scholarly journals Ecotypes and evolutionary significant units in endangered North African gazelles

2017 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa L Silva ◽  
Cândida G Vale ◽  
Raquel Godinho ◽  
Amina Fellous ◽  
Yves Hingrat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
North African ◽  
Ecological Traits ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
North West

Abstract Conservation planning of threatened taxa relies upon accurate data on systematics, ecological traits and suitable habitats. The genus Gazella includes taxa with distinct morphologies and ecological traits, but close phylogenetic relationships. The North African Gazella cuvieri and Gazella leptoceros loderi share morphological and physiological characters but the former is darker and found in mountain areas, while the latter is lighter and associated with sand dunes. Here we aim to assess the genetic distinctiveness of these taxa, to characterize their ecological niches and to identify potential occurrence areas, by analysing 327 samples across North-West Africa. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial (CYTB) and five nuclear gene fragments (KCAS, LAC, SPTBN1, PRKCI and THYR) show that both taxa comprise a single monophyletic group. However, ecological niche-based modelling suggests that populations of these taxa occupy distinct geographic areas and specific environments. Predicted areas of sympatry were restricted, as a consequence of local sharp transitions in climatic traits. The lack of genetic differentiation between these taxa suggests they should be lumped into G. cuvieri, while ecological and morphological differences indicate they correspond to distinct ecotypes. Conservation planning of G. cuvieri should consider the preservation of both mountain and lowland ecotypes to maintain the overall adaptive potential of the species. This integrative approach provides valuable insights in identifying evolutionary units and should be extended to other gazelles.

scholarly journals Forest Dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) populations in southern Italy belong to a deeply divergent evolutionary lineage

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Bisconti ◽  
G. Aloise ◽  
A. Siclari ◽  
V. Fava ◽  
M Provenzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Divergence ◽  
Growth Hormone Receptor ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Phenotypic Characters ◽  
Evolutionary Lineage ◽  
Mitochondrial Cytochrome B

AbstractThe Forest Dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) is a small rodent with a wide, albeit severely fragmented distribution, ranging from central Europe to central Asia. Within the Italian region, D. nitedula populations are restricted to forested mountain areas of two largely disconnected regions, the eastern Alps and the Calabria region, where two distinct subspecies (D. nitedula intermedius and D. nitedula aspromontis, respectively) have been described on the basis of phenotypic characters (i.e., fur colour). Here we analysed D. nitedula samples from both regions, to investigate patterns of genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationship among these two populations. Genetic variation was studied at the level of one mitochondrial (cytochrome b gene) and three nuclear gene fragments (exon1 of the interstitial retinoid-binding protein, exon 10 of the growth hormone receptor, and recombination activating gene 1). Phylogenetic analyses were performed using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. D. n. aspromontis and D. n. intermedius were found to be reciprocally monophyletic in all the phylogenetic analyses, and the genetic divergence observed between them at the mitochondrial CYTB gene was conspicuous (HKY: 0.044) when compared to previously observed values among many sister species of rodents. Our results clearly show that D. nitedula aspromontis is a deeply divergent, narrow endemic evolutionary lineage, and its conservation needs should be carefully evaluated in the near future. Moreover, such deep genetic divergence, together with phenotypic differentiation between D. n. intermedius and D. n. aspromontis, suggest that D. nitedula populations in southern Italy might belong to a distinct, previously unrecognized species.

scholarly journals Diversity of Coomansus zschokkei-group (Nematoda, Mononchida) in Bulgaria

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Mladenov ◽  
Milka Elshishka ◽  
Stela Lazarova ◽  
Lyudmila Lozanova ◽  
Georgi Radoslavov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Far East ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Buccal Capsule ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Bootstrap Support ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Birch Tree ◽  
Posterior Position

