Climatic Conditions and Herbivory Effects on Morphological Plasticity of Argania spinosa

The main objective of this paper was to look into the morphological differentiation patterns and phenotypic plasticity in four populations of Argania spinosa with environmentally contrasted conditions. Mean response, magnitude and pattern of morphological intra- and inter-population plasticity indexes were measured and analyzed in order to identify which characters contribute the most to the acclimation of this species. Populations growing in the ecological optimum of the species presented the lowest plasticity, while those growing in the most stressed habitats showed an increased morphological variability. The study of four populations showed that human pressure seems to play an important function in the regulation of morphological characters. However, climatic conditions seem to play a significant role in the increase of morphological plasticity.

Download Full-text

Morphological Variability of Snowdrops in the Central Part of the Balkan Peninsula

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci13135-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (8) ◽

pp. 1119-1124 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Filip Jovanović ◽

Dragica Obratov-Petković ◽

Ivana Bjedov ◽

Ivana Živanović ◽

Sonja Braunović ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Morphological Variability ◽

Morphological Differentiation ◽

Balkan Peninsula ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Southeastern Part ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Total Variability ◽

Galanthus Nivalis ◽

The Republic

To address the issues of taxonomic delimitation and to select the material with desirable traits for horticultural use, a comprehensive study of the total variability of morphological characters of two naturally occurring snowdrop species (Galanthus nivalis L. and Galanthus elwesii Hook.) in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula was conducted. The analyses were performed for 16 quantitative characters of aboveground parts of 630 plants collected at 21 geographical points in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. To identify the trends in morphological differentiation, descriptive, univariate and multivariate statistical procedures were employed. Most of the examined characters exhibited moderate degrees of variability (cv from 10% to 20%) and the values of several characters exceeded the limits of variation stated in literature. Samples were mostly morphometrically homogeneous, with comparatively high similarity; only four populations of G. nivalis from the southern and southeastern part of the country were discrete. It is questionable whether these populations merit formal taxonomic recognition at any infraspecific level, but given their decorative qualities, the selected plants can be introduced into cultivation as horticultural plants.

Download Full-text

Evoluzione della copertura vegetale in aree alpestri del Canton Ticino nel periodo 1971–2001 | Evolution of Vegetation Cover in the Alpine Regions of Canton Tessin: 1971–2001

Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen ◽

10.3188/szf.2004.0284 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 155 (7) ◽

pp. 284-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pietro Stanga ◽

Niklaus Zbinden

Keyword(s):

Initial Conditions ◽

Ground Cover ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Human Pressure ◽

Aerial Photos ◽

Alpine Regions ◽

Subsequent Decrease ◽

Site Fertility ◽

Strong Expansion ◽

Evolution Of Vegetation

The retrospective study based on aerial photos (1971–2001) of the Canton Tessin made it possible to measure and analyze the evolution of the vegetation of eleven Alpine zones. The analysis shows a strong expansion of the arborescent vegetation and, at the same time, a decrease in other forms of ground cover (bush, shrub, meadow and unproductive spaces). Analysis of the data gives rise to the conjecture that the strong evolutionary dynamism evidenced by the areas under investigation is a result of the vast clearings carried out in past centuries to create pastures. Following the subsequent decrease in human pressure, nature today is attempting to rebalance the level of the biomass. These processes manifest themselves in different ways and with various intensity, depending on the interaction of numerous factors (e.g. climatic conditions, site fertility, initial conditions, evolution of anthropological pressure, etc.).

Download Full-text

Nothing in (sponge) biology makes sense – except when based on holotypes

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ◽

10.1017/s0025315415000521 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 96 (2) ◽

pp. 305-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Dirk Erpenbeck ◽

Merrick Ekins ◽

Nicole Enghuber ◽

John N.A. Hooper ◽

Helmut Lehnert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Reference Material ◽

Species Identification ◽

Dna Sequences ◽

Morphological Plasticity ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Reference Sequences ◽

Species Descriptions ◽

Preservation History

Sponge species are infamously difficult to identify for non-experts due to their high morphological plasticity and the paucity of informative morphological characters. The use of molecular techniques certainly helps with species identification, but unfortunately it requires prior reference sequences. Holotypes constitute the best reference material for species identification, however their usage in molecular systematics and taxonomy is scarce and frequently not even attempted, mostly due to their antiquity and preservation history. Here we provide case studies in which we demonstrate the importance of using holotype material to answer phylogenetic and taxonomic questions. We also demonstrate the possibility of sequencing DNA fragments out of century-old holotypes. Furthermore we propose the deposition of DNA sequences in conjunction with new species descriptions.

