Characterizing the Mitogenome of the Endemic Bumblebee Subspecies from the Canary Islands for Conservation Purposes

The taxonomic status of Bombus terrestris subspecies is complex and has deep implications in the management of commercial bumblebees for crop pollination as well as in the establishment of appropriate conservation plans. Herein, the complete mitogenome of the endemic Canary Islands subspecies Bombus terrestris canariensis is newly sequenced and compared with available mitochondrial sequences in order to shed light into its taxonomic status. The mitochondrial genome was 17,300 bp in length and contained 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs and a partial sequence of the AT rich control region. The phylogenetic analysis of PCGs of the mitogenome was congruent with its subspecific status and a close relationship with the North African subspecies africanus as previously suggested. The sequencing of the mitogenome of B. t. canariensis provides useful genetic information to study the conservation genetics and genetic diversity of these island bumblebee populations.

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Complete mitochondrial genome of Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla (Mammalia: Pholidota), an endemic subspecies of Chinese pangolin: mitogenome characterisation and phylogenetic implications

Biodiversity Data Journal ◽

10.3897/bdj.9.e77961 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Nick Sun ◽

Chi-Chun Huang ◽

Yu-Wei Tseng ◽

Tulshi Laxmi Suwal ◽

Meng-Jou Chi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Incomplete Lineage Sorting ◽

Complete Mitochondrial Genome ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Future Research ◽

Lineage Sorting ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Phylogenetic Implications ◽

Manis Pentadactyla ◽

Complete Mitogenome ◽

Over Exploitation

The Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla is critically endangered because of over-exploitation and illegal trafficking and includes three subspecies. However, the taxonomic status of the three subspecies of the Chinese pangolin has not been well resolved, which impedes regional conservation and illegal trade traces. In this study, the complete mitogenome sequence of M. p. pentadactyla, an endemic subspecies of the Chinese pangolin in Taiwan, was determined. The complete mitogenome of M. p. pentadactyla is 16,570 base pairs (bp) in length with 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 23 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs and a 1164 bp control region. The overall base composition of the genome showed a slight A + T bias (59.9%), positive AT skew (0.1515) and negative GC skew (-0.3406), which is similar to that of other pangolins. All PCGs started with a typical ATN codon and all tRNAs were typical cloverleaf-shaped secondary structures, except for tRNA-Ser(GCU). Phylogenetic analysis indicated a monophyletic relationship for M. p. pentadactyla and M. p. aurita and was monophyletic for M. p. pentadactyla, but paraphyletic for M. p. aurita. The paraphyly of M. p. aurita resulted from an incomplete lineage sorting. This study enriched the mitogenome database of the Chinese pangolin and the molecular information obtained should be very useful for future research on mitogenome evolution and genetic diversification in M. pentadactyla.

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The Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) from Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4646.1.6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4646 (1) ◽

pp. 101-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

JERZY ROMANOWSKI ◽

PIOTR CERYNGIER ◽

JAROSLAV VĚTROVEC ◽

KAROL SZAWARYN

Keyword(s):

Canary Islands ◽

Coccinella Septempunctata ◽

North African ◽

The North ◽

Ladybird Beetles

During this study, Coccinellidae were collected and observed at 25 sites located along the coast and inland of the island of Fuerteventura during 2016 and 2017. A total of 2825 Coccinellidae specimens belonging to 22 species was recorded, of which 11 species are newly recorded from Fuerteventura. In the case of three species taxonomical decisions are proposed. Scymnus incisus (Har. Lindberg, 1950) is transferred to the genus Nephus Mulsant and placed in the nominate subgenus as Nephus (Nephus) incisus (Har. Lindberg, 1950), comb. nov. Scymnus medanensis Eizaguirre, 2007, is redescribed and placed in the subgenus Pullus Mulsant. Coccinella algerica Kovář, 1977, is synonymized with Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, 1758, syn. nov. We propose retaining the taxonomic distinction of the North African and Canarian populations of this species as the subspecies Coccinella septempunctata algerica Kovář, stat. nov. Nephus peyerimhoffi (Sicard, 1923) is deleted from the list of ladybird beetles inhabiting the Canary Islands.

