scholarly journals Taxonomic innovations in South American Selaginella (Selaginellaceae, Lycopodiophyta): description of five new species and an additional range extension

PhytoKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 71-113
Author(s):  
Iván A. Valdespino
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
South American ◽  
Leaf Lamina ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
North Central ◽  
The North ◽  
Stem Type ◽  
Leaf Size And Shape

Five Selaginella species (i.e, S. gioiae, S. papillosa, S. pubimarginata, S. rostrata, and S. xanthoneura) from Neotropical rainforests of South America are described and illustrated as new, while S. surucucusensis, originally recorded only from Brazil, is redefined to account for species’ morphological characters throughout its expanded distribution range and also a novel illustration is provided for it. Inferred taxonomic affinities and conservation assessment are offered for species here treated. Selaginella gioiae is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and S. xanthoneura is so far only known in Colombia, whereas S. surucucusensis is now known to occur in Colombia and Venezuela in the north-central part of South America. These three species are included in the “Selaginella flabellata group” based on their habit, stem shape, rhizophores position, and mega- and microspores color, and ornamentation. Selaginella papillosa, S. pubimarginata, and S. rostrata are native to Venezuela. Selaginella papillosa and S. pubimarginata morphologically belong in the “Selaginella deltoides group” based on their habit, stem type, shape of lateral leaves and their indument type distributed on upper surface of the leaf lamina. On the other hand, S. rostrata is considered to be a member of the “Selaginella microdonta group,” which is centered in the Guiana Highlands, based on its habit, stem type, and leaf size and shape, and for which a key to identify species is provided. Finally, all species threated here are classified in subg. Stachygynandrum based on their heteromorphic leaves, mostly quadrangular strobili, and monomorphic sporophylls shape (except for S. rostrata that has slightly dorsiventral and flattened strobili with somewhat heteromorphic sporophylls).

Phylogenetic analysis and redefinition of the maculata species group of Epicauta (Meloidae: Meloinae: Epicautini)

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 431-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Paula Campos-Soldini ◽  
Roig-Juñent Sergio Alberto
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Cladistic Analysis ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Junior Synonym ◽  
Monophyletic Group ◽  
South American ◽  
South American Species ◽  
New Host ◽  
The North

A cladistic analysis based on 81 morphological characters was performed in order to determine the phylogenetic relationships of 11 species ofEpicautafrom South America. We find that the 11 South American species constitute a monophyletic group together with all the North American species of theEpicauta maculatagroup. Within this clade, the 11 species from South America conforms an apical monophyletic group within theE. maculatagroup. We propose to maintain the validity of theEpicauta maculatagroup, but also to redefine it with new characters. The South American species of theEpicauta maculatagroup are also described and illustrated. We propose the following nomenclatural changes:Epicauta rosilloiMartínez, junior synonym ofEpicauta minutepunctataBorchmann;Epicauta fourcadeiDenier, junior synonym ofEpicauta fulvicornis(Burmeister), andEpicauta breyeriDenier, junior synonym ofEpicauta nigropunctataBlanchard. We provide an identification key, new host plant associations, and updated geographic distribution.

Salicornia cuscoensis (Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae), a new species from Peru (South America)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 319 (3) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. ÁNGELES ALONSO ◽  
MANUEL B. CRESPO ◽  
HELMUT FREITAG
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
South America ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Tierra Del Fuego ◽  
South American ◽  
Habitat Distribution ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Southern Patagonia ◽  
A New Species

The name Salicornia cuscoensis given to a plant from high Andean saltmarshes near Cusco [Cuzco] and Ayacucho, Peru (South America) is validated by a diagnosis and description. The main morphological characters that separate S. cuscoensis from other closely related species are creeping habit, delicate branches, inflorescence of short and thin spikes, and seed indumentum. The new species clearly differs from other perennial Salicornia taxa growing in high Andean saltmarshes such as S. pulvinata and S. andina. The former forms small compact cushions producing very short, few-flowered inflorescences. The latter shows woody stems and forms larger rounded carpets. Morphologically, S. cuscoensis is also similar to S. magellanica, a species growing along the seashore in southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, but the latter has shorter and wider inflorescences and larger seeds with a different type and arrangement of indumentum. Molecular analyses also supported the separation of S. cuscoensis. Data on habitat, distribution and phylogenetic relationships are presented for the new species and its relatives, and an identification key is given for the South American taxa of the genus Salicornia.

