Multi-locus phylogeny of southern African Acontias aurantiacus (Peters) subspecies (Scincidae: Acontinae) confirms the presence of three genetically, geographically and morphologically discrete taxa

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4442 (3) ◽  
pp. 427 ◽  
Author(s):  
DARREN W. PIETERSEN ◽  
CLARKE H. SCHOLTZ ◽  
ARMANDA D.S. BASTOS
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Cyt B ◽  
Coastal Regions ◽  
Taxonomic Relationships ◽  
Cryptic Taxa ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Lines Of Evidence

Acontias aurantiacus (Peters) presently consists of five subspecies that are largely restricted to the coastal regions and offshore islands of Mozambique and northern South Africa, with subspecies being defined on the basis of morphological differences and/or parapatric distributions. In this study one nuclear (RAG1) and two mitochondrial (cyt b and 16S) genes of 30 individuals sampled from four Mozambican and five South African localities were used to assess the taxonomic relationships of three mainland A. aurantiacus subspecies. Our analyses suggest that A. aurantiacus is a species complex that is sister to A. bicolor (Hewitt), A. cregoi (Boulenger) and A. rieppeli (Sternfeld). Our molecular results support other lines of evidence (consistent morphological differences and parapatric distributions between the subspecies) in suggesting that each of these subspecies are taxonomically distinct. In light of this, and supported by the genetic distances between these subspecies which exceed those of other recognised Acontias species, we propose elevating A. fitzsimonsi (Broadley) and A. parietalis (Broadley) to specific status. Our results further suggest that the melanistic and typically-coloured forms of each taxon are nested within the same clades, supporting previous contentions that melanistic individuals are not cryptic taxa. 

scholarly journals Evidence for habitual climbing in a Pleistocene hominin in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (15) ◽  
pp. 8416-8423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leoni Georgiou ◽  
Christopher J. Dunmore ◽  
Ameline Bardo ◽  
Laura T. Buck ◽  
Jean-Jacques Hublin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Modern Human ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Australopithecus Africanus ◽  
Locomotor Pattern ◽  
Morphological Adaptations ◽  
Morphological Differences

Bipedalism is a defining trait of the hominin lineage, associated with a transition from a more arboreal to a more terrestrial environment. While there is debate about when modern human-like bipedalism first appeared in hominins, all known South African hominins show morphological adaptations to bipedalism, suggesting that this was their predominant mode of locomotion. Here we present evidence that hominins preserved in the Sterkfontein Caves practiced two different locomotor repertoires. The trabecular structure of a proximal femur (StW 522) attributed to Australopithecus africanus exhibits a modern human-like bipedal locomotor pattern, while that of a geologically younger specimen (StW 311) attributed to either Homo sp. or Paranthropus robustus exhibits a pattern more similar to nonhuman apes, potentially suggesting regular bouts of both climbing and terrestrial bipedalism. Our results demonstrate distinct morphological differences, linked to behavioral differences between Australopithecus and later hominins in South Africa and contribute to the increasing evidence of locomotor diversity within the hominin clade.

scholarly journals Epitypification of Fusarium oxysporum – clearing the taxonomic chaos

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Lombard ◽  
M. Sandoval-Denis ◽  
S. C. Lamprecht ◽  
P.W. Crous
Keyword(s):  
Fusarium Oxysporum ◽  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Reference Point ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Phylogenetic Inference ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
As Species ◽  
Basic Reference ◽  
Cryptic Taxa ◽  
Morphological Differences

Fusarium oxysporum is the most economically important and commonly encountered species of Fusarium. This soil-borne fungus is known to harbour both pathogenic (plant, animal and human) and non-pathogenic strains. However, in its current concept F. oxysporum is a species complex consisting of numerous cryptic species. Identification and naming these cryptic species is complicated by multiple subspecific classification systems and the lack of living ex-type material to serve as basic reference point for phylogenetic inference. Therefore, to advance and stabilise the taxonomic position of F. oxysporum as a species and allow naming of the multiple cryptic species recognised in this species complex, an epitype is designated for F. oxysporum. Using multi-locus phylogenetic inference and subtle morphological differences with the newly established epitype of F. oxysporum as reference point, 15 cryptic taxa are resolved in this study and described as species.

scholarly journals Breviclypeus, a new South African Trichiina genus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)

2017 ◽  
pp. 125-132
Author(s):  
Enrico Ricchiardi ◽  
Renzo Perissinotto ◽  
Lynette Clennell
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Type Species ◽  
New Genus ◽  
New South ◽  
Morphological Differences

