Evaluation of periotic–timpanic bone complex of Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) as tool in identification of geographic variations

2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 1127-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo Leal Arcoverde ◽  
Renata Emin-Lima ◽  
Alexandra Fernandes Costa ◽  
Ana Paula Madeira Di Beneditto ◽  
Salvatore Siciliano ◽  
...  

Morphometric characteristics of the periotic–timpanic bone complex in the middle ear of cetaceans, are effective characteristics in evaluating systematics. However, they have not been used for studies of geographic variation regarding dolphins of the genus Sotalia. This study aimed to compare the periotic–timpanic of Sotalia guianensis from four distinct locations, considered here as different operational taxonomic units, Amapá/Pará (AM/PA), Maranhão/Piauí (MA/PI), Ceará (CE), and Rio de Janeiro (RJ), using 21 morphometric measurements. Multivariate analysis showed significant distinction mainly between the units of northern (AM/PA and MA/PI) and south-eastern (RJ) Brazilian coast. The timpanic bone showed variation, reaching larger sizes in the Brazilian south coast unit, corroborating current molecular data on the geographic variation of S. guianensis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rana ◽  
A.H. Bhat ◽  
A.K. Chaubey ◽  
V. Půža ◽  
J. Abolafia

Abstract A population of a nematode species belonging to the genus Oscheius was isolated in western Uttar Pradesh, India. Morphological and morphometrical studies on this species showed its high similarity with six species described previously from Pakistan (Oscheius citri, O. cobbi, O. cynodonti, O. esculentus, O. punctatus and O. sacchari). The molecular analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequences of the Indian population and the six species described from Pakistan showed that all the sequences are almost identical. Thus, based on morphological and molecular characteristics, all of the six above-mentioned Pakistani species and Indian strain do not differ from each other, hence can be considered synonyms. The correct name for this taxon is the first described species O. citri. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA and the 28S rDNA sequences showed that Oscheius citri is sister to the clade formed by O. chongmingensis and O. rugaoensis from China. The high similarity of morphological and morphometric characteristics of O. citri and other species, O. maqbooli, O. nadarajani, O. niazii, O. shamimi and O. siddiqii, suggest their conspecificity; however, lack of molecular data for these species does not allow this hypothesis to be tested.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 151-179
Author(s):  
L. Lee Grismer ◽  
L. Wood Perry ◽  
Marta S. Grismer ◽  
Evan S.H. Quah ◽  
Myint Kyaw Thura ◽  
...  

The historical accuracy of building taxonomies is improved when they are based on phylogenetic inference (i.e., the resultant classifications are less apt to misrepresent evolutionary history). In fact, taxonomies inferred from statistically significant diagnostic morphological characters in the absence of phylogenetic considerations, can contain non-monophyletic lineages. This is especially true at the species level where small amounts of gene flow may not preclude the evolution of localized adaptions in different geographic areas while underpinning the paraphyletic nature of each population with respect to the other. We illustrate this point by examining genetic and morphological variation among three putatively allopatric populations of the granite-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus aequalis from hilly regions in southeastern Myanmar. In the absence of molecular phylogenetic inference, a compelling argument for three morphologically diagnosable species could be marshaled. However, when basing the morphological analyses of geographic variation on a molecular phylogeny, there is a more compelling argument that only one species should be recognized. We are cognizant of the fact however, that when dealing with rare species or specimens for which no molecular data are possible, judicious morphological analyses are the only option—and the desired option given the current worldwide biodiversity crisis.


Nematology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry M. Miljutin ◽  
Maria A. Miljutina

Acantholaimusis a species-rich genus of deep-sea nematodes, often with dozens of species found at the same locality but each represented by single or few individuals. Species discrimination by morphological characters in this genus is therefore often difficult due to transitional forms that may be referred to several species because of lack of data on intraspecific variability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraspecific variability of morphological characters that are most often used inAcantholaimustaxonomy, in order to distinguish those which are most informative for species differentiation. A reverse taxonomic approach was applied for initial species discrimination. Two loci, one each from small and large subunits of rRNA, were sequenced for 59Acantholaimusspecimens from two deep-sea locations. Twenty-seven Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTU) were identified, of which 12 were represented by more than one individual. These were then analysed for intraspecific variability in morphological characters. Some of the examined characters showed high intraspecific variability; specifically: length of cephalic setae; distance from anterior end to amphid; shape of anterior setae; position and arrangement of cervical setae. In the absence of genetic data, these characters should be used with caution for differential diagnoses or species discrimination. Other characters were more conservative within the same MOTU: body proportions; length of outer labial setae; amphidial diam.; appearance of lateral field; general arrangement of cervical setae; and shape of tail. These characters may be successfully used for species discrimination in the absence of molecular data.


