scholarly journals Evidence for Miocene overwater colonization in CaribbeanCyrtognathaspiders

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klemen Čandek ◽  
Ingi Agnarsson ◽  
Greta Binford ◽  
Matjaž Kuntner

AbstractIsland systems provide excellent arenas to test evolutionary hypotheses pertaining to gene flow and diversification of dispersal-limited organisms. Here we focus on an orbweaver spider genusCyrtognatha(Tetragnathidae) from the Caribbean, with the aims to reconstruct its evolutionary history, describe its biogeographic history in the archipelago, and to estimate the timing and route of Caribbean colonization. Specifically, we test ifCyrtognathabiogeographic history is consistent with an ancient vicariant scenario (the GAARlandia landbridge hypothesis) or overwater dispersal. We reconstructed a species level phylogeny based on one mitochondrial (CO1) and one nuclear (28S) marker. We then used this topology to constrain a time-calibrated mtDNA phylogeny, for subsequent biogeographical analyses of over 100 originally sampledCyrtognathaindividuals. Our results suggest a monophyletic radiation of CaribbeanCyrtognatha, containing 11 to 14 species that are exclusively single island endemics. Our analyses refute vicariance and instead support an overwater colonization to the Caribbean in mid-Miocene. Having colonized Hispaniola first,Cyrtognathasubsequently dispersed to, and diversified on, the other islands of the Greater, and Lesser Antilles.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Narongrit Muangmai

<p>Molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to unravel the evolutionary history and hidden diversity of species, and to explain how historical events have helped to shape the demography and dispersal of populations. Cryptic species are typically defined as two or more genetically distinct species that are morphologically indistinguishable. The discovery of cryptic diversity has become a challenge for biologists in understanding the species concepts and biodiversity patterns. Many current studies have revealed the existence of cryptic species, but few studies have focused on their ecological and biological aspects.  Bostrychia, a filamentous red alga, has long been used as a model system for studies of evolutionary process and biogeographic history. In the Southern Hemisphere, there are four endemic species: B. arbuscula, B. gracilis, B. intricata and B. vaga. Bostrychia intricata is widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, whereas the other three species have more restricted distributions. The aim of this study was to reveal the evolutionary history, phylogeographic pattern and eco-physiological trait within B. intricata.  Phylogenetic analysis based on combined data (mitochondrial COI, chloroplast rbcL and nuclear 28S) strongly supported the monophyly of the four Southern Hemisphere Bostrychia species, with B. vaga as a sister species to the other three. Multigene phylogeny and COI-based species delimitation revealed cryptic species diversity within B. intricata and B. vaga. Additionally, a COI-based phylogeographic study indicated the existence of three cryptic B. intricata species (N2, N4 and N5) in New Zealand. Population analyses demonstrated that cryptic species N2 populations recently expanded, possibly after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), while N4 was more diverse, showing a stable population, which possibly persisted during the LGM. The results suggested that the contrasting pattern in population structure and demographic histories between cryptic species was probably due to the difference in the evolutionary history and survival ability.  Growth experiments clearly showed that cryptic species N4 had a significantly higher specific growth rate than other two species, N2 and N5, in different salinities and temperature, suggesting physiologically differentiation between these cryptic species. Additionally, the small-scale distribution of B. intricata at Moa Point, Wellington of three cryptic species showed that N4 was found at the higher tidal position than species N2 and N5. Cryptic species N2 occurred in more wave-exposed areas than other two species. These results suggest spatial niche differences between cryptic species, possibly allowing them to sympatrically co-exist. This study highlights the fact that cryptic species are distinctly different in many biological characteristics, while maintaining \identical morphologies.</p>


2004 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne T. Howden

AbstractFauna of the genus Pandeleteius Schoenherr of Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, and the Lesser Antilles are revised in part. Six new species of Pandeleteius are described: P. trinidadensissp. nov. (P. angustirostris species group); P. sabanaensissp. nov. and P. bolivarisp. nov. (P. campestris species group, new concept); P. guriensissp. nov. and P. ductilissp. nov. (P. candidus species group, new concept); and P. clarkisp. nov. (P. modestus species group). The P. kirschi species group (new concept) is redefined based on male and female genitalia, and P. testaceipes Hustache is added to the species group. The other sex is described for three species formerly known from only one sex: the male of P. candidus Howden, male of P. arcanus Howden, and female of P. liberalis Howden. New findings on the post-pupal growth and morphology of the male and female genitalia are applied to the group- and species-level taxonomy. The key to the Pandeleteius species of Venezuela and Colombia is revised to include all the original species groups and subsequent changes, as well as all new taxa.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Narongrit Muangmai

