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Life Sciences	95%

Distribution within Life Sciences

Plant Science	31%
Evolution	21%

Selected Abstracts

A Molecular Phylogenetic Investigation of Opisthonecta and Related Genera (Ciliophora, Peritrichia, Sessilida)

THE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
DANIEL WILLIAMS
ABSTRACT. The gene encoding 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) was sequenced in the sessiline peritrichs Opisthonecta minima and Opisthonecta matiensis, whose free-swimming, paedomorphic trophonts resemble telotrochs. Using these new sequences, phylogenetic trees were constructed with four different methods to test a previously published association between Opisthonecta henneguyi and members of the families Vorticellidae and Astylozoidae. All trees had similar topologies, with O. minima, O. henneguyi, Vorticella microstoma, and Astylozoon enriquesi forming a well-supported, certainly monophyletic clade. On the basis of genetic evidence, genera of the families Opisthonectidae and Astylozoidae are assigned to the family Vorticellidae, which already includes some species with free-swimming morphotypes. The ssu rRNA sequence of O. matiensis places it in the family Epistylididae; its taxonomic revision will be left to another group of authors. A close association of Ophrydium versatile with members of the family Vorticellidae was confirmed, casting doubt on the validity of the family Ophrydiidae. Epistylis galea, Campanella umbellaria, and Opercularia microdiscum are confirmed as comprising an extremely distinct, monophyletic, but morphologically heterogeneous clade that is basal to other clades of sessiline peritrichs. [source]

THE MACROEVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS OF ANT DIVERSIFICATION

EVOLUTION, Issue 11 2009
Marcio R. Pie
The availability of increasingly comprehensive phylogenies has provided unprecedented opportunities to assess macroevolutionary patterns, yet studies on invertebrate diversification are few. In particular, despite the ecological and evolutionary importance of ants, little is known about their tempo and mode of diversification. Recent advances in ant phylogenetics can now provide a basis for rigorous analyses of the diversification of ant lineages. The goals of the present study are threefold. First, we demonstrate that a hypothesized disproportionate increase in ant diversification during the angiosperm radiation is largely artifactual. Rather, current evidence points to a fairly constant rate of lineage growth during its history. Moreover, an analysis of diversification patterns across the ant phylogeny indicates considerable rate heterogeneity among lineages. Indeed, and contrary to the expectation if lineages had experienced a single rate of lineage increase, we found no correspondence between genus age and diversity. Finally, we demonstrate a statistically significant phylogenetic signal in ant diversification: closely related genera have diversities that are more similar to one another than one would expect by chance. This suggests that the capacity for diversification may be itself a biological trait that evolved during the radiation of the family Formicidae. [source]

A contribution to the phylogeny of annual species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) in the Old World using hair micromorphology and other morphological characters

