scholarly journals Cryptic species in a Vulnerable seabird: shorttailed albatross consists of two species

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 375-386
Author(s):  
M Eda ◽  
T Yamasaki ◽  
H Izumi ◽  
N Tomita ◽  
S Konno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Morphological Examination ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
First Case ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Native Birds ◽  
Senkaku Islands ◽  
Species Being

The occurrence of cryptic species within a threatened taxon is rare, but where they do occur, understanding species boundaries is essential for planning an effective conservation strategy. The short-tailed albatross Phoebastria albatrus is a Vulnerable seabird that mainly breeds on Torishima and the Senkaku Islands in the western North Pacific. Although it has been tacitly regarded as a single management unit with 2 breeding sites, the species is known to comprise 2 genetically separated populations (Senkaku-type and Torishima-type). However, morphological examination of birds from both populations has not been conducted owing to the difficulty in accessing the Senkaku Islands. In this study, we examined the morphological differences between immigrants from the Senkaku Islands to Torishima (Senkaku-type) and native birds on Torishima (Torishima-type) and found significant differences in morphological characteristics between the 2 bird types. In general, Torishima-type birds were larger than Senkaku-type birds, whereas Senkaku-type birds had relatively longer beaks. Based on the morphological differences found in this study as well as genetic and ecological differences revealed in previous studies, we believe that Senkaku- and Torishima-type birds should be classified as different cryptic species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of cryptic species being identified in a threatened avian species.

Unexpected species diversity within Japanese Mundochthonius pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones : Chthoniidae) and the necessity for improved species diagnosis revealed by molecular and morphological examination

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Ohira ◽  
Shingo Kaneko ◽  
Leanne Faulks ◽  
Tadaaki Tsutsumi
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Molecular Taxonomy ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Morphological Examination ◽  
Species Classification ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity

Using the complementary approaches of morphological and molecular taxonomy is essential to further our understanding of invertebrate diversity, including the identification of cryptic species. Although the species classification of a widespread group of arachnids, the pseudoscorpions, has been based on traditional diagnostic characters for a long time, recent taxonomic studies have suggested that some of these are unreliable for distinguishing species. Thus, the application of molecular taxonomy may be particularly useful in this group. Here, we performed molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation analyses based on partial sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase I and nuclear DNA 18S rRNA genes to assess the taxonomy of species and the reliability of morphological characteristics for distinguishing species in the Japanese soil-dwelling genus Mundochthonius (Chthoniidae). Our results revealed the existence of seven major genetic clades, likely corresponding to three described species and four cryptic species. Although two described species, M. kiyoshii and M. itohi, were represented by single clades in the phylogenetic analysis, a third, M. japonicus, was composed of multiple clades, highlighting inconsistencies between phylogenetic relationships and current species classifications using traditional morphological diagnostics. This study exemplifies the need for further exploration of pseudoscorpion taxonomy and species diversity. In particular, detailed morphological examinations are expected to help determine differences among cryptic species.

scholarly journals Transcriptome sequencing and delimitation of cryptic Oscarella species (O. carmela and O. pearsei sp. nov) from California, USA

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Ereskovsky ◽  
Daniel J. Richter ◽  
Dennis V. Lavrov ◽  
Klaske J. Schippers ◽  
Scott A. Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Original Description ◽  
Mucus Production ◽  
Central California ◽  
Paracrystalline Inclusions ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
The Western Pacific

AbstractThe homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella carmela, first described from central California, USA is shown to represent two morphologically similar but phylogenetically distant species that are co-distributed. We here describe a new species as Oscarella pearsei, sp. nov. and redescribe Oscarella carmela; the original description was based upon material from both species. Further, we correct the identification of published genomic/transcriptomic resources that were originally attributed to O. carmela, and present new Illumina-sequenced transcriptome assemblies for each of these species, and the mitochondrial genome sequence for O. pearsei sp. nov. Using SSU and LSU ribosomal DNA and the mitochondrial genome, we report the phylogenetic relationships of these species relative to other Oscarella species, and find strong support for placement of O. pearsei sp. nov. in a clade defined by the presence of spherulous cells that contain paracrystalline inclusions; O. carmela lacks this cell type and is most closely related to the Western Pacific species, O. malakhovi. Oscarella pearsei sp. nov and O. carmela can be tentatively distinguished based upon gross morphological differences such as color, surface texture and extent of mucus production, but can be more reliably identified using mitochondrial and nuclear barcode sequencing, ultrastructural characteristics of cells in the mesohyl, and the morphology of the follicle epithelium which surrounds the developing embryo in reproductively active individuals. Usually, cryptic species are very closely related to each other, but in this case and in sponges generally, cryptic species may be very distantly related because sponges can be difficult to identify based upon gross morphological characteristics.

