The phylogeny, biogeography and morphological evolution of Gaultheria (Ericaceae) from Australia and New Zealand

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Bush ◽  
Steven J. Wagstaff ◽  
Peter W. Fritsch ◽  
Kathleen A. Kron

Phylogenetic relationships within Gaultheria L. from Australia and New Zealand were examined by using DNA sequence data from matK, ndhF, nrITS, waxy and lfy. In the combined parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses, all Australia/New Zealand species form a clade that is sister to a clade of temperate South American species. Optimisation of morphological characters that have been emphasised in classifications of Gaultheria onto the molecular phylogeny revealed that, within the Australia/New Zealand clade, non-fleshy fruiting calyces, berries and solitary-flowered inflorescences each evolved twice, from fleshy fruiting calyces, capsules and multiple-flowered inflorescences, respectively. A historical biogeographical analysis that included the temperate southern hemisphere element in Gaultheria supports a South American origin of the Australia/New Zealand clade, followed by three dispersal events from New Zealand to Australia. Whether the origin is from temperate or tropical South America is ambiguous in our analysis.

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (S1) ◽  
pp. 677-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary L. Berbee ◽  
John W. Taylor

From ribosomal DNA sequence data we can estimate ascomycete relationships, the time of divergence of major ascomycete lineages, and the history of morphological evolutionary change. Groups long accepted by mycologists such as the filamentous ascomycetes with fruiting bodies, (the plectomycetes and pyrenomycetes) are supported by 18S rDNA sequence data. After generating a phylogenetic tree showing relationships, the geological time of divergence of major fungal lineages may be estimated, inferring elapsed time using the calibrated percent substitutions between sequences. Determining the pathway of evolution of morphological characters is more difficult than inferring the relationships among these taxa. To establish the history of morphological evolution, we need accurate trees receiving strong support from our data set. We also need taxa with the intermediate characters to reveal the sequence of events in morphological evolution. Soon, however, we may be able to take a more direct approach to evolution of morphological characters, sequencing the genes that code for the character. Key words: fungus evolution, ascomycete phylogeny.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Anice Mureb Sallum ◽  
Ranulfo González Obando ◽  
Nancy Carrejo ◽  
Richard C. Wilkerson

Abstract Background Accurate species identification of South American anophelines using morphological characters of the fourth-instar larva is problematic, because of the lack of up-to-date identification keys. In addition, taxonomic studies, employing scanning electron microscopy of the eggs and DNA sequence data, have uncovered multiple complexes of morphologically similar species, and resulted in the resurrection of other species from synonymy, mainly in the subgenus Nyssorhynchus. Consequently, the identification keys urgently need to be updated to provide accurate morphological tools to identify fourth-instar larvae of all valid species and species complexes. Methods Morphological characters of the fourth-instar larvae of South American species of the genus Anopheles were examined and employed to elaborate a fully illustrated identification key. For species for which no specimens were available, illustrations were based on published literature records. Results A fully illustrated key to the fourth-instar larvae of South American species of the genus Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) is presented. Definitions of the morphological terms used in the key are provided and illustrated. Conclusions Morphological identification of South American Anopheles species based on the fourth-instar larvae has been updated. Characters of the spiracular apparatus were determined useful for the identification of morphologically similar species, in the Strodei Group and some taxa in the Myzorhynchella Section. The single versus branched abdominal seta 6-IV used to differentiate Myzorhynchella species from other Nyssorhynchus species was shown to be variable in Myzorhynchella species. Also, the abdominal setae 1-IV,V of Anopheles atacamensis and Anopheles pictipennis were shown to be slightly serrate at the edges. Recognition of this character is important to avoid inaccurate identification of these species as members of the subgenus Anopheles.


Author(s):  
Shinichi Nakahara ◽  
Thamara Zacca ◽  
Fernando M.S. Dias ◽  
Diego R. Dolibaina ◽  
Lei Xiao ◽  
...  