<p>Molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to unravel the evolutionary history and hidden diversity of species, and to explain how historical events have helped to shape the demography and dispersal of populations. Cryptic species are typically defined as two or more genetically distinct species that are morphologically indistinguishable. The discovery of cryptic diversity has become a challenge for biologists in understanding the species concepts and biodiversity patterns. Many current studies have revealed the existence of cryptic species, but few studies have focused on their ecological and biological aspects.  Bostrychia, a filamentous red alga, has long been used as a model system for studies of evolutionary process and biogeographic history. In the Southern Hemisphere, there are four endemic species: B. arbuscula, B. gracilis, B. intricata and B. vaga. Bostrychia intricata is widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, whereas the other three species have more restricted distributions. The aim of this study was to reveal the evolutionary history, phylogeographic pattern and eco-physiological trait within B. intricata.  Phylogenetic analysis based on combined data (mitochondrial COI, chloroplast rbcL and nuclear 28S) strongly supported the monophyly of the four Southern Hemisphere Bostrychia species, with B. vaga as a sister species to the other three. Multigene phylogeny and COI-based species delimitation revealed cryptic species diversity within B. intricata and B. vaga. Additionally, a COI-based phylogeographic study indicated the existence of three cryptic B. intricata species (N2, N4 and N5) in New Zealand. Population analyses demonstrated that cryptic species N2 populations recently expanded, possibly after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), while N4 was more diverse, showing a stable population, which possibly persisted during the LGM. The results suggested that the contrasting pattern in population structure and demographic histories between cryptic species was probably due to the difference in the evolutionary history and survival ability.  Growth experiments clearly showed that cryptic species N4 had a significantly higher specific growth rate than other two species, N2 and N5, in different salinities and temperature, suggesting physiologically differentiation between these cryptic species. Additionally, the small-scale distribution of B. intricata at Moa Point, Wellington of three cryptic species showed that N4 was found at the higher tidal position than species N2 and N5. Cryptic species N2 occurred in more wave-exposed areas than other two species. These results suggest spatial niche differences between cryptic species, possibly allowing them to sympatrically co-exist. This study highlights the fact that cryptic species are distinctly different in many biological characteristics, while maintaining \identical morphologies.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weizhao Yang ◽  
Nathalie Feiner ◽  
Catarina Pinho ◽  
Geoffrey M. While ◽  
Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou ◽  
...  

AbstractThe Mediterranean basin is a hotspot of biodiversity, fuelled by climatic oscillation and geological change over the past 20 million years. Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis are among the most abundant, diverse, and conspicuous Mediterranean fauna. Here, we unravel the remarkably entangled evolutionary history of wall lizards by sequencing genomes of 34 major lineages covering 26 species. We demonstrate an early (>11 MYA) separation into two clades centred on the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas, and two clades of Mediterranean island endemics. Diversification within these clades was pronounced between 6.5–4.0 MYA, a period spanning the Messinian Salinity Crisis, during which the Mediterranean Sea nearly dried up before rapidly refilling. However, genetic exchange between lineages has been a pervasive feature throughout the entire history of wall lizards. This has resulted in a highly reticulated pattern of evolution across the group, characterised by mosaic genomes with major contributions from two or more parental taxa. These hybrid lineages gave rise to several of the extant species that are endemic to Mediterranean islands. The mosaic genomes of island endemics may have promoted their extraordinary adaptability and striking diversity in body size, shape and colouration, which have puzzled biologists for centuries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas C. Majure ◽  
Duniel Barrios ◽  
Edgardo Díaz ◽  
Bethany A. Zumwalde ◽  
Weston Testo ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bobby Lim-Ho Kong ◽  
Hyun-Seung Park ◽  
Tai-Wai David Lau ◽  
Zhixiu Lin ◽  
Tae-Jin Yang ◽  
...  