scholarly journals Morphological Characteristics of Male Genitalia in Some Species of the Genus Eurytoma (Eurytomidae, Hymenoptera)

2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. e-42-e-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Klymenko
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Male Genitalia ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
External Morphology ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Species Specific

Morphological Characteristics of Male Genitalia in Some Species of the GenusEurytoma(Eurytomidae, Hymenoptera)Based on the analysis of morphological characteristics of related species of the genusEurytoma, several groups of cryptic species poorly distinguishing by external morphology, but clearly confined to certain hosts are shown to have morphological differences of male genitalia that are highly species-specific and can be useful for identification of cryptic species of the genusEurytoma(E. rosaeNees,E. strigifronsThomson, andE. jaceaeMayr species complexes).

scholarly journals A Systematic Study on DNA Barcoding of Medicinally Important Genus Epimedium L. (Berberidaceae)

Genes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengyue Guo ◽  
Yanqin Xu ◽  
Li Ren ◽  
Shunzhi He ◽  
and Xiaohui Pang
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Identification Accuracy ◽  
Dna Barcodes ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Herba Epimedii ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Species Being

Genus Epimedium consists of approximately 50 species in China, and more than half of them possess medicinal properties. The high similarity of species’ morphological characteristics complicates the identification accuracy, leading to potential risks in herbal efficacy and medical safety. In this study, we tested the applicability of four single loci, namely, rbcL, psbA-trnH, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and ITS2, and their combinations as DNA barcodes to identify 37 Epimedium species on the basis of the analyses, including the success rates of PCR amplifications and sequencing, specific genetic divergence, distance-based method, and character-based method. Among them, character-based method showed the best applicability for identifying Epimedium species. As for the DNA barcodes, psbA-trnH showed the best performance among the four single loci with nine species being correctly differentiated. Moreover, psbA-trnH + ITS and psbA-trnH + ITS + rbcL exhibited the highest identification ability among all the multilocus combinations, and 17 species, of which 12 are medicinally used, could be efficiently discriminated. The DNA barcode data set developed in our study contributes valuable information to Chinese resources of Epimedium. It provides a new means for discrimination of the species within this medicinally important genus, thus guaranteeing correct and safe usage of Herba Epimedii.

scholarly journals DNA-based diversity assessment reveals a new coral barnacle, Cantellius alveoporae sp. nov. (Balanomorpha: Pyrgomatidae) exclusively associated with the high latitude coral Alveopora japonica in the waters of southern Korea

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11284
Author(s):  
Hyun Kyong Kim ◽  
Benny K.K. Chan ◽  
Sung Joon Song ◽  
Jong Seong Khim
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Andaman Sea ◽  
Morphological Examination ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Diversity Assessment ◽  
Molecular Studies ◽  
Southern Korea ◽  
Specialist Species

In the present study, the Indo-Pacific coral associated barnacle Cantellius euspinulosum (Broch, 1931) was found to have cryptic species in Korea, Taiwan and other regions based on molecular studies. However, the original specimens of C. euspinulosum from Broch have not been previously described or illustrated, making it difficult to assign which cryptic species to the original C. euspinulosum. The original specimen of C. euspinulosum was examined and illustrated here, and the species identity of C. cf. euspinulosum collected from Jejudo Island in the present study and other cryptic species (based on literature illustrations) in the Indo-Pacific were evaluated.C. euspinulosum from Singapore, Java, Mergui Archipelago in Andaman Sea and Nha Trang represented the C. euspinulosum identified by Broch (1931). It is a generalist on Acropora, Favia, Favites, Leptoria, Montipora, Pachyseris and Pocillipora corals and distributed in the Indo-Pacific region. Morphological examination and DNA sequencing (COI, 12S DNA sequences) in the present study showed that C. cf. euspinulosum from Jejudo Island, Korea represents a distinct species, herein named C. alveoporae sp. nov. Cantellius alveroporae sp. nov. is a specialist species that only grows on Alveopora and also present in Palau, and Ogasawara Island in Japan. Cantellius cf. euspinuloum in Taiwan, the Moscos Island, and Australia belong to several other distinct species awaiting further morphological and molecular studies. At least five cryptic species of C. euspinulosum were identified in the present study, including both specialist and generalists.