A new genus, Breviclypeus gen. nov., endemic to South Africa, is erected. The type species is here designated to be Agenius rufipennis Gory & Percheron 1833 (comb. nov.). A second species, Campulipus plagosus (Pèringuey, 1885) is recognized to belong into this new genus (comb. nov.). Consequently, the genus Campulipus Kirby, 1827 is now represented by three species only, Campulipus limbatus (Olivier, 1789), Campulipus clavus (Schaum, 1844) and Campulipus suturalis (Waterhouse, 1885). A fourth taxon, Agenius nobilis J. Thomson, 1878 is here transferred to Campulipus (comb. nov.) and synonymized with C. limbatus (syn. nov.) The two genera not only exhibit key morphological differences, but also occupy different habitats and diverge substantially in their ecology. An updated key of the genera of South African Trichiina is also provided. A separate key is provided for the genus Breviclypeus.

Spiophanes norrisi sp. nov. (Polychaeta: Spionidae)—a new species from the NE Pacific coast, separated from the Spiophanes bombyx complex based on both morphological and genetic studies

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2278 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
KARIN MEIßNER ◽  
MIRIAM BLANK
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Complex Species ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi Gene ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Ne Pacific

Morphological and genetic studies of specimens identified as Spiophanes bombyx (Claparède, 1870) revealed that the supposedly cosmopolitan species represents a species complex. Species belonging to this complex are S. bombyx (Claparède, 1870), S. aucklandicus Meißner, 2005, S. uschakowi Zachs, 1933 and the newly described S. norrisi. Morphological differences between these species are slight and concern the start of sabre chaetae, the shape of dorsal ciliated organs, and the start and number of neuropodial hooks in relation to body size. Specimens from the Atlantic Ocean examined in the course of this study also belong to this species complex but could not be assigned to any of the known species. Genetic differences between S. bombyx and S. norrisi in both examined genes (18S, COI) are significant and genetic distances are comparable to distances found between sister species in other spionid taxa. As expected, the nuclear 18S rRNA is generally more conserved than the mitochondrial COI gene. The significance beyond taxonomy of dorsal ciliated organs and of the presence of sabre chaetae in certain body regions is briefly discussed, but conclusions about the phylogenetic relationships and character evolution within Spiophanes must remain tentative.

Cyrtoctenus wittebergensis sp. nov. (Chelicerata: Eurypterida), a large sweep-feeder from the Carboniferous of South Africa

1985 ◽  
Vol 76 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 339-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Waterston ◽  
B. W. Oelofsen ◽  
R. D. F. Oosthuizen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
South African ◽  
New Combination ◽  
The South ◽  
Filter Feeding ◽  
Taxonomic Relationships ◽  
New Family ◽  
Spiral Valve ◽  
New Evidence

ABSTRACTCyrtoctenus wittebergensis sp. nov. is described from a unique holotype from the Witteberg Group of the Cape Supergroup. It is a giant hibbertopteroid eurypterid having combs and specialised movable spines of crytoctenid type (Størmer & Waterston 1968) on the more distal podomeres of the second to fourth prosomal appendages. The function of the combs and their associated movable spines is discussed and it is suggested that together they formed a unique adaptation of eurypterid structures to sweep filter-feeding, the combs forming the filters and the spines the cleaners. The digestive tract is remarkably preserved and shows a spiral valve, posterior to the stomach, which is interpreted as an adaptive feature in this large arthropod to increase the absorptive area of the gut.The new evidence provided by the South African specimen has required the re-interpretation of the disarticulated Cyrtoctenus specimens previously described from Europe. Disjecta membra recently obtained from the Tournaisian of Foulden, Berwickshire, which may belong to Cyrtoctenus, are described and show characters previously unknown in Scottish material but similar to certain features in the South African specimen.The taxonomic relationships within the Hibbertopteroidea are discussed in the light of the new combination of characters found in C. wittebergensis. Two families are recognised in the superfamily, the Hibbertopteridae, including Hibbertopterus and Campylocephalus, and the new family Cyrtoctenidae which is here erected to include Cyrtoctenus, Dunsopterus and possibly also Hastimima.

scholarly journals Genetic evidence that the northern calamary, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, is a species complex in Australian waters

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (8) ◽  
pp. 1665-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lianos Triantafillos ◽  
Mark Adams
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Biological Species ◽  
Allozyme Electrophoresis ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Allelic Differences ◽  
Sepioteuthis Lessoniana ◽  
Cryptic Taxa ◽  
Loliginid Squid