Download Full-text

Molecular evidence for the hybrid origin of Rosa lichiangensis (Rosaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.222.3.5 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 222 (3) ◽

pp. 221 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zhangming Zhu ◽

Xinfen Gao

Keyword(s):

Significant Role ◽

Single Copy ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Natural Hybridization ◽

Hybrid Origin ◽

Molecular Evidence ◽

Nuclear Marker

Natural hybridization was assumed to play a significant role in the diversification of Rosa. Rosa lichiangensis was suspected to be of hybrid origin based on its intermediate morphological characters between R. soulieana and R. multiflora var. cathayensis. In this study, four chloroplast regions (ndhC-trnV, ndhF-rpl32, ndhJ-trnF, and psbJ-petA) and a single copy nuclear marker (GAPDH) were used to test the hybrid origin of R. lichiangensis. The results from molecular data supported the hybrid origin of R. lichiangensis and further identified R. soulieana as its maternal progenitor and R. multiflora var. cathayensis as the paternal progenitor.

Download Full-text

Taxonomic application of macro and micro morphological characters of seeds in Astragalus L. (Galegeae, Fabaceae) in India

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.502.2.8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 502 (2) ◽

pp. 191-207

Author(s):

SHIVANI KASHYAP ◽

CHANDAN KUMAR SAHU ◽

ROHIT KUMAR VERMA ◽

LAL BABU CHAUDHARY

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽

Light Microscopy ◽

Seed Coat ◽

Morphological Plasticity ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Individual Species ◽

Large Size ◽

The Individual ◽

Scanning Electron

Due to large size and enormous morphological plasticity, the taxonomy of the genus Astragalus is very complex and challenging. The identification and grouping of species chiefly based on macromorphological characters become sometimes difficult in the genus. In the present study, the micromorphology of the seeds of 30 species belonging to 14 sections of Astragalus from India has been examined applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with light microscopy (LM) to evaluate their role in identification and classification. Attention was paid to colour, shape, size and surface of seeds. The overall size of the seeds ranges from 1.5–3.2 × 0.8–2.2 mm. The shape of the seeds is cordiform, deltoid, mitiform, orbicular, ovoid and reniform. The colour of seeds varies from brown to blackish-brown to black. Papillose, reticulate, ribbed, rugulate and stellate patterns were observed on the seed coat surface (spermoderm) among different species. The study reveals that the seed coat ornamentations have evolved differently among species and do not support the subgeneric and sectional divisions of the genus. However, they add an additional feature to the individual species, which may help in identification in combination with other macro-morphological features.

Download Full-text

Species delimitation of colour polymorphic Cladophorus (Coleoptera: Lycidae) from New Guinea

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4320.3.6 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4320 (3) ◽

pp. 505 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

ROMANA KALOUSOVA ◽

LADISLAV BOCAK

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Mitochondrial Dna ◽

Related Species ◽

Species Delimitation ◽

Morphological Differentiation ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Closely Related Species ◽

Dna Fragment ◽

Colour Patterns

Cladophorus Guérin-Méneville, 1830 are endemic Papuan net-winged beetles which take part in highly diverse Müllerian mimicry rings. Available specimens were sequenced for cox1–tRNA-Leu–cox2 mitochondrial DNA fragment and the species delimitations were based on the genetic distance, phylogenetic analysis, and morphology. Three earlier described species were identified in the recently collected material and further 10 species are described: C. pallescens sp. nov., C. bicolor sp. nov., C. craterensis sp. nov., C. motykai sp. nov., C. mindikensis sp. nov., C. kailakiensis sp. nov., C. manokwarensis sp. nov., C. haiaensis sp. nov., C. humeralis sp. nov., and C. boceki sp. nov. DNA-based identifications provided some ambiguous results and closely related species could not be robustly delimited using solely molecular data. Additionally, the species limits were based on clearly defined morphological characters and the morphological differentiation was found unlinked from the genetic divergence. Colour patterns cannot be used for identification because all species available in more specimens were polymorphic and followed various local co-mimics. The Papuan fauna of Cladophorus is very diverse and the closely related species regularly occur in limited regions. Differentiation within restricted ranges is therefore considered as the main speciation mode.

Download Full-text

ESTIMATION OF EFFICIENCY OF CONSTRUCTION OF AGRO-PHYTOCENOSES AND FERTILIZER OF THE OIL RADISH ON THE BASIS OF THE MODULAR-VITALITY METHOD

Agriculture and Forestry ◽

10.37128/2707-5826-2019-3-5 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 54-78

Author(s):

Yaroslav Tsytsiura

Keyword(s):

Plant Density ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Morphological Integration ◽

Plant Oil ◽

Long Term Study ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Fertilizer Rates