scholarly journals Habitat exploitation by landbirds in the changing Western Samoan environment

1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Evans ◽  
F. J. C. Fletcher ◽  
P. J. Loader ◽  
F. G. Rooksby
Keyword(s):  
Urban Life ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Urban Habitats ◽  
Severe Loss ◽  
Western Samoa ◽  
Native Birds ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Increased Pressure

SummaryThe avifauna of Western Samoa is dominated by indigenous species, including several endemic ones. They are primarily birds of the rainforest and, since the islands have already suffered severe loss of this habitat and there is likely to be increased pressure on it in the future, their long-term prospects are not good. At present, introduced, non-native birds are not a threat to indigenous species, being confined largely to urban habitats, and there is little interaction with forest species. Several indigenous species exploit manmodified habitats, however, and it is possible that, as has occurred elsewhere, some of them may adapt fully to urban life.

Review of the Gekko (Japonigekko) subpalmatus complex (Squamata, Sauria, Gekkonidae), with description of a new species from China

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4951 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-258
Author(s):  
ZHI-TONG LYU ◽  
CHAO-YU LIN ◽  
JIN-LONG REN ◽  
KE JIANG ◽  
YIN-PENG ZHANG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sichuan Basin ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Morphological Examination ◽  
Southeastern China ◽  
The Sichuan Basin ◽  
A New Species

The gecko species Gekko (Japonigekko) subpalmatus was previously recorded with a relatively wide distribution from eastern, southern, and southeastern China. However, the populations in southern China are currently recognized as another valid species G. (J.) melli. In this study, we conduct a detailed morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis of the populations currently treated as G. (J.) subpalmatus or G. (J.) melli, which are collectively designated as the G. (J.) subpalmatus complex. Our results reveal that the G. (J.) subpalmatus complex comprises three evolutionarily independent taxa. The populations from Zhejiang, eastern China are G. (J.) subpalmatus, those from southern China are G. (J.) melli, while those from the Sichuan Basin, southwestern China represent a cryptic species, Gekko (Japonigekko) cib sp. nov.. Gekko (Japonigekko) cib sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners, by its divergence from other complex members in the CYTB and 16S genes, and a combination of morphological characteristics, especially in hemipenial morphology. Historic records of G. (J.) subpalmatus complex are also reviewed. 

Ficophagus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from sycones of Ficus subgenus Urostigma, sections Malvanthera and Urostigma, in eastern Australia

Nematology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 627-653
Author(s):  
Kerrie A. Davies ◽  
Faerlie Bartholomaeus ◽  
Dong Mei Li ◽  
Zeng Qi Zhao ◽  
Weimin Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Female Tail ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Tail Tip ◽  
Molecular Sequencing