South American Missions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron Jones
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Colonial Period ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
South American ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Republican Period ◽  
The North ◽  
Bourbon Reforms ◽  
Franciscan Order

While it is certainly true that more academic studies have focused on the North American missions, in terms of their historical impact South American missions were just as important to the frontiers of Spain and Portugal’s American empires. The massive size alone of the frontier region, stretching from the upper reaches of the Amazon basin to the headwaters of the Paraná as well as stretching across the lower Southern Cone, meant numerous missionary enterprises emerged in an attempt to evangelize the peoples who inhabited these regions. While small handfuls of Dominicans, Mercedarians, and Augustinians would engage in such efforts, most missions were established by the Jesuits or Franciscans. Certainly, for the Jesuits, or the Society of Jesus as they are properly known, American missions represented an extension of the Counter-Reformation for which they were created. Starting in the mid-16th century, this relatively new organization, founded in 1534, began in earnest to “reduce” the Indigenous peoples into their missions. These activities, however, abruptly ended when the Jesuits were expelled from both the Portuguese and Spanish empires in 1759 and 1767 respectfully. The much older Franciscan order had extensive experience in popular missions in Europe and was one of the first orders of regular clergy in the Americas. Franciscans, like the Jesuits, engaged in evangelizing activities throughout both North and South America from the colonial period to the present. The expulsion of the Jesuits, however, pushed them further to the forefront of missionizing efforts in the late colonial period. This acceleration of Franciscan missionary activity was aided by the establishment of the Apostolic Institute in 1682. The Institute created a pipeline of missionaries from Spain to come directly to frontier areas with funding from the crown. While this aided missionary efforts throughout South America, particularly in areas abandoned by the Jesuits, it embroiled the missionaries in the politics of the Bourbon reforms and their obsession with limited clerical power. Ultimately, while missionizing efforts continued into the Republican period, their association with the Spanish and Portuguese crowns led to widespread suppression and secularization following independence. The historiographical divide in the field tends to lie between usually older, Eurocentric histories by scholar-clerics which focus on the missionaries themselves, and newer studies carried out by more secular professional historians that examine how Indigenous populations were affected by the inherent imperialism of the missions, though exceptions abound.

Taxonomy of the Sylvilagus brasiliensis complex in Central and South America (Lagomorpha: Leporidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 1599-1630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A Ruedas ◽  
Sofia Marques Silva ◽  
Johnnie H French ◽  
Roy Nelson Platt ◽  
Jorge Salazar-Bravo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Type Material ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
South American ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Neotropical Species ◽  
Nomen Dubium ◽  
Taxonomic Framework

Abstract A taxonomic framework for South American cottontail rabbits (Lagomorpha: Leporidae: Sylvilagus) was recently published by Diersing and Wilson (2017). Although we agree with some of its taxonomic conclusions (e.g., species status for S. apollinaris and S. fulvescens), we disagree with others. We provide herein evidence supporting S. andinus as a valid species based on morphological characters and novel molecular data. We also provide details of the morphological characters of S. apollinaris and S. fulvescens that support separating these from S. brasiliensis. We adduce data suggestive to the effect that—absent any type material—S. defilippi is at best a nomen dubium. Finally, we provide evidence in support of recognizing additional Neotropical species of Sylvilagus. Un esquema taxonómico para los conejos sudamericanos (Lagomorpha: Leporidae: Sylvilagus) fue recientemente publicado por Diersing y Wilson (2017). Aunque estamos de acuerdo con algunas de sus conclusiones (por ejemplo: estatus de especie válida para S. apollinaris y S. fulvescens), no estamos de acuerdo con las restantes conclusiones taxonómicas. Aportamos aquí pruebas convincentes sobre la característica naturaleza de los caracteres morfológicos y moleculares de S. andinus, pruebas que esgrimimos en apoyo de la hipótesis que esta última es una especie válida, así confirmando su escisión de S. brasiliensis. Proporcionamos detalles de los caracteres morfológicos de S. apollinaris y S. fulvescens que confirman la decisión taxonómica de asimismo separarlos de S. brasiliensis. Proporcionamos datos en aditamento que indican que a falta de cualquier material tipo para S. defilippi, este nombre es en el mejor de los casos un nomen dubium. Finalmente, ofrecemos datos y evidencia apoyando nuestras decisiones de reconocer un mayor número de especies Neotropicales de Sylvilagus que previamente se conocían.

scholarly journals Identification key to the Anopheles mosquitoes of South America (Diptera: Culicidae). III. Male genitalia

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Anice Mureb Sallum ◽  
Ranulfo González Obando ◽  
Nancy Carrejo ◽  
Richard C. Wilkerson
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Male Genitalia ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
South American ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
South American Species ◽  
Accurate Identification