The genus Coomansus Jairajpuri & Khan, 1977 encompasses more than 30 species occuring in various habitats. The Coomansus zschokkei-group, characterized by a posterior position of the dorsal tooth, includes 11 species spread in the northern hemisphere: Europe (3 species), Asia (Far East, Korea, Japan – 8 species), North America (Costa Rica and USA – 1 species), which are reported from subalpine habitats and forests, but also freshwater lakes. So far, one species (C. zschokkei (Menzel, 1914)) was recorded from Bulgaria (Iliev and Ilieva 2019). During this study three undescribed species have been found from mountain areas of Bulgaria. These three closely related Coomansus species were studied using an integrative approach. Based on the dimensions of the buccal capsule and the posterior position of the dorsal tooth they are similar to C. zschokkei, C. cobbi (Eroshenko, 1975), C. mucronatus (Eroshenko, 1975) and C. simenensis (Kreis, 1924), but differ from them by a number of characters such as buccal capsule length, tail length, and lateral piece shape. Coomansus cf. menzeli Loof & Viniszewska-Slipińska, 1993 recovered from moss around birch tree at the Central Balkan Mountain is a new geographical record for Bulgaria. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S and D2-D3 expansion domains of rRNA genes have been performed for the first time for members of Coomansus zschokkei-group. In both phylogenetic reconstructions, all Coomansus species with the exception of C. gerlachei (De Man, 1904) formed a monophyletic group with very high bootstrap support values. Speciation within the group seems to be related to glaciation and post-glaciation events in mountain areas.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variability of the Acoustic Climate of Ski Resorts in the Aosta Valley Territory

Environments ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Tibone ◽  
Marco Masoero ◽  
Filippo Berlier ◽  
Giovanni Tabozzi ◽  
Daniele Crea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Mountain Area ◽  
North West ◽  
Ski Resorts ◽  
Acoustic Quality ◽  
High Level

The Aosta Valley is an alpine region in north-west Italy that is characterized by a high level of naturalness, with extensive uninhabited areas that are distant from artificial sound sources. The Aosta Valley Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA-VdA) has been particularly sensitive to the preservation of the soundscape, which is considered an integral part of the landscape, since the laws on noise pollution were first introduced. The nature of the ski areas in the Aosta mountains, which undergoes changes throughout the year, is surely of great importance, especially during the winter season, when the number of visitors is particularly high. In fact, during the winter, the sounds of nature are replaced by those produced by recreation and sports activities. Mountain and snow tourism, which are developed in sensitive environmental contexts in the Aosta Valley, are sectors of immense social and economic importance. Much of this tourism takes place in ski resorts. Three mountain areas with different characteristics, in terms of attendance and recreational/sport activities, have been examined in this paper, as part of a collaboration between ARPA-VdA and the Politecnico di Torino. Acoustic measurements were performed in order to identify the seasonal variations of sound emissions from both natural and anthropic sound sources. In addition to the standard environmental acoustic descriptors foreseen by European legislation (LAeq, Ln, Lden, etc.), the harmonica (IH) index, which provides a quantitative evaluation of the acoustic quality on a zero to ten numerical scale, was used to qualify the acoustic climate of the three areas. The results presented in the paper provide useful information on a relevant subject—the preservation of the acoustic quality of a mountain area of touristic importance—which has been scarcely investigated so far.

scholarly journals Evidence for Range Expansion and Origins of an Invasive Hornet Vespa bicolor (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in Taiwan, with Notes on Its Natural Status

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 320
Author(s):  
Sheng-Shan Lu ◽  
Junichi Takahashi ◽  
Wen-Chi Yeh ◽  
Ming-Lun Lu ◽  
Jing-Yi Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Expansion ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Short Branch ◽  
Branch Lengths ◽  
The Government ◽  
Central Taiwan

The invasive alien species (IAS) Vespa bicolor is the first reported hornet that has established in Taiwan and is concerning as they prey on honeybee Apis mellifera, which leads to colony losses and public concerns. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the current status of V. bicolor abundance, dispersal, and impact and to trace the origins of Taiwan’s V. bicolor population. Our studies took place in five areas in northern to central Taiwan. We used mtDNA in the phylogenetic analyses. Field survey and ecological niche modeling (ENM) were used to understand the origins and current range of the invasive species. Two main subgroups of V. bicolor in the phylogenetic tree were found, and a clade with short branch lengths in Southeastern China and Taiwan formed a subgroup, which shows that the Taiwan population may have invaded from a single event. Evidence shows that V. bicolor is not a severe pest to honeybees in the study area; however, using ENM, we predict the rapid dispersion of this species to the cooler and hilly mountain areas of Taiwan. The management of V. bicolor should also involve considering it a local pest to reduce loss by beekeepers and public fear in Taiwan. Our findings highlight how the government, beekeepers, and researchers alike should be aware of the implications of V. bicolor’s rapid range expansion in Taiwan, or in other countries.

