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

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.

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Molecular data indicate a cryptic species in Neotoma albigula (Cricetidae: Neotominae) from northwestern México

Journal of Mammalogy ◽

10.1093/jmammal/gyv169 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 97 (1) ◽

pp. 187-199

Author(s):

Robert D. Bradley ◽

Matthew R. Mauldin

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequences ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Nuclear Gene ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Genetic Distances ◽

Dehydrogenase Gene ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽

Northwestern Mexico ◽

Morphological Differences ◽

Intron 2

Abstract DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome- b gene were obtained from 41 specimens of Neotoma albigula from the southwestern United States and northwestern México. Phylogenetic analyses depicted that samples of N. a. melanura from southern Sonora and northern Sinaloa formed a clade separate from representatives of the other sampled subspecies of N. albigula ( albigula , laplataensis , mearnsi , seri , sheldoni , and venusta ). Genetic distances detected between these clades (7.41%) approached divergence levels reported for other sister species of woodrats and indicated that N. a. melanura is presumably a cryptic and genetically differentiated species relative to N . albigula . Analyses of DNA sequences from a nuclear gene (intron 2 of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene, Adh 1-I2) indicated that samples of N. a. melanura formed a separate, monophyletic clade relative to the remainder of N. albigula . Further, habitat, geographic distinctions, and morphological differences were apparent between members of the 2 clades. Together, those data support the elevation of N. a. melanura to species status. Secuencias de ADN del gen mitocondrial citocromo- b se obtuvieron de 41 especímenes de Neotoma albigula provenientes del suroeste de los Estados Unidos y del noroeste de México. Análisis filogenéticos revelaron que las muestras de N. a. melanura del sureste de Sonora y del norte de Sinaloa formaron un clado separado de especímenes que representan a las otras subspecies de N. albigula (albigula, laplataensis, mearnsi, seri, sheldoni , y venusta ). Las distancias genéticas detectadas entre estos clados (7.41%) se aproximan a los valores de divergencia reportados para otras especies de ratas magueyeras, indicando que N. a. melanura es presumiblemente una especie críptica y relativamente diferenciada genéticamente de N. albigula . Los análisis de secuencias de ADN de un gen nuclear (intron 2 del gen alcohol deshidrogenasa, Adh -I2) indicaron que las muestras de N. a. melanura formaron un clado separado relativamente a especímenes de N. albigula . Adicionalmente, hábitat, distinciones geográficas, y diferencias morfológicas fueron aparentes entre miembros de los dos clados. Todos estos datos soportan la elevación de N. a. melanura al estatus de especie.

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Ecotypes and evolutionary significant units in endangered North African gazelles

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society ◽

10.1093/biolinnean/blx064 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 122 (2) ◽

pp. 286-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

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.

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Discovery of a new mammal species (Soricidae: Eulipotyphla) from Narcondam volcanic island, India

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-88859-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manokaran Kamalakannan ◽

Chandrakasan Sivaperuman ◽

Shantanu Kundu ◽

Govindarasu Gokulakrishnan ◽

Chinnadurai Venkatraman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Genetic Distances ◽

Medium Size ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome ◽

Volcanic Island ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Molecular Approaches ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B Gene

AbstractWe discovered a new Crocidura species of shrew (Soricidae: Eulipotyphla) from Narcondam Island, India by using both morphological and molecular approaches. The new species, Crocidura narcondamica sp. nov. is of medium size (head and body lengths) and has a distinct external morphology (darker grey dense fur with a thick, darker tail) and craniodental characters (braincase is rounded and elevated with weak lambdoidal ridges) in comparison to other close congeners. This is the first discovery of a shrew from this volcanic island and increases the total number of Crocidura species catalogued in the Indian checklist of mammals to 12. The newly discovered species shows substantial genetic distances (12.02% to 16.61%) to other Crocidura species known from the Indian mainland, the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, Myanmar, and from Sumatra. Both Maximum-Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inferences, based on mitochondrial (cytochrome b) gene sequences showed distinct clustering of all included soricid species and exhibit congruence with the previous evolutionary hypothesis on this mammalian group. The present phylogenetic analyses also furnished the evolutionary placement of the newly discovered species within the genus Crocidura.

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

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12040320 ◽

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.

