scholarly journals The double odyssey of Madagascan polystome flatworms leads to new insights on the origins of their amphibian hosts

2009 ◽  
Vol 276 (1662) ◽  
pp. 1575-1583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Verneau ◽  
Louis H Du Preez ◽  
Véronique Laurent ◽  
Liliane Raharivololoniaina ◽  
Frank Glaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dating ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Late Mesozoic ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
On This Island ◽  
The Family ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
History Of ◽  
Recent Origin ◽  
High Species Richness

Polystomatid flatworms are parasites of high host specificity, which mainly infect amphibian hosts. Only one polystome species has so far been recorded from Madagascar despite the high species richness and endemicity of amphibians on this island. Out of the 86 screened Malagasy frog species, we recovered polystomes from 25 in the families Ptychadenidae and Mantellidae. Molecular phylogenetic analysis uncovered an unexpected diversity of polystome species belonging to two separate clades: one forming a lineage within the genus Metapolystoma , with one species in Ptychadena and several species in the mantellid host genera Aglyptodactylus and Boophis ; and the second corresponding to an undescribed genus that was found in the species of the subfamily Mantellinae in the family Mantellidae. The phylogenetic position of the undescribed genus along with molecular dating suggests that it may have colonized Madagascar in the Late Mesozoic or Early Cainozoic. By contrast, the more recent origin of Metapolystoma in Madagascar at ca 14–2 Myr ago strongly suggests that the ancestors of Ptychadena mascareniensis colonized Madagascar naturally by overseas dispersal, carrying their Metapolystoma parasites. Our findings provide a striking example of how parasite data can supply novel insights into the biogeographic history of their hosts.

The Phylogenetic Position of Crenea in the Lythraceae Based on Molecular Evidence, and the Transfer of Its Two Species to Ammannia

2021 ◽  
Vol 106 ◽  
pp. 325-339
Author(s):  
Shirley A. Graham ◽  
Peter W. Inglis ◽  
Taciana B. Cavalcanti
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Character ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Monophyletic Lineage ◽  
The Family ◽  
Mangrove Vegetation ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Globally Distributed

Crenea Aubl. (Lythraceae) is a ditypic genus of subshrubs occurring in mangrove vegetation on the coasts of northern South America. Phylogenetic analyses based on morphology have offered unresolved and conflicting phylogenetic positions for the genus in the family. This study presents the first molecular sequences for Crenea, from nrITS, rbcL, trnL, trnL-F, and matK regions. Molecular phylogenetic analyses find full support for Crenea within Ammannia L., a relationship not previously recognized. Ammannia is a globally distributed genus of terrestrial to amphibious herbs mostly occurring in freshwater marshes and wetlands. It was recently reconfigured based on phylogenetic evidence to include the genera Nesaea Comm. ex Kunth and Hionanthera A. Fern. & Diniz. The transfer of Crenea to Ammannia further extends the morphological, ecological, and biogeographical diversity of Ammannia and provides the final evidence defining Ammannia as a monophyletic lineage of the Lythraceae. A revised circumscription of Ammannia s.l. adds several new morphological character states and the first species in the genus restricted to mangrove vegetation. Two changes in taxonomic status are made: Ammannia maritima (Aubl.) S. A. Graham, P. W. Inglis, & T. B. Cavalc., comb. nov., and Ammannia patentinervius (Koehne) S. A. Graham, P. W. Inglis, & T. B. Cavalc., comb. nov. The new combinations are described, a list of exsiccatae examined is provided, and the effects of the reconfiguration to the morphology and biogeography of the genus are detailed.

scholarly journals Phylogenetic position and taxonomy of Cycloseris explanulata and C. wellsi (Scleractinia: Fungiidae): lost mushroom corals find their way home

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Benzoni ◽  
Roberto Arrigoni ◽  
Fabrizio Stefani ◽  
Bastian T. Reijnen ◽  
Simone Montano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Study ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Free Living ◽  
New Findings ◽  
The Family ◽  
Ecological Implications ◽  
History Of

