Spatio-temporal variation in the strength and mode of selection acting on major histocompatibility complex diversity in water vole (Arvicola terrestris) metapopulations

Patterns of spatio-temporal genetic variation at a class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus and multiple microsatellite loci were analysed within and between three water vole metapopulations in Scotland, UK. Comparisons of MHC and microsatellite spatial genetic differentiation, based on standardised tests between two demographically asynchronous zones within a metapopulation, suggested that spatial MHC variation was affected by balancing selection, directional selection and random genetic drift, but that the relative effects of these microevolutionary forces vary temporally. At the metapopulation level, between-year differentiation for MHC loci was significantly correlated with that of microsatellites, signifying that neutral factors such as migration and drift were primarily responsible for overall temporal genetic change at the metapopulation scale. Between metapopulations, patterns of genetic differentiation implied that, at large spatial scales, MHC variation was primarily affected by directional selection and drift. Levels of MHC heterozygosity in excess of Hardy–Weinberg expectations were consistent with overdominant balancing selection operating on MHC variation within metapopulations. However, this effect was not constant among all samples, indicating temporal variation in the strength of selection relative to other factors. The results highlight the benefit of contrasting variation at MHC with neutral markers to separate the effects of stochastic and deterministic microevolutionary forces, and add to a growing body of evidence showing that the mode and relative strength of selection acting on MHC diversity varies both spatially and temporally.     

Morphology and systematics of the Scytopetalaceae

The present study is based on a re-investigation of the vegetative and reproductive structures of the West African family Scytopetalaceae. Special emphasis is paid to inflorescence morphology and seed anatomy. The inflorescences of all genera of Scytopetalaceae can be interpreted as derived from panicles through reductions and structural changes. Thyrsoids prevail, but panicles, botryoids and racemes occur as well. Within the family cauliflory appears as the derived condition. Seed coat structure is extremely simplified and very stable in the Scytopetalaceae. The horny endosperm contains amyloid as the main storage compound. The presence of two obviously different forms of ruminate endosperm indicates that rumination arose twice within the family. The neotropical genus Asteranthos (Lecythidaceae) agrees in almost all relevant characters with the Scytopetalaceae. Therefore the proposed inclusion of Asteranthos in the latter family is fully confirmed. Scytopetalaceae, Lecythidaceae, Foetidiaceae and Napoleonaeaceae apparently form a natural alliance. Two new subfamilies (Scytopetaloideae, comprising Scytopetalum, Oubanguia , and Asteranthos; Rhaptopetaloideae comprising Rhaptopetalum, Pierrina and Brazzeia ) are proposed and fully described.     

Extinctions and migrations of Devonian rugose corals in the Eastern Americas Realm

Oliver, W. A., Jr. 1990 04 15: Extinctions and migrations of Devonian rugose corals in The Eastern Americas Realm. Lethaia , Vol. 23 , pp. 167–178. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Detailed plotting of the stratigraphic ranges of Devonian rugose coral genera within the Eastern Americas Realm reveals new information about the extinctions and migrations of this largely endemic fauna. There were significant faunal turnovers in the Lochkovian, middle Eifelian and late Givetian. as well as in the often discussed late Frasnian. The late Givetian turnover was nearly as great as the Frasnian one. Inward migration was principally from western North America, and the greatest influxes were during the carly Givetian and Frasnian. It seems likely that there were several separate incursions and that some genera were introduced to the east two, or even three times.     

Chemical studies on some lichens in the Linnaean Herbarium and lectotypification of Lichen rangiferinus L. (em. Ach.)

Twenty-one specimens appear under the name 'Lichen rangiferinus' in the Linnaean Herbarium. Small fragments of these specimens have been subjected to chemical analysis for the first time using one or more of the following techniques: Lichen mass spectrometry, Ultraviolet spectrophotometry and Thin layer chromatography. The results, which have been stored in full on computer tape, are summarized and discussed in relation to the morphology and annotation of the lichens concerned. These studies have led to the selection of the specimen on sheet number 1273.240 as the lectotype of Lichen rangiferinus L. The fact that the chemical analysis of this specimen was carried out on less than 0.5 milligrams of thallus indicates the power of contemporary physicochemical methods in Herbarium studies of this nature.