New approaches to cataloguing and understanding evolutionary diversity: a perspective from Australian herpetology

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Oliver ◽  
J. Scott Keogh ◽  
Craig Moritz
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Fundamental Unit ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Evolutionary Studies ◽  
Evolutionary Lineages ◽  
Biodiversity Information ◽  
Lineage Diversity

Species are a fundamental unit for all fields of biology but conceptual and practical limitations have hampered the process of identifying and describing species in many organismal groups. One outcome of these challenges is the accumulation of genetically divergent lineages and morphologically distinctive populations that are ‘known’, but remain of uncertain taxonomic status and evolutionary significance. These lineages are also currently not effectively incorporated into evolutionary studies or conservation planning and management. Here we suggest three ways to address this issue. First, there is a need to develop improved frameworks to systematically capture taxonomically unrecognised lineage diversity. Second, increased utilisation of metadata frameworks will allow better recording and dissemination of biodiversity information. Finally, emerging genomic and analytical techniques will provide powerful new tools to improve our identification and understanding of evolutionary lineages.

scholarly journals Moss mimesis par excellence: integrating previous and new data on the life history and larval ecomorphology of long-bodied craneflies (Diptera: Cylindrotomidae: Cylindrotominae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yume Imada
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Lateral Side ◽  
Apparent Absence ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Evolutionary Studies ◽  
Functional Explanations

Abstract Different physical structures play a central role in animal camouflage. However, in evolutionary studies of mimicry, the ecological and evolutionary significance of such structures has been poorly investigated. Larvae of long-bodied craneflies, Cylindrotominae, are all obligate herbivores and resemble plants. They are distinctively characterized by possessing numerous elongated cuticular lobes on the integument. A comprehensive overview of the biology and morphology of cylindrotomids, particularly their larval stages, is laid out, providing original data on nine species. To explore the ecological background of moss resemblance, host-plants of most examined species are clarified, revealing that terrestrial moss-feeding species tend to use specific groups of mosses, either belonging to Bryales or Hypnales. However, the evolution of cryptic forms remains paradoxical, due to the apparent absence of visual predators. Based on histological examinations, extensive internal musculatures within the cuticular lobes on the lateral side are discovered, shedding new light on their function in locomotion. Traditional functional explanations for these lobes, particularly as devices for respiration, locomotion and attachment, are challenged. This study promotes our understanding of the ecomorphology of mimicry devices, which is an angle often dismissed in evolutionary studies of mimicry.

A molecular phylogeny of the “Madascincus polleni species complex”, with description of a new species of scincid lizard from the coastal dune area of northern Madagascar

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2876 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
AURÉLIEN MIRALLES ◽  
JÖRN KÖHLER ◽  
FRANK GLAW ◽  
MIGUEL VENCES
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Morphological Examination ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Evolutionary Lineages ◽  
Dune Area

The present paper constitutes a study on a taxonomically confusing group of closely related species belonging to the Malagasy skink genus Madascincus, currently encompassing the nominal species M. polleni, M. intermedius and M. stumpffi. Based on combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences (ND1 and RAG2 genes, respectively), and morphological examination, we provide evidence for the existence of at least four distinct evolutionary lineages within this complex: Madascincus stumpffi; Madascincus arenicola sp. nov. from northern Madagascar; and two cryptic species morphologically similar to the name-bearing types of M. polleni and M. intermedius. The two latter species, although genetically distinct, appear to be morphologically indistinguishable and their taxonomic status cannot be resolved until a better sampling will be available.

scholarly journals Taxonomy ofCladonia angustilobaand related species

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel PINO-BODAS ◽  
Ana Rosa BURGAZ ◽  
Teuvo AHTI ◽  
Soili STENROOS
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Bayes Factor ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Size And Morphology ◽  
Unique Species ◽  
Current Species ◽  
World Distribution ◽  
Evolutionary Lineages

AbstractThe lichen speciesCladonia angustilobais characterized by a well-developed primary thallus and narrow squamules which show deep incisions, and the presence of usnic and fumarprotocetraric acids. Morphologically it is similar toC. foliaceaandC. convoluta, from which it can be distiguished by the squamule size and morphology. Since similar characters were used to distinguishC. foliaceafromC. convolutawhich do not represent different lineages, it is necessary to examine the taxonomic status ofC. angustilobaby means of DNA sequences. In this study, the species delimitation within theC. foliaceacomplex was studied by sequencing three loci, ITS rDNA,cox1andRPB2. The data were analyzed by means of phylogenetic and species delimitation methods (GMYC, PTP, ABGD and BPP). Our results show that none of the three species is monophyletic. Most of the species delimitation methods did not support the current species as evolutionary lineages. Only some of the BPP analyses supportedC. angustilobaas a species distinct fromC. foliaceaandC. convoluta. However, the hypothesis that considers theC. foliaceacomplex as constituted by a unique species obtained the best Bayes Factor value. Therefore,C. angustilobaandC. convolutaare synonymized withC. foliacea.A new, thoroughly checked synonymy with typifications of the wholeC. foliaceacomplex is presented. An updated survey of the world distribution data is compiled.

