Analysis Of Intraspecific Variation Research Articles

Intraspecific variation and functional study of VERL polymorphism in Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) and giant abalone (H. gigantea Gmelin).

Sperm and eggs have interacting proteins on their surfaces that affect their compatibility during fertilization. These gamete recognition proteins (GRPs) are typically polymorphic within species, resulting in variations in gamete affinity. This study presents the full-length sequence of VERL, an egg vitelline envelope receptor for sperm lysin, in Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) and giant abalone (Haliotis gigantea Gmelin). The full-length VERL cDNA sequence in Pacific abalone (11,373 bp) encodes 3790 amino acids, most of which are organized into 21 tandem repeats. In giant abalone, the VERL spans 9405 bp and encodes 3134 amino acids, including 17 tandem repeats. By resolving the nucleotide polymorphisms from resequencing data into haplotypes, high allelic diversity was found in VERL domain repeats 1-2 in both species. Further analysis of intraspecific variation in this region revealed that the alleles of VERL repeats 1-2 in Pacific abalone clustered into two clades, yet no significant divergence was observed among the three Pacific abalone geographic populations. In contrast, alleles in giant abalone were subdivided into two distinct branches, separated by a maximum of 12 amino acid substitutions. Notably, this study provides the first evidence of assortative mating between male and female gametes based on VERL genotypes in giant abalone. Overall, this study revealed the amino acid polymorphism of VERL in two abalone species and its functional effects on fertilization potential. These findings provide a foundation for future research on gamete recognition mechanisms and support selective breeding strategies to enhance abalone reproductive efficiency.

Sensoproteomic Characterization of Lactobacillus Johnsonii-Fermented Pea Protein-Based Beverage: A Promising Strategy for Enhancing Umami and Kokumi Sensations while Mitigating Bitterness.

This study investigated the mechanism underlying the flavor improvement observed during fermentation of a pea protein-based beverage using Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533. A combination of sensomics and sensoproteomics approach revealed that the fermentation process enriched or generated well-known basic taste ingredients, such as amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids, and dipeptides, besides six new taste-active peptide sequences that enhance kokumi and umami notes. The six new umami and kokumi enhancing peptides, with human recognition thresholds ranging from 0.046 to 0.555 mM, are produced through the degradation of Pisum sativum's storage protein. Our findings suggest that compounds derived from fermentation enhance umami and kokumi sensations and reduce bitterness, thus improving the overall flavor perception of pea proteins. In addition, the analysis of intraspecific variations in the proteolytic activity of L. johnsonii and the genome-peptidome correlation analysis performed in this study point at cell-wall-bound proteinases such as PrtP and PrtM as the key genes necessary to initiate the flavor improving proteolytic cascade. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the flavor improvement of pea protein during fermentation and identifies potential future research directions. The results highlight the importance of combining fermentation and senso(proteo)mics techniques in developing tastier and more palatable plant-based protein products.

Analysis of intra-specific variations in the venom of individual snakes based on Raman spectroscopy

The knowledge of variations in the composition of venoms from different snakes is important from both theoretical and practical points of view, in particular, at developing and selecting an antivenom. Many studies on this topic are conducted with pooled venoms, while the existence and significance of variations in the composition of venoms between individual snakes of the same species are emphasized by many authors. It is important to study both inter- and intra-specific, including intra-population, venom variations, because intra-specific variations in the venom composition may affect the effectiveness of antivenoms as strongly as inter-specific. In this work, based on venom Raman spectroscopy with principal component analysis, we assessed the variations in venoms of individual snakes of the Vipera nikolskii species from two populations and compared these intra-specific variations with inter-specific variations (with regard to the other related species). We demonstrated intra-specific (inter- and intra-population) differences in venom compositions which are smaller than inter-specific variations. We also assessed the compositions of V. nikolskii venoms from two populations to explain inter-population differences. The method used is rapid and requires virtually no preparation of samples, used in extremely small quantities, allowing the venoms of individual snakes to be analyzed. In addition, the method is informative and capable of detecting fairly subtle differences in the composition of venoms.

Genotyping by sequencing and a newly developed mRNA-GBS approach to link population genetic and transcriptome analyses reveal pattern differences between sites and treatments in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

The important worldwide forage crop red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is widely cultivated as cattle feed and for soil improvement. Wild populations and landraces have great natural diversity that could be used to improve cultivated red clover. However, to date, there is still insufficient knowledge about the natural genetic and phenotypic diversity of the species. Here, we developed a low-cost complexity reduced mRNA analysis (mRNA-GBS) and compared the results with population genetic (GBS) and previously published mRNA-Seq data, to assess whether analysis of intraspecific variation within and between populations and transcriptome responses is possible simultaneously. The mRNA-GBS approach was successful. SNP analyses from the mRNA-GBS approach revealed comparable patterns to the GBS results, but due to site-specific multifactorial influences of environmental responses as well as conceptual and methodological limitations of mRNA-GBS, it was not possible to link transcriptome analyses with reduced complexity and sequencing depth to previously published greenhouse and field expression studies. Nevertheless, the use of short sequences upstream of the poly(A) tail of mRNA to reduce complexity are promising approaches that combine population genetics and expression profiling to analyze many individuals with trait differences simultaneously and cost-effectively, even in non-model species. Nevertheless, our study design across different regions in Germany was also challenging. The use of reduced complexity differential expression analyses most likely overlays site-specific patterns due to highly complex plant responses under natural conditions.

