scholarly journals Hidden diversity within a polytypic species: The enigmatic Sceloporus torquatus Wiegmann, 1828 (Reptilia, Squamata, Phrynosomatidae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 781-798
Author(s):  
Gustavo Campillo-García ◽  
Oscar Flores-Villela ◽  
Brett Oliver Butler ◽  
Julián Andrés Velasco Vinasco ◽  
Fabiola Ramírez Corona
Keyword(s):  
Divergence Time ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Environmental Niche ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Divergence Time Estimates ◽  
Molecular Phylogenies ◽  
Spatio Temporal

The spiny lizard genus Sceloporus was described by Wiegmann in 1828, with S. torquatus posteriorly designated as the type species. The taxonomic history of S. torquatus is complicated, as it has been confused with other taxa by numerous authors. Many modern systematics works have been published on Sceloporus, but none have included all five recognized S. torquatus subspecies: S. t. torquatus, S. t. melanogaster, S. t. binocularis, S. t. mikeprestoni, and S. t. madrensis. Additionally, there is previous evidence for at least one unnamed taxon. The present study is the first taxonomic revision of the enigmatic S. torquatus based on molecular phylogenies using combined molecular data from 12S, ND4 and RAG1 genes, and Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic methods. This work includes the most extensive sampling across the entire distribution, as well as divergence time estimates and environmental niche modelling, which combined offer a spatio-temporal framework for understanding the evolution of the species. Additionally, a series of morphological characters are analyzed to identify significant differences between lineages consistently recovered in the molecular phylogenies. Using this integrative approach, evidence is presented for eight lineages within the S. torquatus complex, five of which correspond to previously recognized subspecies and three represent unnamed taxa masked by morphological conservatism. Finally, to maintain taxonomic stability a lectotype and paralectoype are designated for S. torquatus, and certain taxonomic changes are suggested in order to reflect the phylogenetic relationships within the S. torquatus complex.

scholarly journals Disentangling relationships among eastern Mediterranean Cymbalaria including description of a novel species from the southern Peloponnese (Greece)

2021 ◽  
Vol 307 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau Carnicero ◽  
Núria Garcia-Jacas ◽  
Llorenç Sáez ◽  
Theophanis Constantinidis ◽  
Mercè Galbany-Casals
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Aegean Islands ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

AbstractThe eastern Mediterranean basin hosts a remarkably high plant diversity. Historical connections between currently isolated areas across the Aegean region and long-distance dispersal events have been invoked to explain current distribution patterns of species. According to most recent treatments, at least two Cymbalaria species occur in this area, Cymbalaria microcalyx and C. longipes. The former comprises several intraspecific taxa, treated at different ranks by different authors based on morphological data, evidencing the need of a taxonomic revision. Additionally, some populations of C. microcalyx show exclusive morphological characters that do not match any described taxon. Here, we aim to shed light on the systematics of eastern Mediterranean Cymbalaria and to propose a classification informed by various sources of evidence. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS, 3’ETS, ndhF and rpl32-trnL sequences and estimated the ploidy level of some taxa performing relative genome size measures. Molecular data combined with morphology support the division of traditionally delimited C. microcalyx into C. acutiloba, C. microcalyx and C. minor, corresponding to well-delimited nrDNA lineages. Furthermore, we propose to combine C. microcalyx subsp. paradoxa at the species level. A group of specimens previously thought to belong to Cymbalaria microcalyx constitute a well-defined phylogenetic and morphological entity and are described here as a new species, Cymbalaria spetae. Cymbalaria longipes is non-monophyletic, but characterized by being glabrous and diploid, unlike other eastern species. The nrDNA data suggest at least two dispersals from the mainland to the Aegean Islands, potentially facilitated by marine regressions.

scholarly journals Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of Zepedanulus ishikawai (Arachnida: Opiliones: Laniatores: Epedanidae) in the southern part of the Ryukyu Archipelago

