Phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, character evolution and biogeography of the lacertid lizards of the genus Takydromus (Reptilia: Squamata): a molecular perspective

Govenia Lindl. (Orchidaceae) is a neotropical terrestrial deciduous genus of approximately 28 species of the higher Epidendroids. To determine if Govenia is monophyletic and what are the relationships among its species, a phylogenetic analysis based on a detailed morphological study was conducted. Furthermore, the evolution of eight vegetative and floral characters is explored and explained in relation to pollination syndrome. Three most parsimonious trees were retrieved from heuristic searches. Govenia is corroborated as monophyletic with six recognized groups: three monotypic groups (G. ciliilabia, G. powellii, and G. boliviensis) and three major clades (Purpusii, Capitata, and Superba groups). The Purpusii group is characterized by a well-developed rhizome, a solitary leaf, and 3–12 white flowers. The Capitata group is characterized by the lack of a rhizome, two leaves, and 10–30 white flowers. The Superba group is characterized by the lack of a rhizome, two leaves, and numerous yellow flowers. Two trends were identified in Govenia. The first trend is represented by plants with a rhizome and reduced leaf and flower numbers that occur in taxa from the Purpusii group. The second trend has been to increase inflorescence length and the number of flowers, to change flower colour from white to yellow with an ascending position of the column, and is represented in taxa from the Superba group. The evolution of floral characters leads to the hypothesis that there was a shift in pollinator from small bumblebees to larger bumblebees.

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The continuing challenge of phylogenetic relationships in Terebelliformia (Annelida : Polychaeta)

Invertebrate Systematics ◽

10.1071/is12062 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 186 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

João Miguel de Matos Nogueira ◽

Kirk Fitzhugh ◽

Pat Hutchings

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

Character Evolution ◽

Type Material ◽

New Family ◽

Revised Definitions

A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Terebellidae and related families was undertaken. Type material of all genera of Terebellinae was examined, together with representatives of nearly all genera of remaining Terebellidae subfamilies, and representatives of the families that have been traditionally regarded as being closely related, comprising the Terebelliformia. In total, 85 species were coded using 118 subjects (‘characters’) and 286 subject–predicate relations (‘states’). The results indicate: (1) the paraphyly of Terebellidae by the placements of Trichobranchidae, Ampharetidae, Alvinellidae and Pectinariidae within that clade; (2) the occurrences of Thelepodinae as separate clades, consistent with groups ‘A’ and ‘B’ recognised by Nogueira et al. (2010a); and (3) the monophyly of Polycirrinae and Terebellinae. The previously considered subfamilies of Terebellidae are raised to familial level and a new family is described. Revised definitions are provided for: Terebelliformia, Polycirridae, stat. nov., Telothelepodidae, fam. nov., Terebellidae emend., and Thelepodidae, stat. nov., along with a discussion of character evolution in the Terebellidae.

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