Molecular phylogeny reveals strong biogeographic signal and two new species in a Cape Biodiversity Hotspot endemic mini-radiation, the pygmy geckos (Gekkonidae: Goggia)

The gekkonid genus Goggia includes eight described species of mostly small-bodied rock dwelling gecko endemic to the southwestern portion of southern Africa, in South Africa and extreme southern Namibia. Previous studies focused on Goggia have employed external morphology and allozyme electrophoresis, but no sequence-based molecular phylogeny of the group has been produced. We have generated a molecular phylogeny of Goggia including all named species and multiple individuals within each species, using sequences of the mitochondrial gene ND2 and nuclear genes RAG1 and PDC. The phylogeny depicts a basal divergence between eastern and western species of small-bodied Goggia, with additional divergences also showing structure strongly correlated with geography. Goggia lineata and G. rupicola are shown to be non-monophyletic, and examination of external morphology supports the distinctiveness of these lineages. We describe two new species to accommodate the southern lineages of “G. lineata” and “G. rupicola”: Goggia incognita sp. nov. and Goggia matzikamaensis sp. nov. Both new species are separated from their northern relatives by geographic barriers: the Knersvlakte plain for G. incognita sp. nov. and G. lineata, and the high Kamiesberg mountains for G. matzikamaensis sp. nov. and G. rupicola. The possible roles of geography, ecology, and climate in promoting diversification within Goggia are discussed.

Taxonomic status of two morphotypes of Coryphaena hippurus (Perciformes: Coryphaenidae)

ABSTRACT Two Coryphaena hippurus morphotypes (dourado and palombeta) are found along the Brazilian coast and are considered by Rio de Janeiro’s fisherman and fishmongers as two different species. Furthermore, these morphotypes are commercialized under different values and suffer different fishing pressure. Therefore, a definition of their taxonomic status is an important economic and biological matter. In order to investigate this problem, allozyme electrophoresis method was undertaken for seventeen loci on 117 individuals of C. hippurus sampled at Cabo Frio/RJ (Brazil). The data indicate homogeneity between the morphotypes gene pools. Nevertheless, differences were found for genetic variation among dourado and palombeta, especially due to alcohol dehydrogenase locus. Natural selection hypothesis is discussed in explaining these findings.

Genetic variation among three wild populations of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) by allozyme electrophoresis

Stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) is one of the most popular indigenous catfish having considerable potential for aquaculture and commercial importance in Bangladesh. With a view to assessing the genetic status of H. fossilis, three samples Chalan Beel (Pabna), Burungi Beel (Jamalpur) and Bagapura Beel (Mymensingh) were analyzed. For genetic variation study, five enzymes (LDH, EST, MDH, PGM and GPI) were used encoded by eight loci of which three were polymorphic (Mdh-1*, Est-1* and Gpi-1*). The highest mean proportion of polymorphic loci, mean number of allele and the mean proportion of heterozygous loci per individual of the Chalan Beel population were observed (25.00%, 1.250 and 6.250%, respectively). The highest gene flow (33.5) and lowest population differentiation (0.0074) found in Burungi Beel-Bagapura Beel indicated the close relationship among them. In the Nei’s UPGMA dendrogram, the Chalan Beel population formed one cluster by the genetic distance of 0.0371 and the other cluster was formed by Burungi beel and Bagapura beel populations (D=0.003). The results suggested that a considerable genetic variation is maintained among the natural H. fossilis populations.

Genetic poverty of an extremely specialized wetland species, Nehalennia speciosa: implications for conservation (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Oligo- and mesotrophic wetlands, such as bogs, fens and swamps, have become more and more restricted in Europe, and wetland species related to them have increasingly been threatened. Due to increasing habitat fragmentation, the exchange of individuals of these species among sites and, as a consequence, gene flow has been reduced or even eliminated. Therefore, we analysed the genetic structure of 11 populations of an endangered stenotopic damselfly, Nehalennia speciosa (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), in Poland and Lithuania by means of allozyme electrophoresis of 14 gene loci. The overall genetic diversity of all populations was low (A: 1.32; H: 2.6%; Ptot: 29.2%), and no significant differences were observed among the different groupings of populations (degree of fragmentation, habitat type and size, population size). The genetic differentiation among populations was also low (FST: 2.0%) and no regional groups were detected. A low degree of isolation by distance was observed for genetic distances. Taking into account these results, the conservation effort for this species should be focused on large local populations and not necessarily on metapopulation structures. Furthermore, N. speciosa could be (re-)introduced in extinct patches and seemingly suitable localities. Genetically, such relocations should be feasible due to the generally high genetic homogeneity of populations.

