scholarly journals An assessment of the taxonomic validity of three species of marsupial frogs (Anura: Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca) from the Yungas of Bolivia based on external morphology and cranial osteology

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5068 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-239
Author(s):  
CLAUDIA LANSAC ◽  
RODRIGO AGUAYO ◽  
IGNACIO DE LA RIVA
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Developmental State ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Biological Entity ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Cranial Osteology

The genus Gastrotheca (Anura: Hemiphractidae) is a group of marsupial frogs particularly diverse in Andean regions. Several taxonomic studies of this genus have been conducted in the humid cloud forests—or Yungas—of the Andean eastern slopes of central Bolivia (departments of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz). Yet, the distinction among three species that occur sympatrically in these forests, G. lauzuricae (proposed as a junior synonym of G. coeruleomaculatus in 2015), G. piperata, and G. splendens, remains unclear since the morphological characters that purportedly support their differentiation are variable and partly shared among them. We have carried out external morphological studies, including multivariate morphometric analyses, to assess how they support the taxonomic status of these three species. We also evaluated characters of the cranial osteology of a sample of six individuals using micro CT-scanning. Principal component and linear discriminant analyses resulted in a great overlap among the putative species. Cranial osteological comparisons did not reveal highly significant differences among them, but suggested that different degrees of hyperossification could be related to the developmental state of individuals. Our results indicate that most morphological and osteological reported differences between the three species likely represent intraspecific variation. Thus, we propose that the three nominal species belong to a single biological entity, for which the name Gastrotheca splendens (Schmidt, 1857) has priority. We also restrict the name Gastrotheca coeruleomaculatus (Werner, 1899) to externally similar congeneric populations from the Yungas forests of department of La Paz, but highlighting the need of a detailed evaluation of their taxonomic identity.  

scholarly journals Cranial variability and differentiation among golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Europe, Asia Minor and Africa

ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 917 ◽  
pp. 141-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stoyan Stoyanov
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Asia Minor ◽  
Golden Jackal ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
The Caucasus ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Canis Aureus ◽  
Morphological Studies

Golden jackal (Canis aureus) expansion in the last decades has triggered research interest in Europe. However, jackal phylogeny and taxonomy are still controversial. Morphometric studies in Europe found differences between Dalmatian and the other European jackals. Recent genetic studies revealed that African and Eurasian golden jackals are distinct species. Moreover, large Canis aureus lupaster may be a cryptic subspecies of the African golden jackal. Although genetic studies suggest changes in Canis aureus taxonomy, morphological and morphometric studies are still needed. The present study proposes the first comprehensive analysis on a wide scale of golden jackal skull morphometry. Extensive morphometric data of jackal skulls from Europe (including a very large Bulgarian sample), Asia Minor, and North Africa were analysed, by applying recently developed statistical tools, to address the following questions: (i) is there geographic variation in skull size and shape among populations from Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus?, (ii) is the jackal population from the Dalmatian coast different?, and (iii) is there a clear distinction between the Eurasian golden jackal (Canis aureus) and the African wolf (Canis lupaster sensu lato), and among populations of African wolves as well? Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were applied on the standardized and log-transformed ratios of the original measurements to clearly separate specimens by shape and size. The results suggest that jackals from Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus belong to one subspecies: Canis aureus moreotica (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1835), despite the differences in shape of Dalmatian specimens. The present study confirmed morphometrically that all jackals included so far in the taxon Canis aureus sensu lato may represent three taxa and supports the hypothesis that at least two different taxa (species?) of Canis occur in North Africa, indicating the need for further genetic, morphological, behavioural and ecological research to resolve the taxonomic uncertainty. The results are consistent with recent genetic and morphological studies and give further insights on golden jackal taxonomy. Understanding the species phylogeny and taxonomy is crucial for the conservation and management of the expanding golden jackal population in Europe.

Taxonomy, natural history, and conservation of the Great-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851) (Thraupidae, Sporophilinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4442 (4) ◽  
pp. 551 ◽  
Author(s):  
FLÁVIO KULAIF UBAID ◽  
LUÍS FABIO SILVEIRA ◽  
CESAR A. B. MEDOLAGO ◽  
THIAGO V. V. COSTA ◽  
MERCIVAL ROBERTO FRANCISCO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
South America ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
History Of

