scholarly journals A morphological and molecular study of Hydrodynastes gigas (Serpentes, Dipsadidae), a widespread species from South America

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10073
Author(s):  
Priscila S. Carvalho ◽  
Hussam Zaher ◽  
Nelson J. da Silva Jr ◽  
Diego J. Santana
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Morphometric Analyses ◽  
Coloration Pattern ◽  
Lines Of Evidence

Background Studies with integrative approaches (based on different lines of evidence) are fundamental for understanding the diversity of organisms. Different data sources can improve the understanding of the taxonomy and evolution of snakes. We used this integrative approach to verify the taxonomic status of Hydrodynastes gigas (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854), given its wide distribution throughout South America, including the validity of the recently described Hydrodynastes melanogigas Franco, Fernandes & Bentim, 2007. Methods We performed a phylogenetic analysis of Bayesian Inference with mtDNA 16S and Cytb, and nuDNA Cmos and NT3 concatenated (1,902 bp). In addition, we performed traditional morphometric analyses, meristic, hemipenis morphology and coloration pattern of H. gigas and H. melanogigas. Results According to molecular and morphological characters, H. gigas is widely distributed throughout South America. We found no evidence to support that H. gigas and H. melanogigas species are distinct lineages, therefore, H. melanogigas is a junior synonym of H. gigas. Thus, the melanic pattern of H. melanogigas is the result of a polymorphism of H. gigas. Melanic populations of H. gigas can be found in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin.

Taxonomy, natural history, and conservation of the Great-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851) (Thraupidae, Sporophilinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4442 (4) ◽  
pp. 551 ◽  
Author(s):  
FLÁVIO KULAIF UBAID ◽  
LUÍS FABIO SILVEIRA ◽  
CESAR A. B. MEDOLAGO ◽  
THIAGO V. V. COSTA ◽  
MERCIVAL ROBERTO FRANCISCO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
South America ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
History Of

Seed-finches are small-sized Neotropical granivorous birds characterized by extremely strong and thick beaks. Among these birds, the Great-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila maximiliani has been selectively and intensively trapped to the extent that has become one of the most endangered bird species in South America, yet its taxonomy remains complex and controversial. Two subspecies have been recognized: S. m. maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851), mainly from the Cerrado of central South America, and S. m. parkesi Olson (= Oryzoborus m. magnirostris), from northeastern South America. Originally, S. m. parkesi was diagnosed as being larger than the Large-billed Seed-Finch, S. c. crassirostris (Gmelin, 1789), but proper comparisons with S. m. maximiliani, which is larger than S. c. crassirostris, were never performed. Here we provide a review of the taxonomic and nomenclatural history of S. maximiliani, reevaluate the validity and taxonomic status of the subspecies based on morphological characters, and significantly revise its geographic distribution. Analyses based on plumage patterns and a Principal Component Analysis of morphometric characters indicated that S. m. parkesi is most appropriately treated as a synonym of the nominate taxon, which results in a monotypic S. maximiliani comprising two disjunct populations. Further, we conducted systematic searches for S. maximiliani in Brazil, in an attempt to obtain natural history information. After more than 6,000 hours of fieldwork in 45 areas of potential and historical occurrence, S. maximiliani was located only in two sites, in marshy environments called veredas, confirming the critical conservation status of this species, at least in Brazil. We discuss the conservation potential for, and the problems involved with, captive breeding of S. maximiliani for reintroduction into the wild. 

scholarly journals Low courtship song variation in South and Southeastern Brazilian populations of Drosophila meridionalis (Diptera, Drosophilidae)

2000 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. T. A. COSTA ◽  
G. C. S. KUHN ◽  
F. M. SENE
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Courtship Song ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Metaphase Chromosomes ◽  
Song Variation ◽  
Chromosomal Variability ◽  
Karyotypic Variation ◽  
Brazilian Populations

Drosophila meridionalis is a cactus-breeding species with a wide distribution in South America. Most populations of this species are geographically isolated, what provides a promising scenario for studying evolution. Former studies of this species revealed a remarkable karyotypic variation among its populations. Up to six distinct metaphase chromosomes were described, showing that this species is polymorphic at least at the chromosomal level. In order to elucidate the taxonomic status of populations showing different metaphase chromosomes, we analyzed the courtship song of five populations of D. meridionalis in South and Southeastern Brazil. In addition, we analyzed the metaphase chromossomes of each population. Our results show that, despite the two karyotype observed, most courtship song parameters did not vary among the populations. Altogether, our results suggest that D. meridionalis from South and Southeastern Brazil represents one species with an inter-population chromosomal variability.

scholarly journals Taxonomy confirmation of Puntius cf. binotatus from Gunung Tujuh Lake, Jambi, Indonesia based on Cytochrome Oxidase-I (COI) gene