Abstract Background Accurate identification of the species of Anopheles Meigen, 1818 requires careful examination of all life stages. However, morphological characters, especially those of the females and fourth-instar larvae, show some degree of polymorphism and overlap among members of species complexes, and sometimes even within progenies. Characters of the male genitalia are structural and allow accurate identification of the majority of species, excluding only those in the Albitarsis Complex. In this key, based on the morphology of the male genitalia, traditionally used important characters are exploited together with additional characters that allow robust identification of male Anopheles mosquitoes in South America. Methods Morphological characters of the male genitalia of South American species of the genus Anopheles were examined and employed to construct a comprehensive, illustrated identification key. For those species for which specimens were not available, illustrations were based on published illustrations. Photographs of key characters of the genitalia were obtained using a digital Canon Eos T3i attached to a light Diaplan Leitz microscope. The program Helicon Focus was used to build single in-focus images by stacking multiple images of the same structure. Results An illustrated key to South American species of Anopheles based on the morphology of the male genitalia is presented, together with a glossary of morphological terms. The male genitalia of type-specimens of previously poorly documented species were also examined and included in the key, e.g. Anopheles (Anopheles) tibiamaculatus (Neiva, 1906) which has a unique quadrangular-shaped aedeagus with an apical opening. Conclusions Male genitalia of South American species of Anopheles possess robust characters that can be exploited for accurate species identification. Distortion that can occur during the dissection and mounting process can obstruct accurate identification; this is most evident with inadvertent damage or destruction of unique features and interferes with correctly assigning shapes of the features of the ventral claspette. In some species, the shape, and anatomical details of the aedeagus also need to be examined for species identification. For members of the Myzorhynchella Series, both ventral and dorsal claspettes possess multiple characteristics that are herein used as reliable characters for species identification.

Geodynamic study of the north of the Andes block (Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela) through gnss-gps: models of displacements, models of deformation and definition of local and regional geodynamic structures.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berrocoso Manuel ◽  
Del Valle Arroyo Pablo Emilio ◽  
Colorado Jaramillo David Julián ◽  
Gárate Jorge ◽  
Fernández-Ros Alberto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Seismic Activity ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
South American ◽  
The South ◽  
South American Plate ◽  
Northern Andes ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
The North

<p>The northwest of South America is conformed by the territories of Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Great part of these territories make up the Northern Andes Block (BAN). The tectonic and volcanic activity in the northwest of South America is directly related to the interaction of the South American plate, and the Nazca and Caribbean plates, with the Maracaibo and Panama-Chocó micro plates. The high seismic activity and the high magnitude of the recorded earthquakes make any study necessary to define this complex geodynamic region more precisely. This work presents the velocity models obtained through GNSS-GPS observations obtained in public continuous monitoring stations in the region. The observations of the Magna-eco network (Agustín Codazzi Geographic Institute) are integrated with models already obtained by other authors from the observations of the GEORED network (Colombian Geological Service). The observations have been processed using Bernese software v.52 using the PPP technique; obtaining topocentric time series. To obtain the speeds, a process of filtering and adjustment of the topocentric series has been carried out. Based on this velocity model, regional structures have been defined within the Northern Andes Block through a differentiation process based on the corresponding speeds of the South American, Nazca and Caribbean tectonic plates. Local geodynamic structures within the BAN itself have been established through cluster analysis based on both the direction and the magnitude of each of the vectors obtained. Finally, these structures have been correlated with the most significant geodynamic elements (fractures, faults, subduction processes, etc.) and with the associated seismic activity.</p>

scholarly journals Influence of Surface Processes over Africa on the Atlantic Marine ITCZ and South American Precipitation

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 4993-5010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson M. Hagos ◽  
Kerry H. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
South America ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
South American ◽  
Tropical Africa ◽  
Surface Wetness ◽  
The North ◽  
Symmetric Perturbation ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Weak Influence

Abstract Previous studies show that the climatological precipitation over South America, particularly the Nordeste region, is influenced by the presence of the African continent. Here the influence of African topography and surface wetness on the Atlantic marine ITCZ (AMI) and South American precipitation are investigated. Cross-equatorial flow over the Atlantic Ocean introduced by north–south asymmetry in surface conditions over Africa shifts the AMI in the direction of the flow. African topography, for example, introduces an anomalous high over the southern Atlantic Ocean and a low to the north. This results in a northward migration of the AMI and dry conditions over the Nordeste region. The implications of this process on variability are then studied by analyzing the response of the AMI to soil moisture anomalies over tropical Africa. Northerly flow induced by equatorially asymmetric perturbations in soil moisture over northern tropical Africa shifts the AMI southward, increasing the climatological precipitation over northeastern South America. Flow associated with an equatorially symmetric perturbation in soil moisture, however, has a very weak cross-equatorial component and very weak influence on the AMI and South American precipitation. The sensitivity of the AMI to soil moisture perturbations over certain regions of Africa can possibly improve the skill of prediction.

