Unrestricted gene flow between two subspecies of translocated brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in Aotearoa New Zealand

Two lineages of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were historically introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand, and these two subspecies have different phenotypic forms. Despite over 100 years of potential interbreeding, they appear to retain morphological differences, which may indicate reproductive isolation. We examined this using population samples from a confined landscape and scored each specimen for phenotype using a number of fur colour traits. This resulted in a bimodal trait distribution expected for segregated grey and black lineages. We also sought evidence for genetic partitioning based on spatial and temporal effects. Genetic structure and rates of genetic mixing were determined using seven neutral, species-specific nuclear microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA control region sequence. Genotype analyses indicated high levels of variation and mtDNA sequences formed two major haplogroups. Pairwise tests for population differentiation of these markers found no evidence of subdivision, indicating that these brushtail possums behave as a single randomly mating unit. Despite maintenance of two main colour phenotypes with relatively few intermediates, previous inference of assortative mating and anecdotes of distinct races, our data indicate that New Zealand brushtail possums can freely interbreed, and that in some locations they have formed completely mixed populations where neutral genetic markers are unrelated to phenotype. This has implications for effective pest management towards eradication.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of congenital muscular dystrophies (part 2)

Dystroglycanopathy is one of the groups of congenital muscular dystrophies, the occurrence of which is associated with a disorder of α-dystroglycan glycosylation. To date, 18 genes responsible for the development of this condition are known. The 2nd part of this review presents the classification, phenotypic forms, clinical features, pathogenesis and etiology of this type of congenital muscular dystrophies. In addition, the issues of molecular diagnosis of congenital muscular dystrophies are considered and information on modern developments in the treatment of this pathology is provided.

A new species of the cricket genus, Cacoplistes from Rajasthan, India (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae: Cachoplistinae:Cachoplistini)

A new species of the phalangopsid cricket in Cacoplistes subgenus, Laminogryllus, is reported and described as Cacoplistes (Laminogryllus) latioribus sp nov., from Rajasthan, India. Description of the two existing phenotypic forms, brachypterous and macropterous is provided with suitable plates and figures.

The issue of forming a modern young person’s worldview: a cultural philosophical analysis

At the intersection of various trends, the displacement of cultures and ideologies in modern Chechen society, there is a wide range of social polymorphism when individuals who practically represent one ethnic culture, depending on the social environment, acquire various phenotypic forms due to the interaction of the genotype with the environment. A classification of cultural trends is proposed, within the framework of which the worldview of the modern young Chechen in the Republic is being formed. The simultaneous coexistence of such different trends with the active interaction of their actors introduces transgressive changes in the consciousness of that part of young people with a problematic level of psychological and social adaptability to a changing world. The conducted analysis shows that in the process of forming the worldview of a modern young person a consciousness must be developed that adequately reflects objective reality in a subjective picture of the world based on healthy social interaction.

Observation of dry season polyphenism in Melanitis leda at different altitudinal gradients in Nepal

Melanitis leda, a shade loving Satyrid is distributed in tropical to temperate parts of the country. Wet Season Form of this butterfly displays paler wings, prominent eyespots and distinct under wing markings. Dry Season Form remains camouflaged with dry leaf litters mostly in undisturbed parts of the forest floor. This form has diminished eyespots with varying underwing markings. The gradient effect varies location wise which can be assumed to develop different phenotypic forms in this species. Nine such forms of Melanitis leda included in this study were recorded from different forest types of Nepal.

Destabilizing mutations encode nongenetic variation that drives evolutionary innovation

Evolutionary innovations are often achieved by repurposing existing genes to perform new functions; however, the mechanisms enabling the transition from old to new remain controversial. We identified mutations in bacteriophage λ’s host-recognition gene J that confer enhanced adsorption to λ’s native receptor, LamB, and the ability to access a new receptor, OmpF. The mutations destabilize λ particles and cause conformational bistability of J, which yields progeny of multiple phenotypic forms, each proficient at different receptors. This work provides an example of how nongenetic protein variation can catalyze an evolutionary innovation. We propose that cases where a single genotype can manifest as multiple phenotypes may be more common than previously expected and offer a general mechanism for evolutionary innovation.