Author(s):  
Purabi Kaushik ◽  
Jnyanashree Saikia ◽  
Jitendra Saharia ◽  
Dulal Chandra Mili

The present study was conducted at Institutional livestock farm complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara. A total of 37 adult Sahiwal pure breed cattle were selected to study their phenotypic and Morphometric characteristics. Phenotypic characteristics were visually recorded and morphometric measurements were taken with a measuring tape. Coat and face colour of most of the animals are deep brown in colour but also few light brown colour animals were noticed. The muzzle, eye lashes, hooves and tails colour of Sahiwal cattle are mostly black.  Deep and light brown colour Hump was found.  A well-developed udder, a large pendular dewlap and long naval flap were found. The average Heart Girth, Body length, Ear length, Ear width, Neck length, Hoove length, Hoove circumference, Tail length were found to be 103.33±2.79, 62.33±0.48, 10.08±0.39, 6.58±0.28, 25.83±0.50, 4.33±0.18, 11.33±0.28, 39.83±0.27, 24.33±0.28, 113.41±2.27 cm respectively.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 496 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-53
Author(s):  
GOIA DE MATTOS LYRA ◽  
JOSÉ MARCOS DE CASTRO NUNES ◽  
EDILENE MARIA DOS SANTOS PESTANA ◽  
JOÃO CARLOS GAMA DE MATOS ◽  
TAIARA AGUIAR CAIRES ◽  
...  

The Gracilariaceae comprises 242 mainly tropical species, including some with significant economic value for the food and pharmaceutical industry. Accurate taxonomy is crucial for the selection of species for cultivation. However, species identification is still challenging taxonomists. Nineteen species of Gracilariaceae have so far been referred to the Brazilian coast. We describe this diversity across approximately 32 degrees of latitude, using mitochondrial (COI-5P) and plastid (UPA and rbcL) markers in species delimitation analyses (ABGD and SPN). We provide phylogenetic (based on a concatenated three-genes tree and a taxa rich rbcL tree) and barcoding analyses from a broad and partially original collection combined with morphoanatomical data, including information resulting from analyses of type specimens and topotype material. We identified twenty-five specific entities occurring on the Brazilian coast, including four new species yet to be described. Spermatangial arrangements and aspects of thallus morphology were the most useful characters for species and genera delimitation, while characters based on the anatomy of the cystocarp overlap. Our morphological analyses demonstrate the lack of exclusive characters that justify the recently proposed Gracilariaceae infrafamilial categories, and therefore we use in this work the Gracilaria sensu lato genus concept. We provide descriptions, illustrations and a dichotomous key for the identification of species occurring in Brazil.


Author(s):  
Tudor PĂPUC ◽  
Daniel COCAN ◽  
Călin LAŢIU ◽  
Paul UIUIU ◽  
Vioara MIREȘAN

Spirlin (Alburnoides bipunctatus) is found in great numbers in most Transylvanian rivers. The species has an important role in the ecosystems in which it is found in terms of feeding and habitat occupation. The morphmetric characthers of this species vary between different habitats, outlining morphometric plasticity. Morphometric profiles were made for different populations of Spirlin, to evaluate differences in body shape. Considering that different environmental conditions influence the morphology of Spirlin populations, morphometric characteristics were determined. In order to assess differences in spirlin body shape, specimens from the four major Transylvanian catchments were collected by angling techniques. The specimens were preserved and transported to the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, where morphometric measurements and weight determinations were conducted in the Physiology of Aquatic Organisms Laboratory. Spirlin from Mures, Somes, Cris and Viseu catchments were studied, as it follows: 21 specimens from Aries River (Mures catchment), 61 specimens from the river Crisul Repede (Cris catchment), 21 specimens from Somesul Mic River (Somes catchment) and 20 specimens from Viseu River. A number of 39 determinations were made. The obtained results reflect the morphometric differences among populations of Spirlin from some Transylvanian main rivers.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 388 (4) ◽  
pp. 275 ◽  
Author(s):  
BEATRIZ BRUNELLI ◽  
DANIELA MILSTEIN ◽  
SUNG M. BOO ◽  
MUTUE T. FUJII