Seed-finches are small-sized Neotropical granivorous birds characterized by extremely strong and thick beaks. Among these birds, the Great-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila maximiliani has been selectively and intensively trapped to the extent that has become one of the most endangered bird species in South America, yet its taxonomy remains complex and controversial. Two subspecies have been recognized: S. m. maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851), mainly from the Cerrado of central South America, and S. m. parkesi Olson (= Oryzoborus m. magnirostris), from northeastern South America. Originally, S. m. parkesi was diagnosed as being larger than the Large-billed Seed-Finch, S. c. crassirostris (Gmelin, 1789), but proper comparisons with S. m. maximiliani, which is larger than S. c. crassirostris, were never performed. Here we provide a review of the taxonomic and nomenclatural history of S. maximiliani, reevaluate the validity and taxonomic status of the subspecies based on morphological characters, and significantly revise its geographic distribution. Analyses based on plumage patterns and a Principal Component Analysis of morphometric characters indicated that S. m. parkesi is most appropriately treated as a synonym of the nominate taxon, which results in a monotypic S. maximiliani comprising two disjunct populations. Further, we conducted systematic searches for S. maximiliani in Brazil, in an attempt to obtain natural history information. After more than 6,000 hours of fieldwork in 45 areas of potential and historical occurrence, S. maximiliani was located only in two sites, in marshy environments called veredas, confirming the critical conservation status of this species, at least in Brazil. We discuss the conservation potential for, and the problems involved with, captive breeding of S. maximiliani for reintroduction into the wild. 

Morphological variation in the genus Juliomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) and taxonomic status of Juliomys anoblepas (Winge 1887) from the Quaternary of Southeast Brazil

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4861 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-443
Author(s):  
CAROLINA PIRES ◽  
MARCELO WEKSLER ◽  
CIBELE R. BONVICINO
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
The Other ◽  
Anterior Portion ◽  
Living Species ◽  
Qualitative Characters

The region of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is one of the most important karstic areas of the Brazilian Quaternary due to the faunistic diversity of living and extinct forms. Among them, some taxa remain poorly studied, as is the case of Calomys anoblepas Winge 1887. Despite the recent allocation of the taxon within Juliomys, its description and morphological analysis are condensed, based on comparative few specimens and on few informative characters. In this study, we investigate characters proposed to distinguish species of Juliomys, and reevaluate the taxonomic status of the fossil Juliomys anoblepas. We analyzed 80 cranio-dental morphological characters in 233 specimens represented by the four species currently recognized: J. pictipes (Osgood 1933), J. rimofrons Oliveira & Bonvicino 2002, J. ossitenuis Costa, Pavan, Leite & Fagundes 2007, and J. ximenezi Christoff, Vieira, Oliveira, Gonçalves, Valiati & Tomasi 2016. We also performed principal component analysis on eight craniodental measurements available for the J. anoblepas hypodigm. The review of morphological systems and the evaluation of the characters used in the literature revealed that there are no diagnostic characters in the anterior portion of the skull and in the molar series of Juliomys, being difficult to differentiate the fossil from the other living species. Only six qualitative characters were variable and applicable to the hypodigm of J. anoblepas. Characters are polymorphic, invariable, or the fossil is not sufficiently complete to determinate its states. The taxon could not be morphometrically differentiated from J. pictipes and J. ossitenuis. Based on the results presented herein, we consider J. anoblepas as a nomen dubium and restrict its name to the taxon’s hypodigm. 

Phenetic analysis of the complex Senna fabrisii—S. trichosepala (Leguminosae, Caesalpiniodeae, Aphyllae) based on morphological characters and seed protein electrophoretic profiles

Phytotaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico O. Robbiati ◽  
Alícia Lamarque ◽  
Ana M. Anton ◽  
Renée H. Fortunato
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Seed Protein ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Electrophoretic Analysis ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Univariate Analyses

Multivariate and univariate analyses based on morphological characters and seed soluble protein electrophoretic profiles were carried out in order to understand the taxonomic status within the complex S. fabrisii-S. trichosepala. Twenty morphological characters from herbarium specimens were recorded and analyzed by ANOVA, principal component and cluster analysis. The seed protein electrophoretic analysis including cluster analysis was based on three populations: one of S. fabrisii and two of S. trichosepala. The results showed that both taxa differed only by three morphological features; in parallel, the CPA and CA demonstrate that no clearly separated group can be recognized. The seed protein electrophoretic profiles show a high degree of similarity. Based on these results, and due to the variability observed, the inclusion of S. fabrisii in the synonymy of S. trichosepala is proposed.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Poropuntius (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Peninsular Malaysia

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4472 (2) ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
ABDULLAH HALIM MUHAMMAD-RASUL ◽  
ROSLI RAMLI ◽  
VAN LUN LOW ◽  
AMIRRUDIN AHMAD ◽  
CHAIWUT GRUDPAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Differentiation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit ◽  
Molecular Characters