FEDDES REPERTORIUM, Issue 5-6 2007
F. Taeb
A cladistic analysis including 32 annual and nine perennial species of Astragalus along with four outgroups from related genera is performed using characters from hair micromorphology, floral morphology and some other morphological sources. The hair characters show the similar evolutionary trends as known earlier for the genus Astragalus, but they exhibit lower variability in comparison with other major subgroups of Astragalus. The obtained data was compared with the data from molecular systematics. The most important results of this study are: 1) medifixed hairs are developed at least two times among annual Astragalus, 2) fruit morphology, does not provide strong evidence in delimitation of the sections within annual Astragalus, 3) presence of long and thick hairs with largely tuberculate base should be considered as an advanced character, and can be regarded as an important synapomorphy among annual Astragalus, 4) the position of some species of the large and heterogeneous sect. Sesamei, e.g. A. persepolitanus and A. coronilla, and their possible close relationship with the species of the sect. Oxyglottis should be re-assessed, 5) the species of the sect. Ankylotus show close relationship to sect. Platyglottis, based on floral morphology and hair characters, 6) there are not enough supports from hair, floral morphology and biogeography for considering A. annularis, A. epiglottis (as Glottis epiglottis), A. pelecinus (as Biserrula pelecinus) and A. vogelii (as Podlechiella vogelii) as separated from Astragalus (as suggested by molecular data). Moreover, the inclusion of Barnebyella calycina again in Astragalus is well supported by morphological data. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) Zur Phylogenie annueller Arten von Astragalus (Fabaceae) in der Alten Welt auf der Basis der Haar-Mikromorphologie und anderer morphologischer Merkmale Eine kladistische Analyse, umfassend 32 annuelle und neun perennierende Arten von Astragalus mit vier Nebengruppen verwandter Gattungen, wurde auf der Basis von Mikromorphologie, Blütenmorphologie und einiger anderer morphologischer Quellen vorgenommen. Die Merkmale der Haare zeigen ähnliche evolutionäre Tendenzen wie sie bereits früher von der Gattung Astragalus bekannt waren, doch zeigen sie im Vergleich zu anderen, umfassenderen Untergruppen von Astragalus, eine geringere Variabilität. Die so gewonnenen Daten werden mit Daten der molekularen Systematik verglichen. Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse dieser Studie sind: 1. Die im mittleren Bereich fixierten Haare entwickelten sich innerhalb der annuellen Astragalus zweimal; 2. Die Morphologie der Früchte liefert keinen eindeutigen Beweis zur Abgrenzung der Sektionen innerhalb der annuellen Astragalus -Arten; 3. Die Anwesenheit langer, dicker Haare mit einer großen tuberkularen Basis ist als abgeleitetes Merkmal zu betrachten und kann als wichtige Synapomorphie innerhalb annueller Astragalus -Arten betrachtet werden; 4. Die Stellung einiger Arten der großen, heterogenen Sekt. Sesamei, z. B. A. persepolitanus und A. coronilla und ihre möglicherweise enge Verwandtschaft mit den Arten der Sekt. Oxyglottis sollte neu beurteilt werden. 5. Die Arten der Sekt. Ankylotus zeigen aufgrund ihrer Blütenmorphologie und der Merk- male ihrer Haare enge Verwandtschaft zur Sekt. Platyglottis; 6. Es gibt nicht genügend Hinweise bezüglich Haare, Blütenmorphologie und Biogeographie um A. annularis, A. epiglottis (als Glottis epiglottis), A. pelecinus (als Biserrula pelecinus) und A. vogelii (als Podlechiella vogelii) von Astragalus abzutrennen (wie es die molekularen Daten aussagen). Dagegen ist die Wiedereingliederung von Barnebyella calycina in die Gattung Astragalus gut durch die morphologischen Daten gestützt. [source]

Systematic positions of Lamiophlomis and Paraphlomis (Lamiaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast sequences

JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS EVOLUTION, Issue 6 2009
Yue-Zhi PAN
Abstract, Genera Lamiophlomis and Paraphlomis were originally separated from genus Phlomis s.l. on the basis of particular morphological characteristics. However, their relationship was highly contentious, as evidenced by the literature. In the present paper, the systematic positions of Lamiophlomis, Paraphlomis, and their related genera were assessed based on nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast rpl16 and trnL-F sequence data using maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian methods. In total, 24 species representing six genera of the ingroup and outgroup were sampled. Analyses of both separate and combined sequence data were conducted to resolve the systematic relationships of these genera. The results reveal that Lamiophlomis is nested within Phlomis sect. Phlomoides and its generic status is not supported. With the inclusion of Lamiophlomis rotata in sect. Phlomoides, sections Phlomis and Phlomoides of Phlomis were resolved as monophyletic. Paraphlomis was supported as an independent genus. However, the resolution of its monophyly conflicted between MP and Bayesian analyses, suggesting the need for expended sampling and further evidence. [source]

Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of Honey-buzzards (genera Pernis and Henicopernis)

JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004
A. Gamauf
Abstract A partial sequence of the cytb gene (382 bp) was amplified and sequenced from 35 individuals (mainly museum specimens) of the genus Pernis representing all valid taxa (10) and two taxa (P. p. gurneyi, P. p. japonicus) with questionable validity as well as representatives of the Old World Perninae, namely Henicopernis and Aviceda, to assess their relationships to the genus Pernis. Furthermore, Gypaetus barbatus, Neophron percnopterus, and Buteo buteo were included as outgroup taxa. In the trees derived from the sequence data, Aviceda represents the sister group of the genus Pernis. The genus Henicopernis and the Old World vultures Gypaetus andNeophron appear rather distantly related to Pernis. Within the genus Pernis, two of the described species (Pernis apivorus, Pernis ptilorhyncus) form monophyletic groups, whereas the relationships of the two clades representing three subspecies of Pernis celebensis are still uncertain. Although this study is based on comparatively short DNA-sections, the trees deduced from these sequences can be considered as a first approach for inferring the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Pernis and related genera and for addressing questions concerning the evolutionary history, biogeography, and systematics of this group. Zusammenfassung Eine Teilsequenz des Cytochrom b Gens (382 bp) wurde von 35 Individuen (hauptsächlich Museumsmaterial) der Gattung Pernis amplifiziert und sequenziert. Inkludiert wurden alle validen Taxa (10) und zwei weitere (P.p. gurneyi, P. p. japonicus) mit zweifelhaftem taxonomischen Status. Weiters wurden die übrigen Vertreter der altweltlichen Perninae (Henicopernis, Aviceda) untersucht, um deren Verwandtschaft zum Genus Pernis festzustellen. Als Außengruppen-Taxa wurden Bartgeier Gypaetus barbatus, Schmutzgeier Neophron percnopterus und Mäusebussard Buteo buteo verwendet. In den aus den Sequenzen errechneten Bäumen stellt Aviceda die Schwestergruppe der Gattung Pernis dar. Die Gattungen, Henicopernis und die Altweltgeier Gypaetus und Neophron erscheinen mit der Gattung Pernis nur entfernt verwandt. Innerhalb der Gattung Pernis formen zwei der beschriebenen Arten (P. apivorus, P. ptilorhyncus) eine monophyletische Gruppe, die Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse der beiden anderen Clades, welche die drei Unterarten von P. celebensis repräsentieren, können jedoch auf der Basis dieser Sequenz nicht eindeutig geklärt werden. Obwohl diese Analyse auf relativ kurzen DNA-Abschnitten basiert, können die aus den Sequenzen abgeleiteten Stammbäume als erster Versuch angesehen werden, die Phylogenie der Wespenbussard-Gattung Pernis und verwandter Genera mittels molekularer Methoden und unter Berücksichtigung evolutionsbiologischer, biogeographischer und systematischer Aspekte darzustellen. [source]

Development of novel chloroplast microsatellite markers to identify species in the Agrostis complex (Poaceae) and related genera

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 4 2010
MARIA L. ZAPIOLA
Abstract We needed a reliable way to identify species and confirm potential interspecific and intergeneric hybrids in a landscape level study of gene flow from transgenic glyphosate-resistant Agrostis stolonifera (Poaceae) to compatible relatives. We developed 12 new polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers to aid in identifying species recipient of transgenic pollen both within the Agrostis complex and the related genera Polypogon. [source]