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-60
Author(s):  
DEWI IMELDA ROESMA ◽  
DJONG HON TJONG ◽  
WILA KARLINA ◽  
DYTA RABBANI AIDIL
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome Oxidase ◽  
Black Spot ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Cytochrome Oxidase I ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Phenotypic Characters ◽  
Subspecies Level ◽  
West Sumatra

Roesma D. I, Tjong D. H, Karlina W, Aidil D. R. 2019. Taxonomy confirmation of Puntius cf. binotatus from Gunung Tujuh Lake based on Cytochrome Oxidase-I (COI) gene. Biodiversitas 20: 54-60. The population of Puntius cf. binotatus Gunung Tujuh Lake in considered as an isolated population which found in the 20-30 meters depth under the water Gunung Tujuh Lake, Sumatra Island. The species often exhibit different phenotypic characters and may genetic characters may also different due to their response to habitat/ecological conditions. Previous study on P. binotatus from several locations in West Sumatra showed the complexity of the genetic and morphological characters. A molecular study using COI gene of P. cf. binotatus from Gunung Tujuh Lake in Sumatera has been conducted to determine the taxonomic status of the fish. The distinct morphological characters of Puntius cf. binotatus is one black spot in the middle of the caudal and the absent of black spot on the base of the anterior dorsal ray. The analysis on COI gene showed that the range of sequence divergences between P. cf. binotatus Gunung Tujuh Lake and other Sumatra P. cf. binotatus is 3.1-7.6% and 4.1% to Barbodes banksi. This value represents the differences at the subspecies level of Barbodes banksi. Therefore Barbodes banksi gunungtujuh is proposed as an appropriate name to P. cf. binotatus Gunung Tujuh Lake.

scholarly journals A multigene and morphological analysis expands the diversity of the seabod shrimp Xiphopenaeus Smith, 1869 (Decapoda: Penaeidae), with descriptions of two new species

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abner Carvalho-Batista ◽  
Mariana Terossi ◽  
Fernando J. Zara ◽  
Fernando L. Mantelatto ◽  
Rogerio C. Costa
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
The Status ◽  
History Of

Abstract After being stable for nearly a century, the taxonomic history of the genus Xiphopenaeus has been marked by many changes in the last three decades. The taxonomic status of the Atlantic species has a low resolution, and many species are still undefined and grouped as cryptic species. Here we employed an integrative approach to define the species of Xiphopenaeus and the morphological characters needed to differentiate them. We combined the analyses of two molecular markers (COI and 16 S rDNA), scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Based on specimens from 17 localities from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, we detected five divergent genetic groups, three in the Atlantic (A1, A2, A3) and two in the Pacific (P1, P2). Male secondary sexual characters were able to differentiate four out of the five genetic groups. Group A1 corresponds to X. kroyeri, and A2 and A3 correspond to new species. We redescribed the genus and two new species are described and illustrated: Xiphopenaeus dincao nov. sp. (A2) and Xiphopenaeus baueri nov. sp. (A3). Since the holotype of X. riveti was missing and the specimen analysed from group P2 was a female, the status of the species of Xiphopenaeus from the Pacific remains unresolved.

scholarly journals Is the matamata only one species? Morphological variation and color polymorphism in the South American turtle Chelus fimbriatus (Schneider, 1783) (Pleurodira: Chelidae)

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaella C Garbin ◽  
Ulisses Caramaschi
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Coloration Patterns ◽  
High Level ◽  
Osteological Characters

Background. Studies on the geographic variation of the matamata, Chelus fimbriatus, have previously demonstrated differences between carapace shape, plastral pigmentation and the ventral coloration of the neck between populations from the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, but did not discuss whether these populations should be considered different species. The aim of this study is to evaluate the taxonomic status of C. fimbriatus and to describe its intraspecific and ontogenetic variability and sexual dimorphism based on morphology and osteology. Methods. We analyzed 277 morphological characters and 138 osteological characters of the skull and shell of 82 matamatas from the four known populations (Amazon, Orinoco, Guyana and Tocantins) and performed the Population Aggregation Analysis (PAA) species delimitation test in searching for character states that are exclusive to and fixed between populations. The t Student test was also performed in order to observe sexual dimorphism. Results. Considerable overlap in character states between different populations prevents the recognition of these populations as independent species. Chelus fimbriatus has a high level of polymorphism, particularly among morphological and color pattern characters. Unlike what have been stated on previous studies, we recognise four different carapace shapes, of which the anteriorly larger oval shape is the most common one. Two coloration patterns can be found both for the plastron and the carapace that are strongly correlated with one another, but no such correlation was observed with geographic distribution. We furthermore recognise three states of neck coloration pattern. Ontogenetic variability was observed in the coloration of the carapace, plastron, and the underside of the neck, in that juveniles have a stronger pigmentation than adults. Sexual dimorphism was established for six morphometric variables of the shell and 20 variables of the skull. As expected, females are significant larger than males for all these variables, such as carapace, plastron and skull length. New osteological characters, such as the presence of a serrated medial process in the palatine and a pair of anterolateral tubercles in the basioccipital were observed. Discussion. This is the first study to confirm the presence of sexual dimorphism in C. fimbriatus using morphological and morphometric variables and to document infraspecific variation in detail. The possible presence of two subspecies has been discussed since the 19th century based on alleged geographic variation in coloration patterns. However, this hypothesis could not be confirmed in the context of this study and the matamata should therefore still be considered a single species with a wide distribution range.

