviour controlled by tidal rhythm. Unusually long emergence of the sediments may have favoured the preservation of dense networks of trackways. An isopod identity is supported by the general morphology of the tracks and the association of trackways with isopod body fossils. Archaeoniscus , which occurs abundantly in Late Jurassic deposits of England and France, was probably the trace-maker.     

Population genetic structure of three freshwater mussel (Unionidae) species within a small stream system: significant variation at local spatial scales

1. Unionid mussels are highly threatened, but little is known about genetic structure in populations of these organisms. We used allozyme electrophoresis to examine partitioning of genetic variation in three locally abundant and widely distributed species of mussels from a catchment in Ohio. 2. Within‐population variation was similar to that previously reported for freshwater mussels, but genotype frequencies exhibited heterozygote deficiencies in many instances. All three species exhibited significant among‐population variation. Evidence of isolation‐by‐distance was found in Elliptio dilatata and Ptychobranchus fasciolaris, while Lampsilis siliquoidea showed no geographical pattern of among‐population variation. 3. Our results suggest that the isolating effects of genetic drift were greater in L. siliquoidea than in the other species. Differentiation of populations occurred at a much smaller spatial scale than has previously been found in freshwater mussels. Differences among species may reflect differences in the dispersal abilities of fishes that serve as hosts for the glochidia larvae of mussels. 4. Based on our results, we hypothesise that species of mussels that are common to large rivers exhibit relatively large amounts of within‐population genetic variation and little differentiation over large geographical distances. Conversely, species typical of small streams show lower within‐population genetic variation and populations will be more isolated. If this hypothesis can be supported, it may prove useful in the design of conservation strategies that maintain the genetic structure of target species.     

Prevalence of common <Emphasis Type="Italic">MEFV</Emphasis> mutations and carrier frequencies in a large cohort of Iranian populations

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. The disease is especially common among Armenian, Turkish, Jewish and Middle East Arab populations. To identify the frequency and the spectrum of common MEFV mutations in different Iranian populations, we investigated a cohort of 208 unselected asymptomatic individuals and 743 FMF patients. Nine hundred and fifty-one samples were analysed for the presence of 12 MEFV mutations by PCR and reverse-hybridization (FMF StripAssay, ViennaLab, Vienna, Austria). Confirmatory dideoxy sequencing of all MEFV gene exons was performed for 39 patients. Fifty-seven (27.4%) healthy individual carried mutant MEFV alleles. Three hundred and ninety-one (52.6%) FMF patients were found positive for either one (172/743; 23.1%), two or three MEFV mutations. Using dideoxy sequencing, three novel variants, A66P, R202W and H300Q, could be identified. Our analysis revealed an allele frequency and carrier rate of 15.6 and 27.4%, respectively, among healthy Iranians. Still moderate compared to neighbouring Armenia, but higher than in Turkey or Iraq, these data suggest that FMF is remarkably common among Iranian populations. E148Q was most frequent in the group of healthy individuals, whereas M694V was the most common mutation among FMF patients, thereby corroborating previous studies on MEFV mutational spectra in the Middle East. Accordingly, MEFV mutations are frequent in healthy Iranian individuals across different ethnic groups. Based on this finding, the awareness for FMF and the implementation of augmented carrier screening programmes considering the multiethnic nature of the Iranian population should be promoted.