A description of the second species of the genus Bleptus Eaton, 1885 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from Japan, and phylogenetic relationships of two Bleptus mayflies inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4974 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-360
Author(s):  
KOJI TOJO ◽  
KEN MIYAIRI ◽  
YUTO KATO ◽  
AYANA SAKANO ◽  
TOMOYA SUZUKI
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Gene Sequences ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Black Band ◽  
Relationship Of

A new mayfly species, Bleptus michinokuensis sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) is described on the basis of specimens of male and female adults and mature nymphs collected at a seepage zone of a small freshwater branch of the ‘Tachiya-zawa-gawa’ River located amongst the northern foothills of Mt. Gassan (Shonai-machi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan). This new Bleptus species is characterized by its clear fore and hind wings. That is, they neither exhibit the distinct black band on the fore wings, nor the characteristic darkened margins along the edges of both the fore and hind wings. Rather it has a blackish colored terminal half of its fore legs (i.e., tibial, tarsal and pretarsal segments). These features differ clearly when comparing them to the other known species, Bleptus fasciatus Eaton. The information and data describing the habitat and distribution range of this new species are also noted. We also examined and discussed the genetic relationship of two Bleptus mayflies to settle the taxonomic status, inferred from the partially sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and large mitochondrial ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA) genes, and also the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene sequences. Consequently, phenetic and molecular phylogenetic analyses agreed well in terms of clustering. 

scholarly journals Algae of biological soil crusts from sand dunes of the Danube Delta biosphere reserve (Odesa Region, Ukraine)

Algologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-62
Author(s):  
T.I. Mikhailyuk ◽  
◽  
O.M. Vinogradova ◽  
K. Glaser ◽  
N. Rybalka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Biological Soil Crusts ◽  
Danube Delta ◽  
Climate Type ◽  
Soil Crusts ◽  
Comparison Of The Results ◽  
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

The species composition of algae from biological soil crusts (biocrusts) on the surface of sand dunes (Black Sea coast, Primorske, Izmail District, Odesa Region, Ukraine) was investigated. Samples were collected from three coastal localities: Katranivska Spit, Zhebryianska Bay and Zhebryianska Ridge. The latter two localities are in the territory of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. The samples were investigated by direct microscopy, followed by a culture approach. 60 species from Chlorophyta (32), Cyanobacteria (16), Streptophyta (7) and Ochrophyta (5) were identified. Representatives of the cyanobacterial genera Microcoleus Desmazières ex Gomont, Coleofasciculus M.Siegesmund, J.R.Johansen & T.Friedl, Nostoc Vaucher ex Bornet & Flahault, Hassallia Berkeley ex Bornet & Flahault, and streptophytes from the genus Klebsormidium P.C.Silva, Mattox & W.H.Blackwell dominated in the studied biocrusts. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S/18S rRNA as well as 16S-23S ITS/ITS-1,2 regions were undertaken for some strains of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. As a result, species identification and their position in respective phylogeny was refined, as well as aiding the discovery of some interesting and rare species. New genera and species were described (Streptosarcina arenaria Mikhailyuk & Lukešová and Tetradesmus arenicola Mikhailyuk & P.Tsarenko); with two genera (Nodosilinea R.B.Perkerson & D.A.Casamatta and Pleurastrosarcina H.J.Sluiman & P.C.J.Blommers) and four species reported for the first time for the flora of Ukraine (Nodosilinea epilithica Perkerson & Casamatta, Pseudomuriella aurantiaca (W.Vischer) N.Hanagata, Pleurochloris meiringensis Vischer, Pleurastrosarcina terriformae Darienko, W.J.Kang, Orzechowski & Pröschold). Comparison of the results from this study with similar investigations at Cape Kazantip (Sea of Azov, Ukraine) and at two islands of the Baltic Sea (Rügen, Usedom, Germany) revealed that sand composition and texture, as well as climate type of the respective region, are the main factors determining species composition of algae and cyanobacteria in biocrusts of maritime dunes.

scholarly journals The Challenges and Relevance of Exploring the Genetics of North Africa’s “Barbary Lion” and the Conservation of Putative Descendants in Captivity

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon A. Black
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
North African ◽  
Ecosystem Recovery ◽  
North West ◽  
West And Central Africa ◽  
African Lions