Multiple copies of cytochrome oxidase 1 in species of the fungal genus Fusarium

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 2009
SCOTT R. GILMORE
Abstract Using data from published mitochondrial or complete genomes, we developed and tested primers for amplification and sequencing of the barcode region of cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) of the fungal genus Fusarium, related genera of the order Hypocreales, and degenerate primers for fungi in the subdivision Pezizomycotina. The primers were successful for amplifying and sequencing COX1 barcodes from 13 genera of Hypocreales (Acremonium, Beauveria, Clonostachys, Emericellopsis, Fusarium, Gliocladium, Hypocrea, Lanatonectria, Lecanicillium, Metarhizium, Monocillium, Neonectria and Stilbella), 22 taxa of Fusarium, and two genera in other orders (Arthrosporium, Monilochaetes). Parologous copies of COX1 occurred in several strains of Fusarium. In some, copies of the same length were detected either by heterozygous bases in otherwise clean sequences or in different replicates of amplification and sequencing events; this may indicate multiple transcribed copies. Other strains included one or two introns. Two intron insertion sites had at least two nonhomologous intron sequences among Fusarium species. Irrespective of whether the multiple copy issue could be resolved by sequencing RNA transcripts, developing a precise COX1 -based barcoding system for Fusarium may not be feasible. The overall divergence among homologous COX1 sequences obtained so far is rather low, with many species sharing identical sequences. [source]

Isolation, characterization, and cross-amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Guaiacum coulteri (Zygophyllaceae)

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 3 2008
ROSS A. MCCAULEY
Abstract Guaiacum coulteri is a dry forest hardwood species of conservation concern endemic to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed which show high levels of polymorphism across two populations with the number of alleles ranging from four to 21. Most loci additionally exhibited consistent multiple banding patterns, indicating the likely polyploidy of this species. All loci were tested for cross-amplification with most found to amplify well across the genus Guaiacum, although amplification in other related genera of the Zygophyllaceae was limited. [source]

New species of the diatom genus Fryxelliella (Bacillariophyta), Fryxelliella pacifica sp. nov., from the tropical Mexican Pacific

PHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2008
David U. Hernández-Becerril
SUMMARY During phytoplankton monitoring of coasts off Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, in the tropical Mexican Pacific, a new species, Fryxelliella pacifica sp. nov., was found and is described in this paper. The species is solitary, with cells of medium size, discoid with three relatively large ocelli on the valve face, located close to the margins (3,5 areolae from the margins) and placed symmetrically. Significantly, it possesses the morphological characters that distinguish the genus Fryxelliella from related genera: the presence of the ,circumferential marginal tube' (siphon marginalis), the external subcircular or subtriangular apertures at the valve margins, and the ,juxtaposed rectangular plates' in the valve mantle. The species that appears to be the most closely related is Fryxelliella floridana Prasad, an extant species and the type of the genus. However Fryxelliella pacifica differs from it (i) the size and shape of the cell; (ii) the size, location and structure of the ocelli (which additionally are not elevated); (iii) the shape and density of the subcircular to subtriangular marginal apertures; (iv) the external morphology of the rimoportulae (short process, two concentric tubes with the outer tube tip as a crown); and (v) it is marine rather than brackish. Externally the rimoportulae have a rather complex structure of two concentric tubes: the exterior tube has a tip divided like a crown. In spite of the fact this species was found in plankton samples, it is considered to inhabit sandy sediments (epipsammic) or as tychoplanktonic. [source]

Observations on Fragilaria longifusiformis comb. nov. et nom. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a widespread planktic diatom documented from North America and Europe

PHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2006
Peter A. Siver
SUMMARY Synedra planktonica was originally described by Hains and Sebring from a freshwater locality in the south-eastern USA using light and transmission electron microscopy. The authors placed S. planktonica into the genus Synedra Ehrenberg because of its solitary habit and lack of marginal linking spines. Since the original description of S. planktonica, the concepts of Synedra and the related genus Fragilaria Lyngbye have undergone significant change and debate. Today, details of the areolae, apical pore fields, cingulum and rimoportulae, all lacking in the original description of S. planktonica, are now commonly used to distinguish between taxa in Fragilaria, Synedra and related genera. We provide details of these ultrastructural characters for S. planktonica based on specimens collected from the type locality, along with observations of cells from other sites in North America and Europe. Based on these findings, an emended description is presented for S. planktonica and the taxon is transferred to Fragilaria, as F. longifusiformis comb. nov. et nom. nov. According to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, the epithet planktonica could not be applied because it was previously used to describe a marine species of Fragilaria. We discuss the relationship of S. planktonica with morphologically similar taxa, including the genus Reimerothrix Prasad. [source]