scholarly journals Three new cryptic species of the lamprey genus Lampetra Bonnaterre, 1788 (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae) from the Iberian Peninsula

2013 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catarina S. Mateus ◽  
M. Judite Alves ◽  
Bernardo R. Quintella ◽  
Pedro R. Almeida
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Dna Markers ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Geographic Ranges ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
Evolutionary Lineages ◽  
Small Tributary

The Iberian Peninsula is a repository for biodiversity, presenting high levels of endemism in both plants and animals. In this peninsular region, brook lampreys confined to small, isolated river basins evolved in allopatry giving rise to evolutionary lineages, as revealed by mitochondrial DNA markers. For a better understanding of the taxonomic status and relationships of Iberian populations of the genus Lampetra, we combined previous data from genetics and morphological analysis (assessed here), and describe three new species of the lamprey genus Lampetra Bonnaterre, 1788 in Portugal. In this region L. planeri actually represent a complex of cryptic species, each having smaller geographic ranges than L. planeri, and consequently, greater vulnerability to extinction. The description of Lampetra alavariensis sp. nov. is based on 36 specimens collected on Ribeira de Mangas, a tributary of river Esmoriz, in Northern Portugal. Lampetra auremensis sp. nov. is described on the basis of 31 specimens collected on Ribeira do Olival, a small tributary of river Nabão (Tagus basin). Finally, Lampetra lusitanica sp. nov. is described based on 38 specimens from Ribeira da Marateca, Sado river basin, the southernmost distribution of the genus Lampetra. The recognition of these new species will contribute to the conservation of these already imperilled taxa and will help prevent the extinction of three important evolutionary lineages.

scholarly journals New Approaches to Cyclosporine Monitoring Raise Further Concerns about Analytical Techniques

2000 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 872-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W Holt ◽  
Atholl Johnston ◽  
Barry D Kahan ◽  
Raymond G Morris ◽  
Michael Oellerich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
New Approaches

scholarly journals Regularities in species niches reveal the World’s climatic regions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín Calatayud ◽  
Magnus Neuman ◽  
Alexis Rojas ◽  
Anton Eriksson ◽  
Martin Rosvall
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Climate Classification ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
Evolutionary Studies

Although classifications of the Earth’s climates date back to the ancient Greeks, the climatic regions shaping the distribution of animals remain poorly resolved. Here we present a classification of global climates based on regularities in realised niches of 3657 amphibians, 7204 reptiles, 10684 birds and 4574 mammals. We found 16 main climatic regions that are mostly consistent across groups and previous plant expert-based classifications, confirming the existence of major climatic restrictions for life. The results also suggest that differences among groups likely relate to their particular adaptations and dispersal capabilities. We further show how the integration of species niche classifications with geographical information provides valuable information on potential mechanisms shaping the climatic regions. Our climate classification has applications in several disciplines, including conservation planning and ecological and evolutionary studies.

scholarly journals High species richness and lineage diversity of reef corals in the mesophotic zone

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1893) ◽  
pp. 20181987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Muir ◽  
Carden C. Wallace ◽  
Michel Pichon ◽  
Pim Bongaerts
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Reef Coral ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Reef Corals ◽  
Thermal Bleaching ◽  
High Species Richness ◽  
Full Consideration ◽  
Evolutionary Lineages ◽  
Lineage Diversity

Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by thermal bleaching and tropical storm events associated with rising sea surface temperatures. Deeper habitats offer some protection from these impacts and may safeguard reef-coral biodiversity, but their faunas are largely undescribed for the Indo-Pacific. Here, we show high species richness of scleractinian corals in mesophotic habitats (30–125 m) for the northern Great Barrier Reef region that greatly exceeds previous records for mesophotic habitats globally. Overall, 45% of shallow-reef species (less than or equal to 30 m), 78% of genera, and all families extended below 30 m depth, with 13% of species, 41% of genera, and 78% of families extending below 45 m. Maximum depth of occurrence showed a weak relationship to phylogeny, but a strong correlation with maximum latitudinal extent. Species recorded in the mesophotic had a significantly greater than expected probability of also occurring in shaded microhabitats and at higher latitudes, consistent with light as a common limiting factor. The findings suggest an important role for deeper habitats, particularly depths 30–45 m, in preserving evolutionary lineages of Indo-Pacific corals. Deeper reef areas are clearly more diverse than previously acknowledged and therefore deserve full consideration in our efforts to protect the world's coral reef biodiversity.