The scleractinian species Psammocora explanulata and Coscinaraea wellsi were originally classified in the family Siderastreidae, but in a recent morpho-molecular study it appeared that they are more closely related to each other and to the Fungiidae than to any siderastreid taxon. A subsequent morpho-molecular study of the Fungiidae provided new insights regarding the phylogenetic relationships within that family. In the present study existing molecular data sets of both families were analyzed jointly with those of new specimens and sequences of P. explanulata and C. wellsi. The results indicate that both species actually belong to the Cycloseris clade within the family Fungiidae. A reappraisal of their morphologic characters based on museum specimens and recently collected material substantiate the molecular results. Consequently, they are renamed Cycloseris explanulata and C. wellsi. They are polystomatous and encrusting like C. mokai, another species recently added to the genus, whereas all Cycloseris species were initially thought to be monostomatous and free-living. In the light of the new findings, the taxonomy and distribution data of C. explanulata and C. wellsi have been updated and revised. Finally, the ecological implications of the evolutionary history of the three encrusting polystomatous Cycloseris species and their free-living monostomatous congeners are discussed.

scholarly journals Phylogeny and morphology of genus Nephrocytium (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta) from China

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 319 (1) ◽  
pp. 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
XUDONG LIU ◽  
HUAN ZHU ◽  
BENWEN LIU ◽  
GUOXIANG LIU ◽  
ZHENGYU HU
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Taxonomic Position ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Phytoplankton Communities ◽  
Close Phylogenetic Relationship ◽  
The Family ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

The genus Nephrocytium Nägeli is a common member of phytoplankton communities that has a distinctive morphology. Its taxonomic position is traditionally considered to be within the family Oocystaceae (Trebouxiophyceae). However, research on its ultrastructure is rare, and the phylogenetic position has not yet been determined. In this study, two strains of Nephrocytium, N. agardhianum Nägeli and N. limneticum (G.M.Smith) G.M.Smith, were identified and successfully cultured in the laboratory. Morphological inspection by light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed to explore the taxonomic position. Ultrastructure implied a likely irregular network of dense and fine ribs on the surface of the daughter cell wall that resembled that of the genus Chromochloris Kol & Chodat (Chromochloridaceae). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Nephrocytium formed an independent lineage in the order Sphaeropleales (Chlorophyceae) with high support values and a close phylogenetic relationship with Chromochloris. Based on combined morphological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic data, we propose a re-classification of Nephrocytium into Sphaeropleales, sharing a close relationship with Chromochloris.

A revised phylogeny of the New Caledonian endemic genus Troglosiro (Opiliones : Cyphophthalmi : Troglosironidae) with the description of four new species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Giribet ◽  
Caitlin M. Baker ◽  
Prashant P. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Short Range ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
Direct Optimization ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
Phylogenetic Methods ◽  
The Family ◽  
History Of

The Cyphophthalmi genus Troglosiro (the only genus of the family Troglosironidae) is endemic to New Caledonia, representing one of the oldest lineages of this emerged part of Zealandia. Its species are short-range endemics, many known from single localities. Here we examined the phylogenetic relationships of Troglosironidae using standard Sanger-sequenced markers (nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and a combination of phylogenetic methods, including parsimony under Direct Optimization and maximum likelihood with static homology. We also applied a diversity of species delimitation methods, including distance-based, topology-based and unsupervised machine learning to evaluate previous species designations. Finally, we used a combination of genetic and morphological information to describe four new species – T. dogny sp. nov., T. pin sp. nov., T. pseudojuberthiei sp. nov. and T. sharmai sp. nov. – and discuss them in the broader context of the phylogeny and biogeographic history of the family. A key to the species of Troglosiro is also provided. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:93541314-8309-468C-BB77-B34C3A81137E

Across Lydekker's Line - first report of mite harvestmen (Opiliones : Cyphophthalmi : Stylocellidae) from New Guinea