Using molecular data to resolve the taxonomic limits of the genera Callophyllis, Euthora and Pugetia (Kallymeniaceae, Rhodophyta)

PHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002
James T. Harper
SUMMARY Callophyllis is the largest genus in the red algal family Kallymeniaceae and includes over 50 described species. Since its description, there has been considerable debate over the circumscription of this genus relative to related genera. Specifically, the genus Euthora has sometimes been placed in synonymy with Callophyllis, and a number of species of Pugetia have been transferred to Callophyllis. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of nuclear large-subunit ribosomal DNA for representatives of the Kallymeniaceae were completed to assess the various taxonomic proposals surrounding Callophyllis, Euthora and Pugetia. Results indicate that the genus Callophyllis (as generally recognized) is polyphyletic. Callophyllis cristata occupies a position in the trees separate from the remainder of Callophyllis species (including the type Callophyllis variegata), supporting recognition of Euthora as a distinct genus. Callophyllis chilensis and Callophyllis firma group with the type species of Pugetia, Pugetia fragilissima, thus confirming an earlier taxonomic decision to include these species in the latter genus. A discussion of the relative merits of various reproductive versus vegetative features for assigning species among these three genera is provided. Though outside the scope of the current study, relationships among species of Callophyllis sensu stricto must be visited in light of the results. Although the remaining six species of Callophyllis included in the present trees unequivocally form a monophyletic group, two isolates identified as Callophyllis pinnata (from California and Chile) do not group together, illustrating the confusion generated from the morphological variation within this genus. [source]

Phylogeny of Hystrix and related genera (Poaceae: Triticeae) based on nuclear rDNA ITS sequences

PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
H.-Q. Zhang
Abstract The taxonomic status of Hystrix and phylogenetic relationships among Hystrix and its related genera of Pseudoroegneria (St), Hordeum (H), Psathyrostachys (Ns), Elymus (StH), Leymus (NsXm), Thinopyrum bessarabicum (Eb) and Lophopyrum elongatum (Ee) were estimated from sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The type species of Hystrix, H. patula, clustered with species of Pseudoroegneria, Hordeum, Elymus, Th. bessarabicum and Lo. elongatum, while H. duthiei ssp. duthiei, H. duthiei ssp. longearistata, H. coreana and H. komarovii were grouped with Psathyrostachys and Leymus species. The results indicate that: (i) H. patula is distantly related to other species of Hystrix, but is closely related to Elymus species; (ii) H. duthiei ssp. duthiei, H. duthiei ssp. longearistata, H. coreana and H. komarovii have a close affinity with Psathyrostachys and Leymus species, and H. komarovii might contain the NsXm genome of Leymus; and (iii) the St, H and Ns genomes in Hystrix originate from Pseudoroegneria, Hordeum and Psathyrostachys, respectively, while the Xm in Hystrix and Leymus has a complex relationship with the E or St genomes. According to the genomic system of classification in Tiritceae, it is reasonable to treat Hystrix patula as Elymus hystrix L, and the other species of Hystrix as species of a section of Leymus, Leymus Sect. Hystrix. [source]

Contractile roots in succulent monocots: convergence, divergence and adaptation to limited rainfall

PLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 8 2008
GRETCHEN B. NORTH
ABSTRACT Contractile roots (CRs) that pull shoots further down in the soil are a possible example of convergent evolution in two monocot families, the Agavaceae and the Asphodelaceae. The association between CRs, water uptake and habitat aridity was investigated for agaves, yuccas and aloes by assessing the occurrence of CRs and the amount of root contraction for glasshouse-grown plants with respect to mean annual rainfall of their native habitats. Structural features of CRs as well as root hydraulic conductance were compared with those of non-contractile roots (NCRs). CRs occurred in 55% of the 73 species examined, including 64% of the agaves and 85% of the yuccas, but in none of the aloes despite the occurrence of CRs in related genera. The phylogenetic distribution of CRs was consistent with multiple acquisitions or losses of the trait. The amount of root contraction showed a highly significant negative relationship with mean annual rainfall, although other environmental factors may also be important. Radial hydraulic conductance of the basal (contractile) zone exceeded that of the midroot zone for CRs; for NCRs, the opposite was true. Thus, CRs in the species examined may provide a mechanism for greater water uptake near the soil surface in regions with limited rainfall. [source]

Cytology, palynology, and taxonomy of Asteropyrum and four other genera of Ranunculaceae

BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2006
QIONG YUAN
A karyomorphological study of two species in Asteropyrum (Ranunculaceae) and five in presumably related genera (one each in Caltha, Coptis, and Dichocarpum and two in Thalictrum) reveals close similarities between Asteropyrum and Caltha, but obvious differences between Asteropyrum and Coptis, Dichocarpum, and Thalictrum, in some karyological features, such as the structure of the interphase nuclei, chromosome size, basic chromosome number, and condensation behaviour of chromosomes during the mitotic prophase. The chromosomes of Asteropyrum are categorized as being of the R-type and the basic chromosome number is confirmed as x = 8, indicating a possible close affinity of Asteropyrum to members in the subfamily Helleboroideae, in particular to Caltha and its allies. Asteropyrum peltatum and Asteropyrum cavaleriei are shown to be more or less differentiated from each other in gross morphology and palynology, and somewhat independent in geographical distribution, albeit with intermediate forms occurring where their distribution zones overlap. It seems justifiable to treat them as two subspecies of A. peltatum. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 152, 15,26. [source]

Phylogeny of Maculinea blues (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) based on morphological and ecological characters: evolution of parasitic myrmecophily

CLADISTICS, Issue 4 2004
Pavel Pech
A phylogeny of blue butterflies of the genus Maculinea and related genera (Lycaenidae) is proposed, based on 91 morphological and ecological characters. The resulting tree shows that: (1) Phengaris is a derived group nested within Maculinea; (2) the Maculinea-Phengaris clade is probably nested within Glaucopsyche; (3) there are three well supported groups within the Maculinea-Phengaris clade: (alcon group ((teleius group) (arion-Phengaris group))). Some species (M. alcon, M. arionides) appear to be non-monophyletic and require reclassification. The two alternative strategies of parasitic myrmecophily in the Maculinea-Phengaris clade, viz., "predatory" and "cuckoo", seem to be derived characters of the alcon group, and of the teleius and arion-Phengaris groups, respectively. The common ancestor of Maculinea used dorsal nectary organ secretions for ant attraction, while this trait was reduced in the ancestor of the alcon group and in M. nausithous (of the teleius group). The three recent Maculinea lineages utilize taxonomically diverse host plants, the asterid families Gentianaceae (alcon and arion-Phengaris groups), Lamiaceae (arion-Phengaris group), Campanulaceae (arion-Phengaris group), and the rosid family Rosaceae (teleius group). [source]

Phylogeny of the Myllaenini and related taxa (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