Up to three nominal species of the cyprinid fish genus Poropuntius (i.e. P. deauratus [Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes 1842], P. normani [Smith 1931], and P. smedleyi [de Beaufort 1933]) have been reported to occur in Peninsular Malaysian freshwater ecosystems. However, low morphological differentiation among species of Poropuntius causes confusion and it is still unknown how many valid species of Poropuntius occur in this region. The goal of this study is to review the taxonomic status of Poropuntius in Peninsular Malaysia by using morphological and molecular characters. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on a morphometric dataset including 281 specimens of Poropuntius from Peninsular Malaysia and P. normani from Thailand (type locality) failed to identify non-overlapping clusters within sampled specimens. A phylogenetic tree based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) showed intraspecific levels of genetic differentiation within Poropuntius of Peninsular Malaysia and the specimens of P. normani from Thailand form a monophyletic group. Our results strongly support the presence of only one species of Poropuntius in Peninsular Malaysia, P. normani. We demonstrate that P. smedleyi described from Johor, southern Peninsular Malaysia, is a junior synonym of P. normani. The previous reports of the presence of P. deauratus in Peninsular Malaysia are doubtful because this species was described from Vietnam where, in all evidence, it is endemic. 

Diversity of the Pterasteridae (Asteroidea) in the Southern Ocean: a molecular and morphological approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Jossart ◽  
Marc Kochzius ◽  
Bruno Danis ◽  
Thomas Saucède ◽  
Camille V E Moreau
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Integrative Study ◽  
Suitable Case

Abstract An integrative approach is crucial in discrimination of species, especially for taxa that are difficult to identify based on morphological characters. In this study, we combine genetics and morphology to assess the diversity of Pterasteridae, a sea star family diversified in deep-sea and polar environments. Because of their derived anatomy and the frequent loss of characters during preservation, Pterasteridae are a suitable case for an integrative study. The molecular identification of 191 specimens (mostly from the Southern Ocean) suggests 26–33 species in three genera (Diplopteraster, Hymenaster and Pteraster), which match the morphological identification in 54–62% of cases. The mismatches are either different molecular units that are morphologically indistinguishable (e.g. Pteraster stellifer units 2 and 4) or, conversely, nominal species that are genetically identical (e.g. Hymenaster coccinatus/densus/praecoquis). Several species are shared between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (e.g. Pteraster jordani/affinis). In conclusion, the taxonomic status of some groups is confirmed, but for others we find the need to re-evaluate the taxonomy at both genus and species levels. This work significantly increases the DNA barcode library of the Southern Ocean species and merges taxonomic information into an identification key that could become a baseline for future studies (pterasteridae-so.identificationkey.org).

scholarly journals Reinstatement of species belonging Marphysa sanguinea complex (Annelida: Eunicidae) and description of new species from the mid-Pacific Ocean and the Adriatic Sea

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4816 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
ISABEL C. MOLINA-ACEVEDO ◽  
IZWANDY IDRIS
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Cosmopolitan Species ◽  
N Status

Marphysa sanguinea Montagu, 1813, the type species of genus Marphysa, was described with few characteristics and subsequently reported in tropical and temperate waters as a cosmopolitan species. Recent comparative studies have shown that M. sanguinea has a limited distribution to the Northeast Atlantic. As a result, species from the tropical and subtropical zones are now being redescribed as new species. However, this issue is not completely resolved because of the taxonomic status of seven nominal species, considered as junior synonymies of M. sanguinea. Herein, we examined the type and additional materials from five species in synonymy M. sanguinea and performed a compared analysis with the neotype of M. sanguinea. Additionally, we reviewed specimens from two localities in the mid-Pacific Ocean and the Adriatic Sea, where M. sanguinea was previously reported. As a result of this study, three species were reinstated (M. californica Moore, 1909, M. leidii de Quatrefages, 1866, and M. parishii Baird, 1869) and two subspecies, are now raised to species level (M. americana n. status and M. brevibranchiata n. status). In addition, two new species from Hawaii and Croatia are described: M. baileybrockae n. sp. and M. birgeri n. sp., respectively. Morphological comparisons with most species currently assigned to the M. sanguinea complex are presented. This work provides more support for rejecting the hypothesis that M. sanguinea is a cosmopolitan species and we encourage the use of novel and traditional morphological characters to differentiate species within the complex. 

scholarly journals Phenotypic Diversity of Doum Palm (Hyphaene compressa), a Semi‐Domesticated Palm in the Arid and Semi‐Arid Regions of Kenya