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Yoshimasa Kumekawa ◽  
Haruka Fujimoto ◽  
Osamu Miura ◽  
Ryo Arakawa ◽  
Jun Yokoyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Tree ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Divergence Time ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Ryukyu Archipelago ◽  
Divergence Time Estimates ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
History Of ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) are soil animals with extremely low dispersal abilities that experienced allopatric differentiation. To clarify the morphological and phylogenetic differentiation of the endemic harvestman Zepedanulus ishikawai (Suzuki, 1971) (Laniatores: Epedanidae) in the southern part of the Ryukyu Archipelago, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses and divergence time estimates based on CO1 and 16S rRNA sequences of mtDNA, the 28S rRNA sequence of nrDNA, and the external morphology. A phylogenetic tree based on mtDNA sequences indicated that individuals of Z. ishikawai were monophyletic and were divided into clade I and clade II. This was supported by the nrDNA phylogenetic tree. Although clades I and II were distributed sympatrically on all three islands examined (Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni), heterogeneity could not be detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism of nrDNA, indicating that clades I and II do not have a history of hybridisation. Also, several morphological characters differed significantly between individuals of clade I and clade II. The longstanding isolation of the southern Ryukyus from the surrounding islands enabled estimation of the original morphological characters of both clades of Z. ishikawai.

A new riparian Mantidactylus (Brygoomantis) frog from the Tsaratanana and Manongarivo Massifs in northern Madagascar

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4486 (4) ◽  
pp. 575 ◽  
Author(s):  
MIGUEL VENCES ◽  
ANDREA HILDENBRAND ◽  
KATHARINA M. WARMUTH ◽  
FRANCO ANDREONE ◽  
FRANK GLAW
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
The Status ◽  
Morphological Differences

The subgenus Brygoomantis in the Madagascar-endemic genus Mantidactylus contains 12 nominal species but is in urgent need of taxonomic revision as many additional, genetically divergent but undescribed candidate species have been identified. We here take a first step towards a better resolution of this group by describing a new species, Mantidactylus schulzi sp. nov., occurring at the Tsaratanana and Manongarivo Massifs, differentiated in genetic, bioacoustic and sometimes morphological characters from its closest relatives. We show that upon detailed study, most species in Brygoomantis can be delimited by concordant differentiation of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, and by bioacoustic and morphological differences. We flag this group of morphologically similar frogs as a test case where molecular data on historical type specimens by ancient DNA methods might be needed to reach a satisfying clarification of taxonomy and nomenclature. However, the status of the new species M. schulzi is not in doubt as it is morphologically distinct from most historical type specimens, and microendemic to a region in northern Madagascar from where no earlier names exist. 

New species of Crella (Pytheas) Topsent, 1890 and Crellomima Rezvoi, 1925 (Crellidae, Poecilosclerida, Demospongiae) from Chilean shallow and Argentinean deep waters, with a synthesis on the known phylogenetic relationships of crellid sponges

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5052 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-379
Author(s):  
JULIO C.C. FERNANDEZ ◽  
MARIANELA GASTALDI ◽  
GERMÁN ZAPATA-HERNÁNDEZ ◽  
LUIS M. PARDO ◽  
FABIANO L. THOMPSON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Deep Waters ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Molecular Phylogenies ◽  
Taxonomic Studies ◽  
Phylogenetic Affinities

Here, we describe four new species of Crellidae Dendy, 1922 and discuss characters and relationships from published molecular phylogenies including crellid sponges. New species proposed are Crella (Pytheas) chiloensis Fernandez, Gastaldi, Pardo & Hajdu, sp. nov., from southern Chile (15 m depth), C. (P.) desventuradae Fernandez, Gastaldi, Zapata-Hernández & Hajdu, sp. nov., from Desventuradas Archipelago (10–20 m depth), Crella (P.) santacruzae Fernandez, Gastaldi, Thompson & Hajdu, sp. nov., from deep waters off Argentina (750 m depth) and Crellomima sigmatifera Fernandez, Gastaldi & Hajdu, sp. nov., from the Chilean fjords region (ca. 20 m depth). These new species are set apart from each other and from known species mainly due to aspects of their spiculation. Chelae microscleres and acanthostyles supply characters that might be used to infer phylogenetic relationships and to verify the monophyly of Crella Gray, 1867 and Crellidae, which has seemingly been contradicted by preliminary molecular data available in the systematics’ literature. Our own interpretation of phylogenetic affinities, in the light of morphological characters from previous taxonomic studies, argues for a classification reassessment of materials (vouchers) included in these molecular phylogenies, especially in the case of Crella incrustans (Carter, 1885). We argue that currently available molecular phylogenetic outcomes for crellid sponges are not supportive of the polyphyly of Crella and Crellidae.  