The Gelidium species are susceptible to a great phenotypic plasticity. In this genus, studies integrating morphological and molecular data have been increasingly used to define species. To date nine Gelidium species are reported along the Brazilian coast. Gelidium floridanum is the most frequently recorded species in Brazilian but it is also often confused with morphologically similar species, especially in the field or when reproductive structures are absent. In this study we analyzed specimens from Brazil previously identified as G. floridanum based on the morphological and molecular data (cox1 and rbcL DNA sequences). Newly collected specimens from Brazil showed a DNA sequence divergence from G. floridanum in the order of 1.0–1.4% for rbcL and 4.2% for cox1, enough to be considered a new species, here described as Gelidium guimaraesiae sp. nov.


2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1715-1715
Author(s):  
Marco Volante ◽  
Ida Rapa ◽  
Manoj Gandhi ◽  
Gianni Bussolati ◽  
Daniela Giachino ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Context Poorly differentiated carcinomas represent an aggressive group of thyroid tumors with controversial classification placement and poorly understood pathogenesis. Molecular data in this group of tumors are extremely heterogeneous, possibly reflecting different inclusion criteria. Recently homogeneous diagnostic criteria have been proposed by our group (Turin proposal) that need to be complemented by detailed molecular characterization. Objective The objective of the study was to define a comprehensive molecular typing of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas classified following homogeneous diagnostic criteria. Design Sixty-five cases of poorly differentiated carcinoma selected following the Turin proposal have been screened for N-, K-, H-RAS, BRAF, RET/PTC1 and 3, and PAX8/PPARγ mutations-rearrangements using alternative techniques and in two different laboratories. Molecular data were compared with clinical pathological parameters and survival by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results RAS mutations in codon 61 were by far the most common genetic alteration in poorly differentiated carcinomas (23% of cases), with all mutation in NRAS except one in the HRAS gene. A single BRAF mutation was found in a poorly differentiated carcinoma with a residual component of a tall cell variant of papillary carcinoma. No KRAS, RET/PTC, or PAX8/PPARγ genetic alteration was detected. In this series, the presence of RAS mutations was a unique negative prognostic parameter at multivariate analysis. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that strictly classified poorly differentiated carcinomas are genetically homogeneous, RAS mutations being the almost exclusive genetic event. Moreover, the detection of RAS mutations might be clinically relevant for the prognostic stratification of these tumors.


Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2049 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDRE DIAS PIMENTA ◽  
RICARDO SILVA ABSALÃO ◽  
CINTIA MIYAJI

The genera Boonea Robertson, 1978, Chrysallida Carpenter, 1856, Fargoa Bartsch, 1909, Ivara Dall & Bartsch, 1903, Mumiola A. Adams, 1863, Odostomella Bucquoy, Dautzenberg & Dollfus, 1883, Parthenina Bucquoy, Dautzenberg & Dollfus, 1883 and Trabecula Dall & Bartsch, 1909 from Brazil are reviewed. Boonea jadisi (Olsson & McGinty, 1958), Boonea seminuda (C. B. Adams, 1839), Chrysallida gemmulosa C. B. Adams, 1850, Ivara terryi (Olsson & McGinty, 1958), Fargoa bushiana Bartsch, 1909, Mumiola gradatula (Mörch, 1876) and Odostomella carceralis Pimenta, Absalão & Alencar, 2000 are confirmed to occur in Brazil. We also present the first records of Parthenina varia (Odé, 1993), Odostomella fonteini (Jong & Coomans, 1988) and Trabecula krumpermanni (Jong & Coomans, 1988) from the region, all, new combinations. Two species, previously reported from the Brazilian coast, could not be confirmed: Boonea bisuturalis (Say, 1822) and Boonea impressa (Say, 1822). Odostomella cf. doliolum (Philippi, 1844) and Parthenina cf. interspatiosa (Linden & Eikenboom, 1992), originally described from the eastern Atlantic, are here recorded from Brazil, although their status remains dubious because of lack of information on their biology and due to lack of morphological and molecular data. One new species is described: Boonea scymnocelata, which can be distinguished from the similar species B. seminuda by its smaller size and immersed protoconch, with no visible nucleus.


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