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Phylogeographic structure and gene flow of Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis)

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075610x523314 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

pp. 449-465

Author(s):

Wen Longying ◽

Zhang Lixun ◽

An Bei ◽

Luo Huaxing ◽

Liu Naifa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Demographic History ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Divergence Time ◽

Population Expansion ◽

Population History ◽

Tibet Plateau ◽

Phylogeographic Structure ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽

History Of ◽

Qinghai Tibet Plateau

AbstractWe have used phylogeographic methods to investigate the genetic structure and population history of the endangered Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) in northwestern China. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was sequenced of 102 individuals sampled throughout the distribution range. In total, we found 26 different haplotypes defined by 28 polymorphic sites. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the samples were divided into two major haplogroups corresponding to one western and one eastern clade. The divergence time between these major clades was estimated to be approximately one million years. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 40% of the total genetic variability was found within local populations, 12% among populations within regional groups and 48% among groups. An analysis of the demographic history of the populations suggested that major expansions have occurred in the Himalayan snowcock populations and these correlate mainly with the first and the second largest glaciations during the Pleistocene. In addition, the data indicate that there was a population expansion of the Tianshan population during the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, approximately 2 million years ago.

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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 ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4974.2.5 ◽

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.

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A re-examination of the molecular systematics and phylogeography of taxa of the Peromyscus aztecus species group, with comments on the distribution of P. winkelmanni

Therya ◽

10.12933/therya-21-1115 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 331-346

Author(s):

C. William Kilpatrick ◽

Nelish Pradhan ◽

Ryan W Norris

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Distinct Species ◽

Molecular Study ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Species Group ◽

Cytb Sequence ◽

Voucher Specimen ◽

Cranial Measurements ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽

Isthmus Of Tehuantepec

The objectives of this study are to examine the available molecular data from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene (Cytb) and a concatenated dataset with this gene and two nuclear introns (Adh-1-I2 and Fgb-I7) to reexamine the systematic and phylogeographic conclusions reached by Sullivan et al. (1997) concerning the Peromyscus aztecus species group. The divergence of samples of P. aztecus oaxacensis across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec are further examined and taxonomic revisions are suggested. In addition, this study reviews the sources of data that lead to the conclusion that P. winkelmanni occurred in the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero including a morphometric examination of a reported voucher. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses were conducted on a dataset of 31 Cytb sequences of all taxa in the P. aztecus group except for P. a. cordillerae and a concatenated dataset including five individuals of this group. Representative taxa of the P. boylii, P. mexicanus, and P. truei groups were included in both analyses. Body and cranial measurements of the voucher of the P. winkelmanni from Guerrero from which a Cytb sequence is reported to have been obtained was compared with measurements from specimens taken from the vicinity of Dos Aguas, Michoacán, including the type locality. We identified seven instances involving problematic identifications in GenBank. Once these issues were addressed, well-supported monophyletic sister clades of the P. aztecus and P. boylii species groups were recovered from phylogenetic analyses of Cytb sequences (Fig 1). Phylogenetic analyses of the Cytb and the concatenated datasets recover similar topologies that support the relationships of taxa of the aztecus group proposed by an earlier molecular study. Populations of P. a. oaxacensis southeast of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec represent a distinct species. Measurements of the voucher from Guerrero identified as the source of a P. winkelmanni Cytb sequence are smaller than P. winkelmanni for several characters. The divergent populations of P. a. oaxacensis from southeast of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec are recognized as two subspecies of P. cordillerae, P. c. cordillerae and P. c. hondurensis, whereas those northwest of the Isthmus are retained as P. a. oaxacensis. The lack of genetic divergence observed between P. a. evides and P. a. oaxacensis questions whether these two taxa should continue to be recognized as separate subspecies. Northern and southern populations of P. spicilegus demonstrate moderate divergence and additional examination of morphological and molecular differentiation within this taxon is warranted. The distribution of P. winkelmanni should be restricted to the vicinity of Dos Aguas, Michoacán, due to the lack of a voucher specimen that would confirm its reported occurrence in Guerrero.