Slender Moonwort, Botrychium lineare (Ophioglossaceae), Rediscovered in Quebec

Slender Moonwort (Botrychium lineare), described in 1994, is a very rare fern in eastern North America. It was known in Quebec, Canada, from only two sites in the Gaspé Peninsula but has not been relocated since its discovery at these sites in 1902 and 1942. An ongoing study of B. lineare and its recent discovery in northern Minnesota prompted a re-examination of a 1972 collection made in western Quebec, in Gatineau Park, previously identified under various names, including B. campestre. A recent visit (2008) to the Gatineau Park site disclosed continued presence of similar plants. Based on morphological characters, spore size, genotype (allozyme electrophoresis), and appropriate habitat features, we conclude that the newly discovered plants and those of the 1972 collection are B. lineare. B. lineare appears on the Quebec government list of plant species likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable.

Anguina paludicola sp. n. (Tylenchida: Anguinidae): The nematode associated with Rathayibacter toxicus infection in Polypogon monspeliensis and Lachnagrostis filiformis in Australia

Anguina paludicola sp. n. is described from Polypogon monspeliensis from southeastern South Australia and Lachnagrostis filiformis from northern New South Wales, following an examination of nematode populations by allozyme electrophoresis and morphological analysis. Genetic differences were consistent with those expected from conspecific allopatric populations and were based on geography rather than host. Morphological differences between nematodes from P. monspeliensis and L. filiformis were inconsistent and varied between different gall types on the same host plant. The new species is characterised by adults with irregular and variable tail termini, which appear lobed; females may have a process of vestigial ovary extending from the post uterine sac towards the tail; males are dorsally curved with a single reflexed testis; and the haploid chromosome complement is n=18.

Genetic variability in four samples of Neoplecostomus yapo (Teleostei: Loricariidae) from the rio Paranapanema basin, Brazil

Four samples of Neoplecostomus yapo were analyzed through the allozyme electrophoresis technique in corn starch gel. The allozyme pattern was similar to those found in N. paranensis with 24 loci scored. Two samples (ribeirão Atlântico and ribeirão Uraí) showed monomorphic bands for all 24 loci, whereas the other two (rio Verde and rio Fortaleza) showed 8.3% of polymorphic loci. The He genetic variability estimates for the rios Verde and Fortaleza populations were 0.0195 and 0.0179, respectively, too much inferior to the mean heterozygosity summed to species from the whole world (0.051). The Wright statistical values F IS = 0.5181, F IT = 0.5681 and F ST = 0.1039 and the genetic distance of Nei values showed that the four samples are genetically very similar to each other and that there is homozygote excess in the polymorphic loci.

Fragmentation and genotypic diversity of the scleractinian coral Montipora capitata in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

The fragmentation and genotypic diversity of Montipora capitata was determined in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, using field investigations and allozyme electrophoresis. Two stations were established in the Bay, one in the centre (exposed reef edge, EXPO) and the other at the south end (sheltered lagoonal reef, SHEL). Although the number and mean per cent cover of attached colonies did not differ significantly between the two habitats, number and cover of unattached colonies (fragments) were significantly higher at the sheltered habitat. Thirty-seven genotypes were detected in 176 samples using two or three enzyme loci. Although mean genet number did not differ significantly between the two habitats (mean±SE, 8.2±1.2 and 12.2±1.7 in exposed and sheltered reefs, respectively), lower genetic diversity was detected at SHEL (mean NG:N±SE, 0.75±0.08 and 0.50±0.06 for EXPO and SHEL, respectively). There was no evidence of strong clonal structure, i.e. many colonies, but few genets. Sexually produced new genets may account for the high genotypic diversity in M. capitata at these two habitats.