Diversity of the Pterasteridae (Asteroidea) in the Southern Ocean: a molecular and morphological approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Jossart ◽  
Marc Kochzius ◽  
Bruno Danis ◽  
Thomas Saucède ◽  
Camille V E Moreau
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Integrative Study ◽  
Suitable Case

Abstract An integrative approach is crucial in discrimination of species, especially for taxa that are difficult to identify based on morphological characters. In this study, we combine genetics and morphology to assess the diversity of Pterasteridae, a sea star family diversified in deep-sea and polar environments. Because of their derived anatomy and the frequent loss of characters during preservation, Pterasteridae are a suitable case for an integrative study. The molecular identification of 191 specimens (mostly from the Southern Ocean) suggests 26–33 species in three genera (Diplopteraster, Hymenaster and Pteraster), which match the morphological identification in 54–62% of cases. The mismatches are either different molecular units that are morphologically indistinguishable (e.g. Pteraster stellifer units 2 and 4) or, conversely, nominal species that are genetically identical (e.g. Hymenaster coccinatus/densus/praecoquis). Several species are shared between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (e.g. Pteraster jordani/affinis). In conclusion, the taxonomic status of some groups is confirmed, but for others we find the need to re-evaluate the taxonomy at both genus and species levels. This work significantly increases the DNA barcode library of the Southern Ocean species and merges taxonomic information into an identification key that could become a baseline for future studies (pterasteridae-so.identificationkey.org).

Resolving the taxonomic status of biocontrol agents belonging to the Aphidius eadyi species group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae): an integrative approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Petrović ◽  
M. Mitrović ◽  
M.E. Ghaliow ◽  
A. Ivanović ◽  
N.G. Kavallieratos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acyrthosiphon Pisum ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Biocontrol Agents ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Aphid Parasitoid ◽  
Mtdna Coi ◽  
The Uk

AbstractSpecies that belong to the Aphidius eadyi group have been used as biocontrol agents against Acyrthosiphon pisum worldwide. However, despite their extensive use, there are still gaps in our knowledge about their taxonomy and distribution. In this study, we employed an integrative taxonomic approach by combining genetic analyses (mtDNA COI barcoding) with standard morphological analyses and geometric morphometrics of forewing shape. We identified three species within the A. eadyi species group, viz., A. smithi, A. eadyi and A. banksae. Genetic separation of all three species was confirmed, with mean genetic distances between species ranging from 5 to 7.4%. The following morphological characters were determined as the most important for separating species of the A. eadyi group: number and shape of costulae on the anterolateral part of the petiole, shape of the central areola on the propodeum, and shape and venation of the forewings. The differences in wing shape of all three species were statistically significant, but with some overlapping. We identified A. banksae as a widely distributed pea aphid parasitoid, whose known range covers most of the western Palaearctic (from the UK to Israel). Aphidius banksae is diagnosed and redescribed.

Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of Teratopactus Heller (Coleoptera:Curculionidae)

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 585 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Guadalupe del Río ◽  
Analía A. Lanteri ◽  
Jerson V. C. Guedes
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Cladistic Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Widespread Species

Teratopactus Heller (Entiminae : Naupactini) is a broad-nosed weevil genus widespread in South America. This first taxonomic revision of the genus includes seven species: T. capucinus (Perty) (type species; syn. T. senex (Boheman)); T. elegans (Lucas), comb.nov.; T. gibbicollis (Boheman); T. nodicollis (Boheman) (syn. T. angulicollis (Lucas), T. paulanus (Fonseca & Autuori), T. serripes (Boheman), and T. perpastus (Boheman), syn. nov.); T. retusus (Boheman); T. tuberculatus (Arrow); and T. vittatus (Mannerheim), comb.nov. All species except T. tuberculatus have a strong ovipositor lacking styli, T. elegans, T. nodicollis and T. vittatus show well developed humeri bearing a strong tooth and T. retusus, T. capucinus and T. gibbicollis are characterised by a strongly gibbous pronotum and reduced humeri. Teratopactus nodicollis is the most variable and widespread species (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay), T. tuberculatus and T. elegans range through Brazil and Paraguay and the remaining species are endemic to Brazil. The first cladistic analysis of the genus Teratopactus plus two outgroups, using 36 morphological characters, established synapomorphies and revealed relationships between the species in a single cladogram with the following topology: (T. tuberculatus ((T. elegans (T. nodicollis– T. vittatus)) (T. retusus (T. capucinus–T. gibbicollis)))).

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