Diversity and phylogeny of south-east Queensland Bathynellacea

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Little ◽  
Daniel J. Schmidt ◽  
Benjamin D. Cook ◽  
Timothy J. Page ◽  
Jane M. Hughes

The crustacean order Bathynellacea is amongst the most diverse and widespread groups of subterranean aquatic fauna (stygofauna) in Australia. Interest in the diversity and biogeography of Australian Bathynellacea has grown markedly in recent years. However, relatively little information relating to this group has emerged from Queensland. The aim of this study was to investigate bathynellacean diversity and phylogeny in south-east Queensland. Relationships between the south-east Queensland fauna and their continental relatives were evaluated through the analysis of combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. Bathynellaceans were collected from alluvial groundwater systems in three catchments in south-east Queensland. This study revealed a diverse bathynellacean fauna with complex evolutionary relationships to related fauna elsewhere in Queensland, and on the wider Australian continent. The multifamily assemblage revealed here is likely to represent several new species, and at least one new genus within the Parabathynellidae. These taxa likely have relatively restricted geographic distributions. Interestingly, the south-east Queensland Bathynellacea appeared to be distantly related to their north-east Queensland counterparts. Although it was not possible to determine the generic identities of their closest relatives, the south-east Queensland Parabathynellidae appear to be most closely affiliated with southern and eastern Australian lineages. Together with previous survey data, the findings here suggest that there is likely to be considerable bathynellacean diversity in alluvial groundwater systems across the wider Queensland region. Further assessment of stygofauna distributions in south-east Queensland is necessary to understand the biological implications of significant groundwater use and development in the region.

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 208 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Little ◽  
A. I. Camacho

A new genus and species in the family Parabathynellidae Noodt, 1965, Lockyerenella danschmidti, gen. et sp. nov., is described from Queensland, Australia. The species displays several distinctive character states within the Parabathynellidae, and a unique combination of character states. Interestingly, L. danschmidti is the only known species of Parabathynellidae in Australia (and in the world) to possess a long and robust seta on the last segment of the antenna, which is present in both males and females. The new genus is morphologically distinct from the known genera, but is more similar to Queensland species of Notobathynella Schminke, 1973 and Arkaroolabathynella Abrams & King, 2013 from South Australia, than to species from other areas of the continent. This is the first work to couple genetics to the morphological description of a stygofauna species in Queensland. Phylogenetic relationships between L. danschmidti and related genera from elsewhere on the continent were evaluated through the analysis of combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. This analysis revealed at least one new genus within the Parabathynellidae, confirming our morphological hypothesis.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER B. HEENAN ◽  
ROB D. SMISSEN

The generic taxonomy of the Nothofagaceae is revised. We present a new phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters and map these characters onto a recently published phylogenetic tree obtained from DNA sequence data. Results of these and previous analyses strongly support the monophyly of four clades of Nothofagaceae that are currently treated as subgenera of Nothofagus. The four clades of Nothofagaceae are robust and well-supported, with deep stem divergences, have evolutionary equivalence with other genera of Fagales, and can be circumscribed with morphological characters. We argue that these morphological and molecular differences are sufficient for the four clades of Nothofagaceae to be recognised at the primary rank of genus, and that this classification will be more informative and efficient than the currently circumscribed Nothofagus with four subgenera.        Nothofagus is recircumscribed to include five species from southern South America, Lophozonia and Trisyngyne are reinstated, and the new genus Fuscospora is described. Fuscospora and Lophozonia, with six and seven species respectively, occur in New Zealand, southern South America and Australia. Trisyngyne comprises 25 species from New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. New combinations are provided where necessary in each of these genera.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
M. Hernández-Restrepo ◽  
A. Giraldo ◽  
R. van Doorn ◽  
M.J. Wingfield ◽  
J.Z. Groenewald ◽  
...  

The Genera of Fungi series, of which this is the sixth contribution, links type species of fungal genera to their morphology and DNA sequence data. Five genera of microfungi are treated in this study, with new species introduced in Arthrographis, Melnikomyces, and Verruconis. The genus Thysanorea is emended and two new species and nine combinations are proposed. Kramasamuha sibika, the type species of the genus, is provided with DNA sequence data for first time and shown to be a member of Helminthosphaeriaceae (Sordariomycetes). Aureoconidiella is introduced as a new genus representing a new lineage in the Dothideomycetes.


Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2989 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
HERBERT RÖSLER ◽  
AARON M. BAUER ◽  
MATTHEW P. HEINICKE ◽  
ELI GREENBAUM ◽  
TODD JACKMAN ◽  
...  