scholarly journals Sarcocystis neurona and related Sarcocystis spp. shed by opossums (Didelphis spp.) in South America

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Fernando Pita Gondim ◽  
Rodrigo Martins Soares ◽  
Gastón Moré ◽  
Rogério Fernando de Jesus ◽  
Horwald Alexander Bedoya Llano
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
South American ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Sarcocystis Neurona ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
The North ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
American Opossum

Abstract Protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis are obligatory heteroxenous cyst-forming coccidia that infect a wide variety of animals and encompass approximately 200 described species. At least four Sarcocystis spp. (S. falcatula, S. neurona, S. lindsayi and S. speeri) use opossums (Didelphis spp.) as definitive hosts, and two of them, S. neurona and S. falcatula, are known to cause disease in horses and birds, respectively. Opossums are restricted to the Americas, but their distribution in the Americas is heterogeneous. Five Didelphis spp. are distributed in South America (D. aurita, D. albiventris, D. marsupialis, D. imperfecta and D. pernigra) whereas just one opossum species (D. virginiana) is found in North America. Studies conducted in the last decades show that Sarcocystis spp., derived from South American Didelphis spp., have biological and genetic differences in relation to Sarcocystis spp. shed by the North American opossum D. virginiana. The aim of this review was to address the peculiar scenario of Sarcocystis species shed by South American opossums, with a special focus on diagnosis, epidemiology, and animal infections, as well as the genetic characteristics of these parasites.

Variation in frost tolerance and seedling morphology of the spotted gums Corymbia maculata, C. variegata, C. henryi and C. citriodora

2000 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Larmour ◽  
S. J. Whitfeld ◽  
C. E. Harwood ◽  
J. V. Owen
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Size ◽  
Frost Tolerance ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Good Discrimination ◽  
Seedling Morphology ◽  
Leaf Pubescence ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Species Analysis ◽  
Leaf Size And Shape ◽  
Stem Leaf

The frost tolerance of seedlings of spotted gums representing four closely related species; Corymbia maculata (seven provenances), C. variegata (six provenances), C. henryi (one provenance) and C. citriodora (two provenances) was examined. Each provenance of C. maculata, C. variegata and C. henryi was represented by 10 seedlings from each of eight open-pollinated families, while the two C. citriodora provenances were each represented by 40 seedlings from a provenance bulk seedlot. Excised leaf discs from seedlings hardened by exposure to the Canberra winter were subjected to test temperatures of –4.2, –6.1 and –8.0˚C. Damage to the discs was estimated by the electrical conductivity of leachate produced by soaking the disks in water after exposure to freezing temperatures. Exposure to –6.1˚C for 1 h produced leachate conductivities corresponding to 37% of discs receiving lethal injury and gave good discrimination between tolerant and susceptible material. There were significant differences in frost tolerance between species, provenances within species, and between open-pollinated families within provenances. Corymbia variegata displayed significantly greater frost tolerance than the other three species. Species rankings were consistent across the three test temperatures. Inland, high altitude provenances of C. variegata and C. maculata had greater frost tolerance than those from lowland coastal locations, while there were no consistent trends of frost tolerance with latitude in these species. Analysis of seedling morphological characters effectively separated the different species in a manner consistent with the taxonomic review by Hill and Johnson (1995). Characters which separated C. maculata and C. variegata included the leaf pair at which the changeover from juvenile to intermediate leaf morphology occurred and the degree of pubescence of the leaves and stem, leaf size and shape. Corymbia variegata and the southern provenance of C. citriodora were separated only by the citronella scent of C. citriodora, the northern C. citriodora provenance had distinctly different leaf size and shape.Corymbia henryi seedlings had greater stem and leaf pubescence than those of C. maculata as well as distinctly shaped leaves, characterised by having the greatest length from the widest point to the leaf base.

A taxonomic revision of the South American species of Pseudocanthon Bates, 1887 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Deltochilini)

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5027 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-86
Author(s):  
EVERTON E. NAZARÉ-SILVA ◽  
FERNANDO A.B. SILVA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
South America ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
South American ◽  
The South ◽  
South American Species ◽  
Three New Species

The South American species of Pseudocanthon Bates, 1887 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Deltochilini) are reviewed. In this work, 10 valid species and two subspecies are recognized for the genus. Among these species, five are recorded in South America, including three new species: P. perplexus (LeConte, 1847), P. xanthurus (Blanchard, 1847), P. vazdemelloi new species, P. pantanensis new species, and P. chaquensis new species. A lectotype is designated for P. xanthurus (Blanchard, 1847). In this revision, each species is analyzed as follows: a detailed literature review, an identification key for the South American species, a diagnosis, descriptions, illustrations of key morphological characters, list of examined material, and geographic distribution.  

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