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald M. Clouse ◽  
Gonzalo Giribet
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Single Male ◽  
Molecular Sequence Data ◽  
Molecular Sequence ◽  
The Family ◽  
Biogeographic Region ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
History Of

Opiliones (harvestmen) in the suborder Cyphophthalmi are not known to disperse across oceans and each family in the suborder is restricted to a clear biogeographic region. While undertaking a revisionary study of the South-east Asian family Stylocellidae, two collections of stylocellids from New Guinea were noted. This was a surprising find, since the island appears never to have had a land connection with Eurasia, where the rest of the family members are found. Here, 21 New Guinean specimens collected from the westernmost end of the island (Manokwari Province, Indonesia) are described and their relationships to other cyphophthalmids are analysed using molecular sequence data. The specimens represent three species, Stylocellus lydekkeri, sp. nov., S. novaguinea, sp. nov. and undescribed females of a probable third species, which are described and illustrated using scanning electron microscope and stereomicroscope photographs. Stylocellus novaguinea, sp. nov. is described from a single male and it was collected with a juvenile and the three females of the apparent third species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new species are indeed in the family Stylocellidae and they therefore reached western New Guinea by dispersing through Lydekker’s line – the easternmost limit of poor dispersers from Eurasia. The New Guinean species may indicate at least two episodes of oceanic dispersal by Cyphophthalmi, a phenomenon here described for the first time. Alternatively, the presence in New Guinea of poor dispersers from Eurasia may suggest novel hypotheses about the history of the island.

scholarly journals Plastome Phylogenomic and Biogeographical Study on Thuja (Cupressaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Kole F. Adelalu ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
Xiaojian Qu ◽  
Jacob B. Landis ◽  
Jun Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
East Asia ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Molecular Dating ◽  
Disjunct Distribution ◽  
Land Bridge ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
History Of ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses

Investigating the biogeographical disjunction of East Asian and North American flora is key to understanding the formation and dynamics of biodiversity in the Northern Hemisphere. The small Cupressaceae genus Thuja, comprising five species, exhibits a typical disjunct distribution in East Asia and North America. Owing to obscure relationships, the biogeographical history of the genus remains controversial. Here, complete plastomes were employed to investigate the plastome evolution, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeographic history of Thuja. All plastomes of Thuja share the same gene content arranged in the same order. The loss of an IR was evident in all Thuja plastomes, and the B-arrangement as previously recognized was detected. Phylogenomic analyses resolved two sister pairs, T. standishii-T. koraiensis and T. occidentalis-T. sutchuenensis, with T. plicata sister to T. occidentalis-T. sutchuenensis. Molecular dating and biogeographic results suggest the diversification of Thuja occurred in the Middle Miocene, and the ancestral area of extant species was located in northern East Asia. Incorporating the fossil record, we inferred that Thuja likely originated from the high-latitude areas of North America in the Paleocene with a second diversification center in northern East Asia. The current geographical distribution of Thuja was likely shaped by dispersal events attributed to the Bering Land Bridge in the Miocene and subsequent vicariance events accompanying climate cooling. The potential effect of extinction may have profound influence on the biogeographical history of Thuja.

Eritreo-Arabian Affinities of the Socotran Flora as Revealed from the Molecular Phylogeny of Aerva (Amaranthaceae)

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 560-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Thiv ◽  
Mats Thulin ◽  
Norbert Kilian ◽  
H. Peter Linder
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Plastid Dna ◽  
Molecular Dating ◽  
Tropical Asia ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
Dna Sequence Data ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
History Of ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

We investigated the colonization of the Indian Ocean archipelago of Socotra through phylogenetic analysis of Aerva (Amaranthaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data. The biogeographic history of the genus was tracked using ancestral area reconstructions and molecular dating. Three independent colonization lineages from the Eritreo-Arabian subregion of the Sudano-Zambesian Region were revealed: one endemic clade comprising Aerva revoluta / A. microphylla and once within A. lanata and A. javanica. Our results provide further support for the dominance of Eritreo-Arabian affinities in the flora of Socotra, in contrast to more rare affinities to Madagascar, the Mascarenes, southern Africa, and tropical Asia. Our data point towards colonization via dispersal, rather than a vicariance origin of the island elements. The overall biogeographic patterns of Aerva show only limited concordance with other taxonomic groups distributed on Indian Ocean islands.