Abstract Allozyme electrophoresis was used to investigate the taxonomic status of northern calamary Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Lesson 1830) from two sites in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Of the 40 squid examined at 38 presumptive loci, four individuals from the oceanic site were clearly differentiated from the rest by fixed allelic differences at four loci (Acp, Got2, Idh2, and PepD) and near-fixed differences at another three (Est, Ocdh, and 6Pgd). The genetic distances between these two groups of individuals (13% Fixed Differences and Nei, D (1978) = 0.178) were roughly twofold greater than those between the two cryptic taxa in the southern calamary S. australis, but are considerably smaller than those between the northern and southern calamary. The most likely explanation for these data is that S. lessoniana comprises two “cryptic” biological species in this region. Further studies are needed to delineate the total number of species found throughout Australasia for this important loliginid squid.

Reframing Xenophobia in South Africa as Colour-Blind: The Limits of the Afro Phobia Thesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-444
Author(s):  
Amanuel Isak Tewolde
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Black African ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Online Newspaper ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Realistic Conflict Theory

Many scholars and South African politicians characterize the widespread anti-foreigner sentiment and violence in South Africa as dislike against migrants and refugees of African origin which they named ‘Afro-phobia’. Drawing on online newspaper reports and academic sources, this paper rejects the Afro-phobia thesis and argues that other non-African migrants such as Asians (Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis and Chinese) are also on the receiving end of xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa. I contend that any ‘outsider’ (White, Asian or Black African) who lives and trades in South African townships and informal settlements is scapegoated and attacked. I term this phenomenon ‘colour-blind xenophobia’. By proposing this analytical framework and integrating two theoretical perspectives — proximity-based ‘Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)’ and Neocosmos’ exclusivist citizenship model — I contend that xenophobia in South Africa targets those who are in close proximity to disadvantaged Black South Africans and who are deemed outsiders (e.g., Asian, African even White residents and traders) and reject arguments that describe xenophobia in South Africa as targeting Black African refugees and migrants.

Region of Birth and Child Mortality among Black Migrants to South Africa: Is there a foreign-born advantage?

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany L Green ◽  
Amos C Peters
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Child Mortality ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Black Immigrants ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Region Of Origin ◽  
Child Deaths

Much of the existing evidence for the healthy immigrant advantage comes from developed countries. We investigate whether an immigrant health advantage exists in South Africa, an important emerging economy.  Using the 2001 South African Census, this study examines differences in child mortality between native-born South African and immigrant blacks.  We find that accounting for region of origin is critical: immigrants from southern Africa are more likely to experience higher lifetime child mortality compared to the native-born population.  Further, immigrants from outside of southern Africa are less likely than both groups to experience child deaths.  Finally, in contrast to patterns observed in developed countries, we detect a strong relationship between schooling and child mortality among black immigrants.

Some Reflections on Reparation in Post-Apartheid South Africa, using a Couple Therapy Intervention as a Microcosm of South African Society

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Hill ◽  
Sylvia Poss
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
South African Society ◽  
Depressive Position ◽  
Central Hypothesis ◽  
Transference And Countertransference ◽  
Constructive Engagement ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Therapy Intervention

The paper addresses the question of reparation in post-apartheid South Africa. The central hypothesis of the paper is that in South Africa current traumas or losses, such as the 2008 xenophobic attacks, may activate a ‘shared unconscious phantasy’ of irreparable damage inflicted by apartheid on the collective psyche of the South African nation which could block constructive engagement and healing. A brief couple therapy intervention by a white therapist with a black couple is used as a ‘microcosm’ to explore this question. The impact of an extreme current loss, when earlier losses have been sustained, is explored. Additionally, the impact of racial difference on the transference and countertransference between the therapist and the couple is explored to illustrate factors complicating the productive grieving and working through of the depressive position towards reparation.

The Final ‘Thank You’

Derrida Today ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-36
Author(s):  
Grant Farred
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Jacques Derrida ◽  
Political Transition ◽  
The Other ◽  
World Cup ◽  
The Core ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Black President ◽  
The Moment

‘The Final “Thank You”’ uses the work of Jacques Derrida and Friedrich Nietzsche to think the occasion of the 1995 rugby World Cup, hosted by the newly democratic South Africa. This paper deploys Nietzsche's Zarathustra to critique how a figure such as Nelson Mandela is understood as a ‘Superman’ or an ‘Overhuman’ in the moment of political transition. The philosophical focus of the paper, however, turns on the ‘thank yous’ exchanged by the white South African rugby captain, François Pienaar, and the black president at the event of the Springbok victory. It is the value, and the proximity and negation, of the ‘thank yous’ – the relation of one to the other – that constitutes the core of the article. 1

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