The lions of North Africa were unique in ecological terms as well as from a human cultural perspective and were the definitive lions of Roman and Medieval Europe. Labelled “Barbary” lions, they were once numerous in North Africa but were exterminated by the mid-20th century. Despite subsequent degeneration of the Atlas Mountain ecosystem through human pressures, the feasibility of lion reintroduction has been debated since the 1970s. Research on the long-established captive lion collection traditionally kept by the sultans and kings of Morocco has enabled selective breeding coordinated across Moroccan and European zoos involving a significant number of animals. Molecular genetic research has recently provided insights into lion phylogeny which, despite previous suggestions that all lions share recent common ancestry, now indicates clear distinctions between lions in North, West, and Central Africa, the Middle East, and India versus those in Southern and Eastern Africa. A review of the evolutionary relevance of North African lions highlights the important challenges and opportunities in understanding relationships between Moroccan lions, extinct North African lions, and extant lion populations in India and West and Central Africa and the potential role for lions in ecosystem recovery in those regions.

Cosmolian: High-resolution Integrated OSL and CN modelling Program for Sand Transportation in Eolian Realms (HIPSTER)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shlomy Vainer ◽  
Yoav Ben Dor
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Evolution ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Aeolian Transport ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Aeolian Processes ◽  
Simpson Desert

<p>The extensivity of sand dunes in continental interiors makes the understating of their morphodynamical properties valuable for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and the interpretation of landscape evolution. Nevertheless, the study of aeolian landscape development at the million-years timescale is hampered by the complex interaction of factors determining dune migration and the inherently self-destructive nature of their chronostratigraphy, thus limiting the applicability of traditional luminescence-based dating methods for configuring processes beyond ~300 Ka. In this study, we present a standalone program that simulates aeolian transport based on luminescence-derived chronologies coupled with numerical modelling of cosmogenic nuclides accumulation. This integrative approach reveals ancient phases of sand irruption and provides a data-based scheme facilitating the morphodynamical study of aeolian processes over multiple timescales. We present a case study of the program application by analyzing data from the Australian Simpson Desert, unfolding several phases of aeolian vitality since the late Pliocene. The synchronicity of the results with drastic changes in environmental settings exemplifies the applicability of process-based modelling in constructing a timeframe of key landscape evolution events in arid environments by studying aeolian landforms. Finally, the relationships between model parameters used to determine environmental settings on sand migration patterns make the program a powerful tool to further investigating triggers and mechanisms of aeolian processes.</p>

IV.—Wind Denudation.—Eolites

1875 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 587-588
Author(s):  
T. Mellard Reade
Keyword(s):  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
North West ◽  
Sandy Shore ◽  
The North

I am not aware that any geological notice has been taken of the effect of the wind on a flat sandy shore, further than the simple removal of the sand therefrom, and its collection on the sea-margin in the shape of sand dunes.At the present moment a walk on the shore at Blundellsands has vividly impressed me with the efficacy of this agent—wind—as a denuder.Though I have frequently observed the phenomenon I am about to describe, after continued gales from the North-West, I never saw it displayed in so uniform a manner as now.

scholarly journals Phylogeny of the Subtribe Monoctonina (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae)

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelisaveta Čkrkić ◽  
Andjeljko Petrović ◽  
Korana Kocić ◽  
Milana Mitrović ◽  
Nickolas G. Kavallieratos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
Close Relatedness ◽  
One New Species ◽  
Basal Position

Members of the Monoctonina subtribe have long been neglected in applied studies of the subfamily Aphidiinae, due to their low economic importance, as they do not parasitize pests of cultivated plants. Consequently, data about this group are scarce, including its taxonomy and phylogeny. In the present study, we explore inter- and intraspecific genetic variation of Monoctonina species, including genera Monoctonus Haliday 1833, Monoctonia Starý 1962, Falciconus Mackauer 1959 and Harkeria Cameron 1900. We employ two molecular markers, the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the D2 region of the 28S nuclear gene (28S rDNA), to analyze genetic structuring and phylogeny of all available Monoctonina species, and combine them with morphological data for an integrative approach. We report one new species, and three potentially new species which can be formally described when further specimens are available. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships within the subtribe shows a basal position for the genera Falciconus and Monoctonia, and the close relatedness of Harkeria and Monoctonus.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document