Summary Ficophagus from collecting trips in eastern Australia, made over 15 years, are summarised and show that species of the genus occurred widely in sycones of Ficus, subgenus Urostigma, section Malvanthera. Two new species (based on morphological differences and molecular sequencing) are described: Ficophagus elizabethae sp. n. from Ficus macrophylla, F. rubiginosa and F. obliqua, and Ficophagus richardi sp. n. from Ficus obliqua; and a morphospecies, Ficophagus Morphospecies malandicus from Ficus obliqua. Ficophagus elizabethae sp. n. is characterised by having the excretory pore (EP) opening from the level of the junction of the conus and shaft of the stylet to that of the knobs, a relatively long procorpus (1.0-2.5 times length of stylet), female tail with an obliquely truncate tail with a hyaline area and a finely to broadly rounded tip which may be mucronate; post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) ca one vulval body diam. (VBD) in length; rose-thorn-shaped spicule with distinct rostrum and prominent condylus; and genital papillae arranged as largest pair adcloacal, second pair posterior to mid-tail length, and third small pair near tail tip; and was collected from Sydney in New South Wales, to Bundaberg in Queensland (QLD). Ficophagus richardi sp. n. is characterised by having the EP opening at the level of the junction of the stylet shaft and conus, a labial cap which is raised around the opening for the stylet; procorpus 0.8-1.7 times length of the stylet, PUS <1 VBD in length, long uterus, and female tail with a V-shaped hyaline area at the bluntly rounded tip; rose-thorn-shaped spicule with a small rostrum and prominent condylus, three pairs genital papillae, first and largest on anterior cloacal lip, second at 70% of tail length measured from cloacal aperture, and third near tip, and was collected from Ban Ban Springs in the south to the Bundaberg region in the mid-north of QLD. In addition, in the absence of pertinent molecular sequences, a morphospecies is described. Ficophagus Morphospecies malandicus is characterised by having the EP opening anterior to the junction of the stylet conus and shaft, procorpus 0.9-2 times length of stylet, a short PUS usually <1 VBD long, short uterus, rose-thorn-shaped spicule with a raised condylus and prominent rostrum, and three pairs of subventral papillae on the tail (one adcloacal, one posterior to mid-tail and one near tail tip); and was collected from the Atherton Tableland, QLD. A table comparing morphological characteristics is provided to help with identification of Ficophagus nematodes from figs of the section Malvanthera in eastern Australia.

Fitting the lens of climate change on bird conservation in the twenty-first century

2019 ◽  
pp. 236-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter P. Marra ◽  
Benjamin Zuckerberg ◽  
Christiaan Both
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
First Century ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Twenty First Century ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Species Being

Understanding and predicting future ecological impacts of climate change, and then developing a conservation strategy to minimize the negative impacts on biodiversity, remains one of the greatest environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. We lack a robust understanding of how climate variability (e.g., temperature, precipitation) itself influences the biology of organisms and, when evidence points to a species being vulnerable to the effects of climate change, there is a lack of specific and timely recommendations for managers to reduce that vulnerability. This chapter reviews how we assess which species are most impacted by climate change and then provides a framework and examples of common strategies and tactics managers can use to incorporate climate change adaptation into bird conservation. In doing so, we present a suite of strategies designed to translate broad conservation concepts into targeted and prescriptive actions for birds.

Confirmation of Aedes koreicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Belgium and description of morphological differences between Korean and Belgian specimens validated by molecular identification

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3191 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
VEERLE VERSTEIRT ◽  
JAMES E. PECOR ◽  
DINA M. FONSECA ◽  
MARC COOSEMANS ◽  
WIM VAN BORTEL
Keyword(s):  
Korean Peninsula ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Island Population ◽  
Morphological Comparison ◽  
Aedes Koreicus ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Molecular Comparison ◽  
Morphological Differences

In 2008, specimens resembling Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus (Edwards) (also Ochlerotatus koreicus or Hulecoeteomyia kore-ica) were found in Belgium during a national mosquito survey (MODIRISK). Small but consistent differences were, how-ever, observed between the specimens described from Peninsula Korea and those found in Belgian. To achieve the correctidentification a detailed morphological comparison was made between the Belgian specimens and reference material fromKorean mainland and island populations housed at the Smithsonian Institution (Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WR-BU), Washington, USA). The identification was furthermore supported by molecular evidence based on the ND4 region(mtDNA) of available Korean and Belgian mosquito specimens. Morphological and molecular comparison confirmed theinitial identification of Aedes koreicus. Based on morphological characteristics, the species collected in Belgium mostlikely originated from Jeju-do, an island south of the Korean Peninsula. The observed dissimilarities between Korean andBelgian specimens resembled a number of morphological differences mentioned previously between female adults col-lected on the Korean Peninsula and Jeju-do. This is the first report of Aedes koreicus outside its natural distribution range.A correct and rapid identification of new invading and spreading vector species is crucial for the implementation of effec-tive control measurements. Hence a correct and easy accessible description of all possible variations of species arrivingin new areas is highly recommended. Therefore, a comparative morphological study on the Smithsonian material of thespecies from Korean mainland, island population and from Belgium is given, pictures of the main aberrant characteristicsand scanning electron microscope images of all stages of the species are included and molecular confirmation of the identification based on the mtDNA ND4 region is provided.

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