scholarly journals Chromosomal dynamics in space and time: evolutionary history of Mycetophylax ants across past climatic changes in the Brazilian Atlantic coast

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Micolino ◽  
Maykon Passos Cristiano ◽  
Natália Martins Travenzoli ◽  
Denilce Meneses Lopes ◽  
Danon Clemes Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Divergence Time ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Most Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
History Of

AbstractFungus-farming ants of the genus Mycetophylax exhibit intra and interspecific chromosome variability, which makes them suitable for testing hypotheses about possible chromosomal rearrangements that endure lineage diversification. We combined cytogenetic and molecular data from Mycetophylax populations from coastal environments to trace the evolutionary history of the clade in light of chromosomal changes under a historical and geographic context. Our cytogenetic analyses revealed chromosomal differences within and among species. M. morschi exhibited three distinct karyotypes and considerable variability in the localization of 45S rDNA clusters. The molecular phylogeny was congruent with our cytogenetic findings. Biogeographical and divergence time dating analyses estimated that the most recent common ancestor of Mycetophylax would have originated at about 30 Ma in an area including the Amazon and Southern Grasslands, and several dispersion and vicariance events may have occurred before the colonization of the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Diversification of the psammophilous Mycetophylax first took place in the Middle Miocene (ca. 18–10 Ma) in the South Atlantic coast, while “M. morschi” lineages diversified during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition (ca. 3–2 Ma) through founder-event dispersal for the Northern coastal regions. Psammophilous Mycetophylax diversification fits into the major global climatic events that have had a direct impact on the changes in sea level as well as deep ecological impact throughout South America. We assume therefore that putative chromosomal rearrangements correlated with increased ecological stress during the past climatic transitions could have intensified and/or accompanied the divergence of the psammophilous Mycetophylax. We further reiterate that “M. morschi” comprises a complex of at least three well-defined lineages, and we emphasize the role of this integrative approach for the identification and delimitation of evolutionary lineages.

scholarly journals Undersampling Taxa Will Underestimate Molecular Divergence Dates: An Example from the South American Lizard Clade Liolaemini

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Schulte
Keyword(s):  
Divergence Time ◽  
Penalized Likelihood ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Molecular Dating ◽  
Taxon Sampling ◽  
South American ◽  
The South ◽  
Divergence Time Estimates ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Age Estimates

Methods for estimating divergence times from molecular data have improved dramatically over the past decade, yet there are few studies examining alternative taxon sampling effects on node age estimates. Here, I investigate the effect of undersampling species diversity on node ages of the South American lizard clade Liolaemini using several alternative subsampling strategies for both time calibrations and taxa numbers. Penalized likelihood (PL) and Bayesian molecular dating analyses were conducted on a densely sampled (202 taxa) mtDNA-based phylogenetic hypothesis of Iguanidae, including 92 Liolaemini species. Using all calibrations and penalized likelihood, clades with very low taxon sampling had node age estimates younger than clades with more complete taxon sampling. The effect of Bayesian and PL methods differed when either one or two calibrations only were used with dense taxon sampling. Bayesian node ages were always older when fewer calibrations were used, whereas PL node ages were always younger. This work reinforces two important points: (1) whenever possible, authors should strongly consider adding as many taxa as possible, including numerous outgroups, prior to node age estimation to avoid considerable node age underestimation and (2) using more, critically assessed, and accurate fossil calibrations should yield improved divergence time estimates.

scholarly journals RAD sequencing data reveal a radiation of willow species (Salix L., Salicaceae) in the Hengduan Mountains and adjacent areas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li He ◽  
Natascha Dorothea Wagner ◽  
Elvira Hörandl
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Divergence Time ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Glacial Refugia ◽  
Hengduan Mountains ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Altitudinal Distribution ◽  
Mountain System ◽  
Spatio Temporal