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A new vole from Xizang, China and the molecular phylogeny of the genus Neodon (Cricetidae: Arvicolinae)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.3235.1.1 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3235 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

SHAO YING LIU ◽

ZHI YU SUN ◽

YANG LIU ◽

HAO WANG ◽

PENG GUO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

The Body ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic ◽

Distinct Lineage ◽

Upper Molar ◽

A New Species ◽

Lower Molar

During a faunal survey in southern Xizang, we collected 27 specimens of voles that could not be identified as any knownspecies in the Arvicolinae. These specimens shared the following morphological characteristics, not corresponding withany other arvicoline species: the first lower molar possessed five closed triangles, the third upper molar exhibited eitherfour or three inner angles, and the tails of all specimens measured 30% of the body length. Their proximal baculum of theglans was very sturdy and trumpet-shaped, the distal baculum was tongue-like and sturdy, and the lateral bacula were veryshort. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) geneclustered these specimens as a distinct lineage within the genus Neodon. According to the morphological and moleculardata, we described them as a new species, Neodon linzhiensis. Our phylogenetic analysis strongly supported that Lasio-podomys fuscus, Phaiomys leucurus, Neodon sikimensis, N. irene and the new species formed a monophyletic group, notincluding N. juldaschi. We suggested that L. fuscus and P. leucurus should be transferred to Neodon and that N. juldaschishould be removed from this genus. Following our new delineation of Neodon, we proposed a redefinition of the morphological diagnostic characters of the genus.

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Three new species of Ophryotrocha (Annelida: Dorvilleidae) from a whale-fall in the North-East Atlantic

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.2228.1.3 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2228 (1) ◽

pp. 43-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

HELENA WIKLUND ◽

ADRIAN G. GLOVER ◽

THOMAS G. DAHLGREN

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Nuclear Gene ◽

Close Relative ◽

North East ◽

The North ◽

Organic Carbon Flux ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Three New Species ◽

First Time ◽

Complex Organic

Three new Ophryotrocha species are described from sites with high levels of organic carbon flux including a whale-fall at 125 m depth off the Swedish coast and sediment sampled at 104 m depth beneath a fish farm in a Norwegian fjord. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear gene H3 and the mitochondrial genes COI and 16S using MrBayes and Maximum Likelihood analyses show that Ophryotrocha eutrophila sp. nov. is a close relative to Ophryotrocha puerilis, while Ophryotrocha craigsmithi sp. nov. falls together with Palpiphitime lobifera, and Ophryotrocha scutellus sp. nov. occur within the 'hartmanni' clade. The genus Ophryotrocha is in our study monophyletic only if the genera Iphitime and Palpiphitime are included. Two representatives of Ophryotrocha previously described from anthropogenically-enriched sediments are here reported for the first time in very high abundance from a naturally occurring habitat. We suggest that whale falls are important habitats for the evolution of ecosystem services such as the degradation of complex organic compounds.

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Application of ribotyping and IS200 fingerprinting to distinguish the five Salmonella serotype O6,7[ratio ]c[ratio ]1,5 groups: Choleraesuis sensu stricto, Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf, Choleraesuis var. Decatur, Paratyphi C, and Typhisuis

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268899002654 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 123 (1) ◽

pp. 37-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

S. UZZAU ◽

M. HOVI ◽

B. A. D. STOCKER

Keyword(s):

Genetic Divergence ◽

Sensu Stricto ◽

Rate Of Change ◽

The Other ◽

Suitable Method ◽

Phenotypic Characters ◽

Microbiological Methods ◽

Salmonella Serotype ◽

Flagellar Antigen ◽

High Degree

Sixty-seven strains of the five described Salmonella serotypes having antigens 6,7[ratio ]c[ratio ]1,5, that is S. enterica serotype Choleraesuis sensu stricto, Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf, Choleraesuis var. Decatur, Paratyphi C, and Typhisuis, were examined for 16S rrn profile ribotype, presence of IS200 and phenotypic characters, including rate of change of flagellar-antigen phase and nutritional character. Choleraesuis sensu stricto and its Kunzendorf variant had related but distinct ribotypes. Therefore, ribotyping appears to be a suitable method for differentiating Choleraesuis non-Kunzendorf from Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf. Some strains of Paratyphi C had 16S profiles that resembled that of Choleraesuis non-Kunzendorf, while others resembled that of Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf. The Typhisuis profiles were like those of Choleraesuis non-Kunzendorf, while the Choleraesuis var. Decatur profiles were unlike those of any of the other four groups. Furthermore, IS200 fingerprinting discriminated between Choleraesuis var. Decatur and the other strains with antigenic formula O6,7[ratio ]c[ratio ]1,5, and comparison of IS200 patterns showed a high degree of genetic divergence within Choleraesuis var. Decatur. Our findings show that ribotyping and IS200 fingerprinting, combined with classical microbiological methods, distinguish the groups Choleraesuis non-Kunzendorf, Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf, Choleraesuis var. Decatur, Paratyphi C and Typhisuis.

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