scholarly journals Patterns of loop development in post-Paleozoic terebratulid brachiopods and their evolutionary significance

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 192-192
Author(s):  
David I. Mackinnon
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Great Majority ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Growth Line ◽  
Dorsal Valve ◽  
Median Septum ◽  
The Family ◽  
Evolutionary Studies ◽  
Secondary Layer ◽  
Insight Into

Studies of loop ultrastructure reveal much about both the processes and patterns of loop growth in brachiopods. Such studies also provide useful insight into evolutionary relationships between various main loop-bearing brachiopod taxa. At least five different loop types, two short-looped and three long-looped, are recognisable in Cenozoic Terebratulida.Loop development in short-looped forms is relatively unspectacular and of limited value for evolutionary studies. It consists of the growth of either an undulating transverse ribbon extending between two short crura (in the Family Terebratulidae) or, where crural processes are united (as in most Cancellothyrididae), a ring. In all short-looped forms the loop is derived from, and hence supported solely by, the crura throughout ontogeny.The early stages of loop development in the great majority of post-Paleozoic long-looped brachiopods are similar. A septal pillar, located centrally in the dorsal valve floor, appears generally very early in ontogeny. Rudimentary descending branch elements are generated both from the crura and the flanks of the septal pillar. Rudimentary ascending elements develop at either the ventral or posteroventral edge of the septal pillar and consist firstly of an inverted or steeply inclined and continuously expanding cone or hood which, through resorption of its posteriorly located apex, becomes transformed into a ring. Further growth sees firstly the fusion of the anterior extremeties of adjacent ascending and descending loop elements followed by their progressive anterolateral separation from the septal pillar.Contrasting modes of growth characterise the later stages of loop development in the three main groups of long-looped brachiopods. In Dallinidae, ascending and descending elements detach from the septum to give rise to a long, reflected loop supported only by the crura. In Terebratellidae, a pair of narrow, laterally directed but anteriorly migrating struts anchor the the descending branches to the median septum. These struts, in structural continuity with the median septum, are built up entirely from secondary layer fibres. In Laqueidae, in addition to a pair of septal struts, a pair of anterolaterally migrating vertical bands spanning the gap between adjacent ascending and descending branches provide further support. Unlike the septal struts but like the remaining ascending and descending loop elements, the vertical bands are constructed from both primary and secondary shell layers. Growth line discordancies at the junctions between the vertical bands and contiguous ascending and descending elements indicate the structural integrity of the vertical bands.

scholarly journals Precambrian Paleobiology: Precedents, Progress, and Prospects

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. William Schopf
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Oxygenic Photosynthesis ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Definitive Evidence ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
Ediacaran Fauna ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Primordial Soup ◽  
Zone Temperature

In 1859, C. R. Darwin highlighted the “inexplicable” absence of evidence of life prior to the beginning of the Cambrian. Given this lack of evidence and the natural rather than theological unfolding of life’s development Darwin espoused, over the following 50 years his newly minted theory was disputed. At the turn of the 19th century, beginning with the discoveries of C. D. Walcott, glimmerings of the previously “unknown and unknowable” early fossil record came to light – but Walcott’s Precambrian finds were also discounted. It was not until the breakthrough advances of the 1950’s and the identification of modern stromatolites (1956), Precambrian phytoplankton in shales (1950’s), stromatolitic microbes in cherts (1953), and terminal-Precambrian soft-bodied animal fossils (1950’s) that the field was placed on firm footing. Over the following half-century, the development and application of new analytical techniques coupled with the groundbreaking contributions of the Precambrian Paleobiology Research Group spurred the field to its international and distinctly interdisciplinary status. Significant progress has been made worldwide. Among these advances, the known fossil record has been extended sevenfold (from ∼0.5 to ∼3.5 Ga); the fossil record has been shown consistent with rRNA phylogenies (adding credence to both); and the timing and evolutionary significance of an increase of environmental oxygen (∼2.3 Ga), of eukaryotic organisms (∼2.0 Ga), and of evolution-speeding and biota-diversifying eukaryotic sexual reproduction (∼1.2 Ga) have been identified. Nevertheless, much remains to be learned. Such major unsolved problems include the absence of definitive evidence of the widely assumed life-generating “primordial soup”; the timing of the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis; the veracity of postulated changes in global photic-zone temperature from 3.5 Ga to the present; the bases of the advent of eukaryotic sexuality-requiring gametogenesis and syngamy; and the timing of origin and affinities of the small soft-bodied precursors of the Ediacaran Fauna.

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