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Agnes Omire ◽  
Nancy L. M. Budambula ◽  
Johnstone Neondo ◽  
Robert Gituru ◽  
Cecilia Mweu
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Phenotypic Diversity ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Fruit Traits ◽  
Coastal Regions ◽  
Linear Discriminant

Hyphaene compressa is an economically important palm in Africa. Despite its significant role in the livelihoods of rural communities, the diversity of doum palm is poorly documented and studied. In addition, it has no model descriptor that can aid such studies. Ninety H. compressa accessions collected from Northern, Eastern, and Coastal regions of Kenya were examined to determine the morphological variability of the vegetative and fruit traits of H. compressa and to identify its morphotypes for improvement. A total of 19 morphological characters including seven quantitative and 12 qualitative traits of fruit and vegetative traits were selected. Linear mixed-effects models, principal component analysis, and linear discriminant analyses were used to assess the variation in the morphological traits of doum palm based on the regions. Hierarchical clustering was performed to identify the morphotypes of H. compressa. There was variability in H. compressa morphological traits, particularly at the Kenyan Coast. All seven quantitative traits were able to effectively discriminate doum palm phenotypically p ≤ 0.001 . The 90 accessions clustered into five morphotypes designated as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Morphotype 4 was specific only to the Coastal region. Morphotype 5 had the tallest trees with the biggest fruits and included palms from Eastern and Coastal regions making it the best morphotype for fruit traits. This study will inform the domestication, improvement, and conservation of H. compressa by selecting elite accessions.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Panagrellus spp. (Cephalobina: Panagrolaimidae): taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships

Nematology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 921-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Patricia Stock ◽  
Steven Nadler
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Data ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Lsu Rdna ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
Tree Topologies

AbstractThe genus Panagrellus currently comprises 12 known species. These nematodes have a worldwide distribution and have been found in a variety of habitats such as slime flux, thermal springs, insect frass and spoiled cider. Diagnosis of Panagrellus species is rather problematic since few morphological features can be used to discriminate between species and the original publications do not indicate the number of specimens measured and lack standard descriptions of variance. In this study we review the taxonomic status of several species from this genus combining classical morphological data and molecular sequences. Eleven live isolates and fixed material from currently available type specimens representing six Panagrellus species were included. Morphological analysis included the examination of qualitative and quantitative characters of males and females. The taxonomic utility of morphometric data was evaluated by means of multivariate statistics (principal component and canonical discriminant analyses). Phylogenetic inference was based on analysis of nucleotide sequences from the LSU rDNA gene and morphological characters. Parsimony tree topologies inferred from nucleotide datasets strongly supported monophyly of the P. dubius isolates, but not the P. redivivus isolates. Phylogenetic interpretation of these rDNA sequence data suggests that both the P. redivivus and P. dubius isolates each include more than a single species. Only two of the 15 morphological characters evaluated were variable within the ingroup taxa. A long spicule bifurcation length maps on the combined evidence trees as a putative synapmorphy for P. dubius, whereas male D% was homoplastic within isolates of that species. The diagnosis of the genus Panagrellus is emended.

Le statut des Euphrasia borealis, E. nemorosa et E. stricta dans l'est de l'Amérique du Nord : une analyse numérique

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 2208-2216
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Downie ◽  
Andrée Quintin ◽  
John McNeill
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Data Matrix ◽  
Cauline Leaf ◽  
Operational Taxonomic Units ◽  
Considerable Controversy ◽  
Discriminant Analyses

The taxonomic status of Euphrasia borealis, E. nemorosa, and E. stricta in eastern North America has been the subject of considerable controversy. A sample of 184 operational taxonomic units were scored for 58 morphological characters, and the resulting data matrix was subjected to cluster and principal component analyses. Two groups were recognized on the basis of bract and upper cauline leaf characters and designated as E. nemorosa and E. stricta. These two groups were then subjected to several discriminant analyses (stepwise, linear, and canonical) using quantitative data. The results do not support the recognition of E. borealis and E. nemorosa as separate taxa. These plants should be treated as a single species, for which the correct name is E. nemorosa. Euphrasia stricta is, however, morphologically distinct from E. nemorosa. Some geographic differentiation was observed between plants of E. nemorosa from Newfoundland and those from Quebec, but not enough to warrant the recognition of infraspecific taxa. No evidence of hybridization between E. nemorosa and E. stricta was found. Key words: Euphrasia borealis, Euphrasia nemorosa, Euphrasia stricta, numerical analysis, North America, hybridization.

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