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Systematics of north African Agama (Reptilia: Agamidae): a new species from the central Saharan mountains

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.3098.1.3 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 3098 (1) ◽

pp. 26 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

PHILIPPE GENIEZ ◽

JOSÉ M. PADIAL ◽

PIERRE-ANDRÉ CROCHET

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Species Group ◽

Gene Fragment ◽

North African ◽

Mountain Ranges ◽

The North ◽

Lineage Divergence ◽

Species Taxonomy

We studied the taxonomic status of the north African Agama species A. impalearis, A. castroviejoi, and A. boueti. The study of recently collected specimens and museum material, as well as phylogenetic analyses of a short 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragment, revealed the presence of an undescribed species in Adrar des Ifoghas (Mali), Aïr Mountains (Niger), Ahaggar Mountains (Algeria) and Tassili n’Ajjer (Algeria, Lybia), previously mistaken either as A. impalearis or A. agama. The new species, Agama tassiliensis n. sp., clearly belongs to the impalearis – boueti – spinosa species group but differs from these species, among other characters, by its red, reddish-orange or orange vertebral stripe in males, long and angular head, long limbs and toes (with 4 th toe usually slightly longer than 3 rd toe), long but low nuchal crest made of 10 to 15 spines (rarely 8–9 spines) and large number of supralabials (10–16, usually around 12). Interspecific uncorrected p- distances based on the 16S rDNA gene fragment are high, ranging from 3.9% between A. boueti and A. impalearis to 7.9% between A. spinosa and A. impalearis. The new species is sympatric with A. boueti at least in the Aïr Mountains and exhibits average mtDNA divergences of 6.2%, 7.4%, and 7.6% with A. spinosa, A. impalearis, and A. boueti, respectively. Agama boueti is paraphyletic relative to A. castroviejoi in the mtDNA tree, and mtDNA genetic divergences between populations of both species are lower than 1.0%, suggesting that A. castroviejoi is better treated as a junior synonym of A. boueti pending more detailed analyses. Scattered mountain ranges in the Sahara seem to have promoted lineage divergence and ultimately speciation in this group. Further work should be done to study species taxonomy and evolution in those areas.

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A complete mitogenome from Orconectes (Procericambarus) cf. ozarkae (Williams)

Freshwater Crayfish ◽

10.5869/fc.2016.v22-1.95 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 95-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paul R. Cabe

Keyword(s):

Ribosomal Rna ◽

Dna Sequences ◽

Complete Mitochondrial Genome ◽

Trna Genes ◽

Sequence Information ◽

Base Pairs ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Phylogenetic Studies ◽

Complete Mitogenome ◽

Mitochondrial Sequences

Abstract Mitochondrial DNA sequences have been used extensively for studies of phylogeny, biogeography, and systematics in a vast array of taxa. In crayfish, the most widely used mitochondrial sequences are from the genes 16S ribosomal RNA, 12S ribosomal RNA, and cytochrome oxidase I. Other regions might perform well for certain questions, and entire mtDNA genome sequences might be very useful for phylogenetic studies, but these uses are curtailed by lack of sequence information. The complete mitochondrial genome from an individual of Orconectes cf. ozarkae (Williams) was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The circular genome was 15,815 base pairs in length, and included the complement of 37 genes expected for metazoans, two ribosomal RNA genes, thirteen protein coding genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The gene order is equivalent to other species of crayfish from the family Cambaridae.

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Mitogenomic architecture of the multivalent endemic black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) and its phylogenetic implications

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-72194-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Summaya Rahuman ◽

N. S. Jeena ◽

P. K. Asokan ◽

R. Vidya ◽

P. Vijayagopal

Keyword(s):

Gene Order ◽

Mitochondrial Gene ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Late Triassic ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Next Generation Sequencing Technology ◽

Potential Marker ◽

Phylogenetic Implications ◽

Close Relationship ◽

Complete Mitogenome

Abstract The Indian black clam Villorita cyprinoides (Family: Cyrenidae), an extractive commercially exploited species with aquaculture importance contributing more than 70% of clam fishery in India, is endemic to the Indian peninsula. Currently, there is very sparse information, especially on the molecular data of Villorita. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of mitogenome architecture and assess the phylogenetic status of Cyrenidae. This has resulted in reporting the first complete mitogenome of V. cyprinoides using next-generation sequencing technology. The A+T circular mitogenome was 15,880 bp long, exhibiting 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) including ATP8 (absent in several bivalves), 22 transfer RNA, and two ribosomal RNA genes residing in the heavy strand in a clockwise orientation and a gene order akin to Corbicula fluminea. The molecular phylogeny inferred from a concatenated multi-gene sequence [14 mitochondrial (12 PCGs, rrnS and rrnL) and two nuclear genes (Histone H3, 18S rRNA)] from 47 representative species of superorder Imparidentia, clustered V. cyprinoides and Cyrenid clams to a single clade supporting the monophyly of Cyrenidae. The subsequent mitochondrial gene order analysis substantiates the close relationship of V. cyprinoides and C. fluminea, analogous to phylogenetic output. The multilocus tree topology calibrated with verified fossil data deciphered the origin and diversification of Cyrenid clams during late Triassic-early Jurassic. The data derived from this study shall contribute remarkably for further insights on cryptic species identification, molecular characterization of bivalve mitogenomes and mitochondrial evolutionary history of genus Villorita. Moreover, complete mitogenome can aid in potential marker development for assessing the genetic health of black clam populations.