The article presents the results of a long-term study of the features of the phytocenology of agrophytocenoses of oil radish using different methods for assessing their condition and studying the tactics of the plant vitality strategy. A comprehensive assessment was made of the effect of changes in row spacing, seeding rates and fertilizer rates on the formation of various plant morphotypes, the variability of morphological characters and the general characteristics of plant viability. Three idiotypes of the plant oil radish were identified in a vertical study of agrophytocenosis, on the basis of which a detailed analysis of the variability of each group and a statistical assessment of the reliability of its existence were carried out. The features of the morphological integration of each tier are analyzed and its impact on the formation of the overall field productivity is evaluated. Based on the modular and vitality grouping, the effectiveness and feasibility of combining various options for plant density and fertilizer in the range of 30-90 kg of active substance per 1 ha were evaluated. Conclusions are drawn about the desired model of agrophytocenosis of oil radish based on the characteristics of its vital tactics and the goals of its growing. Grouping was carried out according to a variety of morphological traits of plants in the population and the possibilities of applying the basic patterns of phytocenology in their application to radish oilseed plants were evaluated. Through the use of regression analysis, the influence of climatic conditions on the formation of various morphological types of plants and the nature of the relationship of plants of oil radish in cenoses of various densities against the background of various fertilizer options has been evaluated. The main promising areas for further research on the peculiarities of creating highly productive and highly adaptable agrophytocenoses of oil radish have been outlined.

Download Full-text

Morphological variability of Quercus robur L. leaf in Serbia

Genetika ◽

10.2298/gensr1702529b ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 529-541

Author(s):

Branislava Batos ◽

Danijela Miljkovic ◽

Marko Perovic ◽

Sasa Orlovic

Keyword(s):

Leaf Area ◽

Analysis Of Variance ◽

Population Differentiation ◽

Quercus Robur ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Intraspecific Variability ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Interpopulation Variability ◽

Intrapopulation Variability

This paper presents the results of a study dealing with leaf morphological variability of Quercus robur L. 148 trees were sampled from 5 population across Serbia and 17 morphological traits were assessed. Interpopulation variability was confirmed by the results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA). A statistically significant (p <0.05) effect of population was obtained for most of the studied morphological characters. Intrapopulation variability was confirmed by statistically significant tree effects for all of the studied leaf characters (all p < 0.05). The results of the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) confirmed a significant population and tree share in the total phenotypic variability (all p <0.05). By applying the canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), the first discriminant function accounted for 63% of the variability between populations and the second accounted for 20% of the population variability. The leaf area (AREA), specific leaf area (SLA) and surface area to perimeter ratio (ARPE) had the greatest effect on population differentiation (CDA). It is assumed that different environmental conditions affect population differentiation and that high intrapopulation variability is due to intraspecific variability.

Download Full-text

Variations in genetic structure and male genitalia suggest recent lineage diversification in the Neotropical dung beetle complex Canthon cyanellus (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society ◽

10.1093/biolinnean/blaa131 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 131 (3) ◽

pp. 505-520

Author(s):

Janet Nolasco-Soto ◽

Mario E Favila ◽

Alejandro Espinosa De Los Monteros ◽

Jorge González-Astorga ◽

Gonzalo Halffter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Structure ◽

Morphological Variation ◽

Male Genitalia ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Dung Beetle ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Taxonomic Assignment ◽

Morphometric Variation ◽

Evolutionary Forces ◽

Significant Genetic Structure

Abstract We analysed the genetic divergence and morphology of the aedeagus (i.e. phallobase and parameres) in Canthon cyanellus at different geographical levels. The results from both approaches were compared with the current taxonomic assignment of the C. cyanellus complex, which includes three subspecies. We found a high variation in all the morphological characters of the aedeagus in the populations analysed; the morphometric variation was not geographically structured, either by population or by region. The genealogical analysis indicates a significant genetic structure that does not match either the morphological variation in the male genitalia or the previous subspecific taxonomic classification. Our results suggest that the morphological variation of the aedeagus is seemingly not an isolating reproductive barrier and that the intra- and interpopulation morphological variability of the aedeagus in the C. cyanellus complex does not permit the division into several species. We suggest that other evolutionary forces, such as genetic drift and sexual selection, have influenced the evolution of the male genitalia and the incipient differentiation of this species complex.

Download Full-text

Relationships among Morphological Characters, Isozymes Polymorphism and DNA Variability – the Impact on Lactuca Germplasm Taxonomy

Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding ◽

10.17221/3721-cjgpb ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 39 (No. 2) ◽

pp. 59-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

I. Doležalová ◽

A. Lebeda ◽

M. Dziechciarková ◽

E. Křístková ◽

D. Astley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Content ◽

Fragment Length Polymorphism ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Aflp Analysis ◽

Dapi Staining ◽

Lactuca Species ◽

Relative Dna Content ◽

The Impact

Fifty one accessions of nineteen Lactuca species, the hybrid L. serriola × L. sativa and the related species Mycelis muralis were evaluated for morphological variability, esterase (EST) polymorphism, Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and relative DNA content. Sixteen Lactuca accessions were classified taxonomically on the basis of morphology, isozyme analysis and AFLP. Twenty-eight bands (isoforms) of EST were recorded allowing 82% of accessions to be distinguished. The relative DNA content, measured using flow-cytometry (DAPI staining), ranged from 2.02 pg in L. capensis to 17.96 pg in L. canadensis. The results from AFLP analysis and the relative DNA content measurement corresponded well with recent taxonomic classification of the genus Lactuca.  

Download Full-text