We provide the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of the poorly known South American butterfly genus Zischkaia Forster, 1964, hitherto regarded as including three described species. A phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequence data shows that Zischkaia is monophyletic and consists of two morphologically diagnosable clades. Morphological characters and DNA ‘barcodes’ support the recognition of twelve species in the genus, a significant increase even for the relatively poorly studied subtribe Euptychiina. Consequently, nine new species are described and named herein, including Z. arctoa Nakahara, sp. nov., Z. chullachaki Nakahara & Zacca, sp. nov., Z. baku Zacca, Dolibaina & Dias, sp. nov., Z. arenisca Nakahara, Willmott & Hall, sp. nov., Z. argyrosflecha Nakahara, L. Miller & Huertas, sp. nov., Z. abanico Nakahara & Petit, sp. nov., Z. josti Nakahara & Kleckner, sp. nov., Z. mielkeorum Dolibaina, Dias & Zacca, sp. nov. and Z. warreni Dias, Zacca & Dolibaina, sp. nov. In addition, a neotype is designated for Satyrus pacarus Godart, [1824], and lectotypes are designated for Euptychia amalda Weymer, 1911, Euptychia fumata Butler, 1867 and Euptychia saundersii Butler, 1867.


The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 1052-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Winker ◽  
Christin L. Pruett

Abstract The effects of seasonal migration on evolutionary change within lineages is poorly understood, in terms of both differentiation (cladogenesis) and specialization (anagenesis). Regarding differentiation, two contradictory hypotheses exist: Seasonal migration counters differentiation; or it can stimulate differentiation by exposing lineages to new environments. Regarding specialization, the morphological consequences of a migratory life history have not been well explored. We examined these issues by reconstructing morphological and molecular phylogenies of the genus Catharus (Turdidae), a group of forest-dwelling, New World thrushes traditionally considered to include a small “species flock” of Nearctic-Neotropic migrants. DNA sequence data (2,920–3,027 base pairs) do not support traditional taxonomy, and morphological characters conflicted with these data. Results suggest that long-distance seasonal migration arose independently four times in Catharus sensu lato (including Hylocichla mustelina). Correlated morphological evolution occurred among several characters in these lineages, and these shared traits may stem from ecological conditions in Nearctic forests. Migración Estacional, Especiación y Convergencia Morfológica en el Género Catharus (Turdidae)


The Condor ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 664-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Daniel Cadena ◽  
Andrés M. Cuervo ◽  
Scott M. Lanyon

Abstract The phylogenetic affinities of the Red-bellied Grackle (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster), a Colombian endemic and the only member of this genus, are enigmatic. Based on phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the cytochrome b and ND2 mitochondrial genes, we present a first hypothesis on the systematic position of Hypopyrrhus. In so doing, we complete the sampling at the genus level for a published phylogeny of New World blackbirds (Johnson and Lanyon 1999). Hypopyrrhus belongs in a clade composed of mostly South American species within the grackles and allies assemblage, one of the five main lineages in the Icteridae. Within this lineage, Hypopyrrhus is consistently placed in a clade with Gymnomystax mexicanus and Lampropsar tanagrinus, but parsimony and maximum-likelihood reconstructions do not agree on which of these species is its sister taxon. Vocal and morphological data suggest that Hypopyrrhus and Gymnomystax are likely sister taxa. The addition of Hypopyrrhus does not cause major topological changes to Johnson and Lanyon's (1999) phylogeny of the grackles and allies; thus, the conclusions of evolutionary studies that used this phylogeny as a baseline remain largely unaltered. Relaciones Filogenéticas de Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster (Icteridae) Inferidas a Partir de Secuencias de ADN Mitocondrial Resumen. Las afinidades filogenéticas de Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster, el único miembro de este género endémico de Colombia, son enigmáticas. En este estudio establecemos la posición sistemática de Hypopyrrhus con base en análisis filogenéticos de secuencias de los genes mitocondriales citocromo b y ND2. Además, completamos el muestreo a nivel genérico para una filogenia del grupo publicada por Johnson y Lanyon (1999). Hypopyrrhus pertenece a un clado compuesto principalmente por especies suramericanas dentro del grupo de los changos y chamones, uno de los cinco clados principales de los Icteridae. Dentro de este grupo, Hypopyrrhus se ubica consistentemente en un clado junto con Gymnomystax mexicanus y Lampropsar tanagrinus, pero las reconstrucciones de parsimonia y máxima verosimilitud se contradicen en cuanto a cuál de estas especies es su taxón hermano. Datos de vocalizaciones y morfología sugieren que Hypopyrrhus y Gymnomystax son probablemente géneros hermanos. La incorporación de Hypopyrrhus a la filogenia de Johnson y Lanyon (1989) no causó cambios topoló gicos importantes, por lo que las conclusiones de los estudios evolutivos que usaron esta filogenia como base no fueron alteradas.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 307 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
PETER B. HEENAN ◽  
TERRY D. MACFARLANE ◽  
ANDREA L. CASE ◽  
SEAN W. GRAHAM ◽  
ANNIKA VINNERSTEN ◽  
...  