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Phylogenetic position of the takin (Budorcas taxicolor) and the yak (Bos grunniens) within the family Bovidae

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.2392.1.3 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2392 (1) ◽

pp. 62 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

SHAOBIN WU ◽

XIUYUE ZHANG ◽

BISONG YUE ◽

BO ZENG ◽

JIANGHONG RAN

Keyword(s):

Complete Mitochondrial Genome ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Ovis Aries ◽

Bison Bison ◽

Phylogenetic Position ◽

Morphological Evidence ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Bos Grunniens ◽

Close Relationship ◽

Budorcas Taxicolor

The takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a rare mammal endemic to the Asian Continent, with differing opinions regarding its taxonomic status. In order to clarify its evolutionary position within Bovidae, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of a takin (B.t. bedfordi) sampled from Tangjiahe Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China, and reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of eleven species within Bovidae based on 12 heavy-strand encoded protein-coding genes. The results indicated that (a) the takin shared a close relationship with the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) and sheep (Ovis aries), and was most closely related to caprines; (b) the Bos genus did not exhibit a monophyletic structure, in which the yak (Bos grunniens) was closely linked to American bison (Bison bison). Combined with other DNA data, morphological evidence and paleontological data, we strongly support the designation of Poephagus for the yak, and yak should be nominated as Poephagus mutus or Poephagus grunniens.

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Dissecting human North African gene-flow into its western coastal surroundings

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2019.0471 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 286 (1902) ◽

pp. 20190471 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lara R. Arauna ◽

Garrett Hellenthal ◽

David Comas

Keyword(s):

Roman Empire ◽

Gene Flow ◽

Iberian Peninsula ◽

Canary Islands ◽

North Africa ◽

Mediterranean Coast ◽

North African ◽

The North ◽

Geographical Regions ◽

The Impact

North African history and populations have exerted a pivotal influence on surrounding geographical regions, although scant genetic studies have addressed this issue. Our aim is to understand human historical migrations in the coastal surroundings of North Africa. We built a refined genome-wide dataset of North African populations to unearth the fine-scale genetic structure of the region, using haplotype information. The results suggest that the gene-flow from North Africa into the European Mediterranean coast (Tuscany and the Iberian Peninsula) arrived mainly from the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. In Tuscany, this North African admixture date estimate suggests the movement of peoples during the fall of the Roman Empire around the fourth century. In the Iberian Peninsula, the North African component probably reflects the impact of the Arab expansion since the seventh century and the subsequent expansion of the Christian Kingdoms. By contrast, the North African component in the Canary Islands has a source genetically related to present-day people from the Atlantic North African coast. We also find sub-Saharan gene-flow from the Senegambia region in the Canary Islands. Specifically, we detect a complex signal of admixture involving Atlantic, Senegambian and European sources intermixing around the fifteenth century, soon after the Castilian conquest. Our results highlight the differential genetic influence of North Africa into the surrounding coast and show that specific historical events have not only had a socio-cultural impact but additionally modified the gene pool of the populations.

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The Formation of North African Otherness in the Canary Islands from the 16th to 18th Centuries

Culture & History Digital Journal ◽

10.3989/chdj.2020.012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. e012

Author(s):

Juan Manuel Santana

Keyword(s):

National Identity ◽

Canary Islands ◽

Modern State ◽

North African ◽

Royal Decree ◽

Western Africa ◽

The North ◽

The Moment ◽

Different Cultures ◽

North Western

The current study of the North Africans of the Canary Islands during the 16th-18th centuries represents a contribution to the question of the development of the Muslim stereotype in Spain. This population with origins almost exclusively in north-western Africa, an area known at the time as Barbary, was forcibly relocated to the islands. Most of the Old Christians at the moment of the Royal Decree of 1609 expelling of the Moriscos from the Peninsula declared that the Moriscos of the archipelago were good Christians and loyal vassals. The archipelago was hence the only area of the Spanish Crown where they were not expelled. Fear served the monarchies of new emerging modern state to secure power and fashion a proto-national identity that differentiated individuals of different cultures and religions. The Moriscos of the archipelago were therefore throughout three centuries one of the main collectives singled out for religious, political and economic reasons.

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