CLADISTICS, Issue 2 2004
Kee-Jeong Ahn
A cladistic analysis of the tribe Myllaenini Ganglbauer and related genera is presented. Monophyly of the Myllaenini is tested, and the tribe is hypothesized to be a monophyletic group consisting of nine genera (Myllaena Erichson, Amazonopora Pace, Dimonomera Cameron, Bryothinusa Casey, Philomina Blackwelder, Polypea Fauvel, Brachypronomaea Sawada, Rothium Moore and Legner, and Lautaea Sawada), based on the synapomorphy of antero-lateral angles of mentum prolonged into spinose processes. A history of the classification of the Myllaenini is discussed. The data set for phylogenetic analysis comprised 99 characters representing 297 character states derived from adult morphology. The analysis agrees on the monophyly of the Myllaenini and the monophyly of the Pronomaeini Ganglbauer (Pronomaea Erichson, Pseudomniophila Pace, Nopromaea Cameron and Tomoxelia Bernhauer). The tribe Dimonomerini (Dimonomera Cameron) is confirmed to be a member of the Myllaenini. Masuriini is a possible sister group of the Myllaenini. Stylopalpus Cameron shows a sister group relationship to the Pronomaeini. Several other clades are also consistently recovered. However, the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Dysacrita are ambiguous. The rogue genus Diglotta Champion is not recovered as a member of the Myllaenini or Pronomaeini. On the contrary, it forms a monophyletic clade with the liparocephaline genera Halorhadinus Sawada and Amblopusa Casey. Evolution of the defensive gland on abdominal tergite VII among aleocharine lineages is reconsidered, and the origin of an intertidal habitat in the Myllaenini is discussed. [source]

Morphology versus molecules: resolution of the positions of Nymphalis, Polygonia, and related genera (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

CLADISTICS, Issue 3 2003
Niklas Wahlberg
The debate on whether to combine different data sets for simultaneous analysis has continued to the present day unabated. We have studied the effects of combining one morphological data set with four molecular data sets (two mitochondrial gene sequences and two nuclear gene sequences) for a group of butterflies belonging to the tribe Nymphalini using partitioned Bremer support. We particularly focus our attention on a group of species belonging to the genera Aglais, Inachis, Roddia, Nymphalis, Kaniska, and Polygonia. We find that, despite significant incongruence between most data partitions, all data partitions contribute positively to the support of most nodes in the most parsimonious trees found for the combined data set. We also find that the morphological data set resolves one particular node (Kaniska basal to Polygonia) with good support, while the molecular data sets are ambiguous about the existence of this node. We suggest that partitioned Bremer support allows one to critically appraise the robustness of each node in a given tree and thereby identify nodes that may change with the addition of new data and nodes that are likely to remain unchanged with new data. We also suggest that morphological data are still crucial to our being able to understand the relationships of extant organisms, despite published views to the contrary. Based on our results we suggest that Inachis should be synonymized with Aglais, Roddia with Nymphalis, and Kaniska with Polygonia. [source]

Sporeformers as Human Probiotics: Bacillus, Sporolactobacillus, and Brevibacillus

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2003
M.E. Sanders
ABSTRACT The value of exogenously supplied live bacteria for the maintenance of health in humans has been recognized both scientifically in the published literature and commercially in the availability of probiotic products. Although many bacteria characterized as probiotics are strains of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, sporeforming bacteria, primarily of the genus Bacillus and related genera, have also been studied and commercialized as probiotics. This article reviews the characterization, efficacy, and safety of sporeformers used as probiotics. [source]

Comparative morphology of the leaf epidermis in Schisandra (Schisandraceae)

BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2005
ZHI-RONG YANG
The leaf epidermis of 127 samples representing ten species within Schisandra Michaux. and one species of the related genus, Kadsura Kaempf. ex Juss., was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Many characters of the leaf epidermis in Schisandra, such as pattern of epidermal cells, type of stomata, shape of guard cell pairs and cuticular ornamentation, are usually constant within species and thus make good characters for studying the relationship between and within genera. A new character, rim number, of the outer stomatal rim in the genus is introduced. It is shown that double outer stomatal rims occur only in evergreen Schisandra species, whereas a single rim occurs in deciduous species. This character supports the classification of Schisandra into two subgenera based on habit and androecial organs. This classification is also supported by additional morphological and molecular taxonomic characters. Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) Smith A. C. is the most primitive taxon in the related genus Kadsura. The outer stomatal rim of this species also has double rims. Combined with morphological and molecular evidence, this suggests that Schisandra and Kadsura are closely related and may share a recent common ancestor. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 148, 39,56. [source]