A review of the taxonomy, phylogeny, and zoogeography of all currently recognized Gekko species is provided based on morphology (including size, scalation, color, and pattern) and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. We distinguish six morphological (phenotypic) species groups within the gekkonid genus Gekko: the G. gecko, G. japonicus, G. monarchus, G. petricolus, G. porosus, and G. vittatus groups, all of which receive support from molecular phylogenetics. The taxon G. reevesii, formerly evaluated as a synonym of G. gekko, is revalidated herein at specific rank. Furthermore, a preliminary identification key of all currently recognized Gekko taxa is provided.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 161 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinang Hongsanan ◽  
Putarak Chomnunti ◽  
Pedro W. Crous ◽  
Ekachai Chukeatirote ◽  
Kevin D. Hyde

The order Microthyriales comprises foliar biotrophs, epiphytes, pathogens or saprobes that occur on plant leaves and stems. The order is relatively poorly known due to limited sampling and few in-depth studies. There is also a lack of phylogenetic data for these fungi, which form small black spots on plant host surfaces, but rarely cause any damage to the host. A "Microthyriaceae"-like fungus collected in central Thailand is described as a new genus, Chaetothyriothecium (type species Chaetothyriothecium elegans sp. nov.). Phylogenetic analyses of LSU gene data showed this species to cluster with other members of Microthyriales, where it is related to Microthyrium microscopicum the type of the order. The description of the new species is supplemented by DNA sequence data, which resolves its placement in the order. Little molecular data is available for this order, stressing the need for further collections and molecular data.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
David James Harris ◽  
Daniela Rosado ◽  
Raquel Xavier ◽  
Daniele Salvi

The genus Quedenfeldtia is composed of two species, Q. moerens and Q. trachyblepharus, both endemic to the Atlas Mountains region of Morocco. Previous studies recovered two main genetic lineages within each Quedenfeldtia species, although sampling did not cover a substantial portion of their known distribution. In this study we collected individuals from previously unsampled localities of Quedenfeldtia and carried out genetic analyses in order to assess the range of previously identified lineages and the occurrence of additional lineages. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on both mitochondrial (12S and ND4 + tRNA) and nuclear (MC1R) markers revealed that while the new individuals of Q. moerens belong to previously described lineages, two new lineages of Q. trachyblepharus were uncovered from the northern and southern parts of the range. Genetic divergence of these new lineages (8-9% ND4 + tRNA p-distance) was higher than values observed between other lizard sister species. In the future a thorough morphological assessment is needed to complement this study and allow a taxonomic revision of these taxa. The results of this study highlight the importance of biodiversity assessments in mountainous regions characterized by high endemicity but which are difficult to access.


Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4353 (3) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. GARY STILES ◽  
J. V. JR. REMSEN ◽  
JIMMY A. MCGUIRE

The generic nomenclature of the hummingbirds is unusually complicated. McGuire et al.’s (2014) recent phylogeny of the Trochilidae based on DNA sequence data has greatly clarified relationships within the family but conflicts strongly with the traditional classification of the family at the genus level, especially that of the largest and most recently derived clade, the Trochilini or “emeralds”. We recently presented a historical review of this classification and the generic modifications required by the Code of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. Herein we present a revised generic classification of the Trochilini based upon McGuire et al.’s genetic data, while producing diagnosable generic groupings and preserving nomenclatural stability insofar as possible. However, this generic rearrangement has necessitated the resurrection of nine generic names currently considered synonyms, the synonymization of seven currently recognized genera and the creation of one new genus. The generic changes we recommend to the classification are drastic, and we summarize these in tabular form in comparison with the three most recent classifications of the Trochilini. Where appropriate, we outline alternatives to our proposed arrangement. The classification treats 110 species in 35 genera, including two species that remain unplaced for lack of genetic samples. 


2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Mitchell ◽  
P. B. Heenan ◽  
B. G. Murray ◽  
B. P. J. Molloy ◽  
P. J. de Lange

Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear DNA external transcribed spacer (ETS) and chloroplast DNA trnL–trnF markers were undertaken to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the South Pacific genus Melicytus. Bayesian analyses of the ETS sequence data produced a phylogenetic tree with several well supported groups, including clades comprising: (1) species from Australia, Tasmania and Lord Howe Island; (2) the Norfolk Island M. latifolius and New Zealand off-shore island M. novae-zelandiae subsp. novae-zelandiae; (3) the large-leaved M. ramiflorus complex; (4) M. fasciger and M. micranthus; and (5) M. obovatus and allies from the Cook Strait region. Phylogenetic analysis of trnL–trnF sequence data also retrieved some of these groups although, in general, was not as well resolved. The relationships of M. lanceolatus are equivocal, as in the ETS phylogeny it is sister to a clade comprising the large-leaved tree species M. fasciger and M. ramiflorus complex and the small-leaved M. micranthus, whereas in the trnL–trnF phylogeny it is sister to a clade of small-leaved shrub species such as M. alpinus and M. crassifolius. Several biogeographic patterns are evident, with dispersal to the west from New Zealand, to Australia, involving small-leaved shrub species. Dispersal to the north from New Zealand, to Norfolk Island and Fiji, involves large-leaved tree species. The sex expression is documented for all named species and undescribed entities, with these being either hermaphroditic or dioecious. When sex expression is mapped onto the phylogeny, the hermaphroditic system is inferred to have evolved from the dioecious system. New chromosome counts are presented for M. angustifolius (2n = 64) and M. dentatus (2n = 32), and earlier counts of 2n = 64 are confirmed for M. crassifolius and M. alpinus. An additional 17 counts are provided for two natural hybrids and several undescribed entities from Australia and New Zealand. The polyploid chromosome number of 2n = 64 occurs most frequently in small-leaved divariate plants with hermaphroditic flowers. When chromosome numbers are plotted onto the phylogeny it is inferred that high polyploids (e.g. 2n = 64) and small-leaved shrubs have evolved from large-leaved trees with functional diploid (e.g. 2n = 32) chromosome numbers.


Zootaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 3608 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris J. LAW ◽  
KELLY M. DORGAN ◽  
GREG W. ROUSE

Thoracophelia (Annelida, Opheliidae) are burrowing deposit feeders generally found in the mid- to upper intertidal areas of sandy beaches. Thoracophelia mucronata (Treadwell, 1914) is found along the west coast of North America, including at Dillon Beach, CA. Two additional species, Thoracophelia dillonensis (Hartman, 1938) and T. williamsi (Hartman, 1938) were also described from this beach. These three sympatric species have been primarily distinguished by branchial morphology, and efforts to determine the validity of the species have been based on morphological, reproductive and ecological studies. Here we demonstrate using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data that these three species are valid. Mitochondrial Cytochrome c subunit 1 (COI) sequences show uncorrected interspecific distances of ~9–13%. We found no inter—specific differences in body color or in hemoglobin concentration, but found that reproductive males were pinkish-red in color and had lower hemoglobin concentrations than purplish—red reproductive females.


2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Arrigoni ◽  
Francesca Benzoni ◽  
Danwei Huang ◽  
Hironobu Fukami ◽  
Chaolun Allen Chen ◽  
...  

The scleractinian family Lobophylliidae is undergoing a major taxonomic revision thanks to the combination of molecular and morphological data. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary relationships and the macro- and micromorphology of six nominal coral species belonging to two of the nine molecular clades of the Lobophylliidae, clades A and B, and of Symphyllia wilsoni, a lobophylliid species analyzed from a molecular point of view for the first time. Sequence data from mitochondrial DNA (COI and the intergenic spacer between COI and l-rRNA), and nuclear DNA (histone H3 and ITS region) are used to generate robust molecular phylogenies and a median-joining haplotype network. Molecular results are strongly in agreement with detailed observations of gross- and fine-scale morphology of skeletons, leading to the formal revision of the genera Micromussa and Homophyllia and the description of two newly discovered zooxanthellate shallow-water species, Micromussa pacifica sp. nov. Benzoni & Arrigoni and Micromussa indiana sp. nov. Benzoni & Arrigoni, and a new genus, Australophyllia gen. nov. Benzoni & Arrigoni. In particular, Acanthastrea lordhowensis and Montastraea multipunctata are moved into Micromussa, A. hillae is synonymized with A. bowerbanki and is transferred to Homophyllia, and a revised diagnosis for both genera is provided. Micromussa pacifica sp. nov. is described from the Gambier Islands with its distribution spanning New Caledonia and eastern Australia. Despite a superficial resemblance with Homophyllia australis, it has distinctive macroand micromorphological septal features. Micromussa indiana sp. nov., previously identified as M. amakusensis, is here described from the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea as a distinct species that is genetically separated from M. amakusensis and is morphologically distinct from the latter due to its smaller corallite size and lower number of septa. Finally, molecular trees show that S. wilsoni is closely related, but molecularly separated from clades A and B, and, also based on a unique combination of corallite and sub-corallite characters, the species is moved into Australophyllia gen. nov. These findings confirm the need for using both genetic and morphological datasets for the ongoing taxonomic revision of scleractinian corals.


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