The new combination Wurmbea novae-zelandiae was recently made based on published phylogenetic studies, but little information was provided on its relationships based on morphology. This species was originally described as Anguillaria novae-zelandiae, for which a lectotype is designated. Morphological characters of W. novae-zelandiae are re-evaluated and shown to be characteristic of Wurmbea, thereby supporting the revised generic placement. However, W. novae-zelandiae differs from all other Wurmbea species in its diminutive stature, fewer tepals and stamens, and variable floral morphology, with 1–3 carpels, often leaf-like tepals, and aberrant tepal shape and number. DNA sequence data places W. novae-zelandiae as the sister species of W. uniflora, a species not included in earlier phylogenetic studies. These two species share mostly solitary flowers with white tepals, nectaries two per tepal and similar in form and position, small yellow anthers, and styles that are relatively short and recurve as flowering proceeds, with the inner style surface stigmatic for up to half of its length. A revised generic description of Wurmbea is provided to take account of the recently widened concept.


2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Stech ◽  
Tanja Pfeiffer ◽  
Wolfgang Frey

Plastid trnT–F and atpB–rbcL spacer sequences as well as AFLP fingerprints are utilised to infer phylogenetic relationships of Dendroligotrichum and Polytrichadelphus taxa (Polytrichaceae) in the palaeoaustral region. Phylogenies based on DNA sequence data support the monophyly of each genus. Relationships within Dendroligotrichum remain ambiguous owing to low sequence divergence. AFLP fingerprinting, however, allows a clear distinction of all included Dendroligotrichum and Polytrichadelphus taxa at the species level. The morphological, distributional, ecological and molecular differences justify the recognition of the following three species in Dendroligotrichum: D. dendroides (Brid. ex Hedw.) Broth. and D. squamosum (Hook.f. & Wilson) Cardot in southern South America, as well as D. microdendron (Müll. Hal.) G.L.Sm. in New Zealand; and the following two species in Polytrichadelphus: P. magellanicus (Hedw.) Mitt. s.str. in southern South America and P. innovans (Müll. Hal.) A.Jäger in Australia and New Zealand. For Polytrichadelphus, the molecular topologies correspond with a vicariance scenario, with a basic split of taxa in the palaeoaustral region followed by migration of southern South American taxa northwards into the Neotropics. In Dendroligotrichum, substitutions and indels in the trnL intron and atpB–rbcL spacer are ambiguous in supporting either a basic split between the South American species and D. microdendron, similar to the one in Polytrichadelphus, or a trans-oceanic dispersal event between New Zealand and southern South America.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER B. HEENAN ◽  
ROB D. SMISSEN

The generic taxonomy of the Nothofagaceae is revised. We present a new phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters and map these characters onto a recently published phylogenetic tree obtained from DNA sequence data. Results of these and previous analyses strongly support the monophyly of four clades of Nothofagaceae that are currently treated as subgenera of Nothofagus. The four clades of Nothofagaceae are robust and well-supported, with deep stem divergences, have evolutionary equivalence with other genera of Fagales, and can be circumscribed with morphological characters. We argue that these morphological and molecular differences are sufficient for the four clades of Nothofagaceae to be recognised at the primary rank of genus, and that this classification will be more informative and efficient than the currently circumscribed Nothofagus with four subgenera.        Nothofagus is recircumscribed to include five species from southern South America, Lophozonia and Trisyngyne are reinstated, and the new genus Fuscospora is described. Fuscospora and Lophozonia, with six and seven species respectively, occur in New Zealand, southern South America and Australia. Trisyngyne comprises 25 species from New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. New combinations are provided where necessary in each of these genera.


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