AbstractIlex is a monogeneric plant group (containing approximately 600 species) in the Aquifoliaceae family and one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs. However, its taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships at the species level are debatable. Herein, we obtained the complete chloroplast genomes of all 19 Ilex types that are native to Hong Kong. The genomes are conserved in structure, gene content and arrangement. The chloroplast genomes range in size from 157,119 bp in Ilex graciliflora to 158,020 bp in Ilex kwangtungensis. All these genomes contain 125 genes, of which 88 are protein-coding and 37 are tRNA genes. Four highly varied sequences (rps16-trnQ, rpl32-trnL, ndhD-psaC and ycf1) were found. The number of repeats in the Ilex genomes is mostly conserved, but the number of repeating motifs varies. The phylogenetic relationship among the 19 Ilex genomes, together with eight other available genomes in other studies, was investigated. Most of the species could be correctly assigned to the section or even series level, consistent with previous taxonomy, except Ilex rotunda var. microcarpa, Ilex asprella var. tapuensis and Ilex chapaensis. These species were reclassified; I. rotunda was placed in the section Micrococca, while the other two were grouped with the section Pseudoaquifolium. These studies provide a better understanding of Ilex phylogeny and refine its classification.


Heredity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael S. Rodger ◽  
Alexandra Pavlova ◽  
Steve Sinclair ◽  
Melinda Pickup ◽  
Paul Sunnucks

AbstractConservation management can be aided by knowledge of genetic diversity and evolutionary history, so that ecological and evolutionary processes can be preserved. The Button Wrinklewort daisy (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides) was a common component of grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. It is now endangered due to extensive habitat loss and the impacts of livestock grazing, and is currently restricted to a few small populations in two regions >500 km apart, one in Victoria, the other in the Australian Capital Territory and nearby New South Wales (ACT/NSW). Using a genome-wide SNP dataset, we assessed patterns of genetic structure and genetic differentiation of 12 natural diploid populations. We estimated intrapopulation genetic diversity to scope sources for genetic management. Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate analyses showed strong population genetic differentiation between the two regions, and substantial substructure within ACT/NSW. A coalescent tree-building approach implemented in SNAPP indicated evolutionary divergence between the two distant regions. Among the populations screened, the last two known remaining Victorian populations had the highest genetic diversity, despite having among the lowest recent census sizes. A maximum likelihood population tree method implemented in TreeMix suggested little or no recent gene flow except potentially between very close neighbours. Populations that were more genetically distinctive had lower genetic diversity, suggesting that drift in isolation is likely driving population differentiation though loss of diversity, hence re-establishing gene flow among them is desirable. These results provide background knowledge for evidence-based conservation and support genetic rescue within and between regions to elevate genetic diversity and alleviate inbreeding.


The Auk ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Therese A Catanach ◽  
Matthew R Halley ◽  
Julie M Allen ◽  
Jeff A Johnson ◽  
Russell Thorstrom ◽  
...  

Abstract More than one-third of the bird species found in the Caribbean are endemic to a set of neighboring islands or a single island. However, we have little knowledge of the evolutionary history of the Caribbean avifauna, and the lack of phylogenetic studies limits our understanding of the extent of endemism in the region. The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) occurs widely across the Americas and includes 3 endemic Caribbean taxa: venator on Puerto Rico, striatus on Hispaniola, and fringilloides on Cuba. These island populations have undergone extreme declines presumably due to ecosystem changes caused by anthropogenic factors, as well as due to severe hurricanes. Sharp-shinned Hawks, in general, and Caribbean Sharp-shinned Hawks, in particular, have not been placed in a modern phylogenetic context. However, the island taxa have historically been presumed to have some ongoing gene flow with mainland populations. Here we sequenced ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and their flanking regions from 38 samples, focusing on Caribbean taxa. Using a combination of UCEs, mitochondrial genome sequences, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships among Caribbean lineages and their relationships to mainland taxa. We found that Caribbean Sharp-shinned Hawks are reciprocally monophyletic in all datasets with regard to mainland populations and among island taxa (with no shared mtDNA haplotypes) and that divergence in the NADH dehydrogenase 2 gene (ND2) between these mainland and island groups averaged 1.83%. Furthermore, sparse non-negative matrix factorization (sNMF) analysis indicated that Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and mainland samples each form separate populations with limited admixture. We argue that our findings are consistent with the recognition of the 3 resident Caribbean populations as species-level taxa because nuclear and mitochondrial genetic data indicate reciprocal monophyly and have species-level divergences, there is no sharing of mitochondrial haplotypes among or between island taxa and those on the mainland; and they are diagnosable by plumage.


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