AbstractThe Hengduan Mountains (HDM) in South West China are an important hotspot of plant diversity and endemism and considered to be a secondary diversification center for the woody plant genus Salix (Salicaceae). This study aimed to reconstruct the spatio-temporal evolution of the Salix Chamaetia-Vetrix clade in the HDM and to test for the occurrence of a radiation. We inferred phylogenetic relationships based on more than 34,000 RAD loci of 27 species. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a well-resolved tree topology with two major clades, the Eurasian and the HDM clade and a divergence time of c. 23.9 Ma. The HDM clade comprises two subclades. The species of the HDM clade originated in north HDM and adjacent areas and then dispersed into the south HDM, westwards to the Himalayas and eastwards to the Qinling Mountains. Niche modelling analyses revealed that during the last glacial maximum, range contractions were observed in the northern areas, while southward expansions resulted in range overlaps. The reconstruction of putative adaptive character evolution of plant height, inflorescence and flower morphology indicate that adaptations to altitudinal distribution contributed to the diversification of the HDM willows. Our data indicate that a radiation occurred in HDM within the Salix Chamaetia-Vetrix clade. Dispersal within the mountain system and to adjacent regions as well as survival in glacial refugia have shaped the biogeographical history of the clade. Differentiation along altitudinal zonation concomitant to morphological adaptations to colder climates may be important ecological factors for the high species diversity of Salix in this area.

scholarly journals Cave shrimps Troglocaris s. str. (Dormitzer, 1853), taxonomic revision and description of new taxa after phylogenetic and morphometric studies

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3421 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
JURE JUGOVIC ◽  
BRANKO JALŽIĆ ◽  
SIMONA PREVORČNIK ◽  
BORIS SKET
Keyword(s):  
Type Species ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Morphometric Analyses ◽  
Morphological Distinction

Within the Dinaric genus Troglocaris cave shrimps from the subgenus Troglocaris s. str. (Dormitzer, 1853) (Crustacea:Decapoda: Atyidae), have the widest distribution area. The recent molecular analyses have revealed significant, crypticdiversity in the subgenus. The aim of the subsequent detailed morphometric analyses was the provision of the appropriatediagnosable characters for the discovered lineages, i.e. taking care of their taxonomical visibility. We herein designate aneotype and provide a detailed description for the polytipic type species of the genus T. (T.) anophthalmus (Kollar, 1848), toenable its morphological distinction from the erroneously described T. (T.) planinensis Birštejn, 1948. Considering acombination of morphological, geographical and molecular data, we describe four new subspecies: T. (T.) a. ocellata ssp. nov.,T. (T.) a. periadriatica ssp. nov., T. (T.) a. legovici ssp. nov. and T. (T.) a. sontica ssp. nov., apart from the extant T. (T.) a.intermedia Babić, 1922. Due to a considerable morphological variability and no easily observable diagnostic morphological characters, the GenBank accession numbers for the COI gene are added in all mentioned taxa.

Delimitation of the segmented trapdoor spider genus Luthela gen. nov., with comments on the genus Sinothela from northern China (Araneae, Mesothelae, Liphistiidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 5091 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-154
Author(s):  
XIN XU ◽  
LI YU ◽  
FENGXIANG LIU ◽  
DAIQIN LI
Keyword(s):  
Type Species ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The North ◽  
The Status ◽  
Nomina Dubia

A new genus of the primitively segmented trapdoor spiders, which is endemic to the north of China, is described, Luthela gen. nov., and the status of Sinothela Haupt, 2003 and Sinothela sinensis (Bishop & Crosby, 1932) is discussed and both are treated as nomina dubia. The new genus Luthela gen. nov. is erected based on morphology and molecular data of the type species Luthela yiyuan sp. nov. A taxonomic revision of the new genus is given. Three Sinothela species are transferred to the new genus, L. luotianensis comb. nov. and L. schensiensis comb. nov. are redescribed using our newly collected specimens, include L. heyangensis comb. nov. as a junior synonym of L. schensiensis comb. nov., and describe six new species based on both male and female morphological characters: L. badong sp. nov., L. dengfeng sp. nov., L. handan sp. nov., L. taian sp. nov., L. yiyuan sp. nov., and L. yuncheng sp. nov.  

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