scholarly journals Pattern and Timing of Diversification in the African Freshwater Fish Genus Distichodus (Characiformes: Distichodontidae)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Arroyave ◽  
John S. S. Denton ◽  
Melanie L. J. Stiassny
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Time Estimation ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Molecular Dating ◽  
Congo Basin ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Divergence Time Estimation ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background: Distichodus, the type genus of the endemic African characiform family Distichodontidae, is a clade of tropical freshwater fishes currently comprising 25 named species distributed continent-wide throughout the Nilo-Sudan and most Sub-Saharan drainages. This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships, timing of diversification, and biogeographic history of the genus from a taxonomically comprehensive mutilocus dataset analyzed using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods of phylogenetic inference, coalescence-based species-tree estimation, divergence time estimation, and inference of geographic range evolution. Results: Analyses of comparative DNA sequence data in a phylogenetic context reveal the existence of two major clades of similar species-level diversity and provide support for the monophyletic status of most sampled species. Biogeographic reconstruction on a time-scaled phylogeny suggest that the origins of the genus date back to the late Oligocene and that current geographic distributions are the result of a Congo Basin origin followed by dispersal and range expansion into adjacent ichthyofaunal provinces at different times during the evolutionary history of the group.Conclusions: We present the most comprehensive phylogenetic, chronological, and biogeographic treatment ever conducted for the genus. The few instances of species paraphyly (D. teugelsi, D. fasciolatus) revealed by the resulting phylogenies might be a consequence of deep coalescence and recent speciation. Historical biogeographic findings are both in agreement and conflict with previous studies of other continent-wide African freshwater fish genera, suggesting acomplex scenario for the assemblage of Africa’s continental ichthyofaunal communities. Keywords: Distichodontidae, Distichodus, Congo Basin, molecular phylogeny, African fishes, geographic range evolution, molecular dating.

scholarly journals New multipodomerous appendages of stem-group euarthropods from the Cambrian (Stage 4) Guanshan Konservat-Lagerstätte

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
De-guang Jiao ◽  
Stephen Pates ◽  
Rudy Lerosey-Aubril ◽  
Javier Ortega-Hernández ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South China ◽  
First Record ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Ecological History ◽  
Stem Group ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
The Family ◽  
Guanshan Biota ◽  
History Of ◽  
Element Bearing

Stem-group euarthropods are important for understanding the early evolutionary and ecological history of the most species-rich animal phylum on Earth. Of particular interest are fossil taxa that occupy a phylogenetic position immediately crownwards of radiodonts, for this part of the euarthropod tree is associated with the appearance of several morphological features that characterize extant members of the group. Here, we report two new euarthropods from the Cambrian Stage 4 Guanshan Biota of South China. The fuxianhuiid Alacaris ? sp. is represented by isolated appendages composed of a gnathobasic protopodite and an endite-bearing endopod of at least 20 podomeres. This material represents the youngest occurrence of the family Chengjiangocarididae, and its first record outside the Chengjiang and Xiaoshiba biotas. We also describe Lihuacaris ferox gen. et sp. nov. based on well-preserved and robust isolated appendages. Lihuacaris ferox exhibits an atypical combination of characters including an enlarged rectangular base, 11 endite-bearing podomeres and a hypertrophied distal element bearing 8–10 curved spines. Alacaris ? sp. appendages display adaptations for macrophagy. Lihuacaris ferox appendages resemble the frontal appendages of radiodonts, as well as the post-oral endopods of chengjiangocaridid fuxianhuids and other deuteropods with well-documented raptorial/predatory habits. Lihuacaris ferox contributes towards the record of endemic biodiversity in the Guanshan Biota.

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