First record of Mordellistena semiferruginea (Coleoptera: Mordellidae) in Italy and analysis of intraspecific variation in the COI gene

Mordellistena semiferruginea Reitter, 1911, despite its wide distributional range that spans Europe and Central Asia, is a rarely encountered member of the family Mordellidae. In this paper, we present the first record of this species in Italy based on 15 individuals captured in Malaise traps. We have compared these individuals with type specimens and provided a differential diagnosis of the species together with high-resolution photographs of the habitus and male genitalia. Additionally, we generated 14 sequences of the standard DNA barcoding fragment of the mitochondrial gene coding for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). The analyses of COI sequences showed a relatively high intraspecific divergence reaching 3.65% (p-distance), which is the highest within-species genetic variation documented so far in Mordellidae. Of the total number of 30 nucleotide polymorphisms, only one led to a divergence in the amino acid sequences. The predicted 3D structure of the encoded proteins showed that the variation occurred in Loop 1–2, far from the active site of the protein.

A Molecular Phylogeny of Panax L. Genus (Araliaceae) Based on ITS-rDNA and matK Support for Identification of Panax Species in Vietnam

Panax L. is a small genus in the Araliaceae family. In Vietnam, this genus is distributed in the high mountains in the North and in some high mountains in the Central Highlands. In traditional medicine, roots and rhizomes of all Panax species are of high utility. Recently, the finding of new distributions of some Panax species in Vietnam has caused much controversy and confusion. This study investigates 27 fresh specimens of 6 taxa of Panax genus that have been collected from 6 provinces of Vietnam. Based on the combined ITS-rDNA and matK dataset, a well-resolved phylogeny of Panax species/varieties distributed in Vietnam was constructed. Thereby, the study suggests identifying Tam that la xe as Panax stipuleanatus H.T.Tsai et K.M.Feng and Sam puxailaileng as Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus K.Komatsu, S.Zhu & S.Q.Cai, which contributes a new distribution point of this variety in Vietnam. The study also shows that ITS-rDNA and matK genes are highly potential in identifying and distinguishing the taxa of Panax genus.
 Keywords
 Panax, ginseng, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, ITS-rDNA, matK.
 References
 [1] Xiang, Q.B. & Lowry, P.P. Araliaceae, In: Wu, C.Y., Rawen, P.H. & Hong (2007).[2] Nguyen Tap, The species of Panax L. in Vietnam, Journal of Medicinal Material, 10 (3) (2005) 71-76 (in Vietnamese).[3] Phan Ke Long, Le Thanh Son, Phan Ke Loc, Vu Dinh Duy and Pham Van The, Lai Chau ginseng Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus K. Komatsu, S. Zhu & S.Q. Cai.I. morphology, ecology, distribution and conservation status, Proceedings of the 2nd VAST – KAST workshop on biodiversity and bio-active compounds, Hanoi- Vietnam, October 28th – 29th (2013), pp. 65-73, Publishing house for science and technology. [4] Nong Van Duy, Le Ngoc Trieu, Nguyen Duy Chinh & Van Tien Tran, A new variety of Panax (Araliace) from Lam Vien Plateau, Vietnam and its molecular evidence, J. Phytotaxa 277(1) (2016) 047-058. http://dx.doi.org/10. 11646/ phytotaxa.277.1.4[5] Tran Ngoc Lan et al., Results of study on Sam Puxailaileng in high moutain, Nghe An province, Nghe An journal of Science and Technology 12 (2016) 7-11 (in Vietnamese). [6] Do Huy Bich et al., Medicinal plant and animal in Vietnam, ep. II (2004), Science & Technic Pub. pp. 1255 (in Vietnamese).[7] X. Chen, B. Liao, J. Song, X. Pang, J. Han, S. Chen, A fast SNP identification and analysis of intraspecific variation in the medicinal Panax species based on DNA barcoding, Gene 530(1) (2013) 39-43. http://doi.org/10.1186/j.gene.2013.07.097[8] Jun Wen and Elizabeth A. Zimmer, Phylogeny and Biogeography of Panax L. (the Ginseng Genus, Araliaceae): Inferences from ITS Sequences of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 6(2) (1996) 167-177.[9] C. Lee, J. Wen, Phylogeny of Panax using chloroplast trnC–trnD intergenic region and the utility of trnC–trnD in interspecific studies of plants, Mol Phylogenet Evol 31(2004): 894-903, DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2003.10.009[10] Y. Zuo, Z. Chen, K. Kondo, T. Funamoto, J. Wen, S. Zhou, DNA barcoding of Panax species, Planta Med. 2011 Jan, 77(2) (2011):182-187. Doi: 0.1055/s-0030-1250166.[11] K. Komatsu, S. Zhu, S.Q. Cai, A new variety of the genus Panax from Southern Yunnan, China and its nucleotide sequences of 18S ribosomal RNA gene and matK gene, J. Jap. Bot 78(2) (2003) 86-94. [12] V. Manzanilla1, A. Kool, L. Nguyen Nhat, H. Nong Van, H. Le Thi Thu and H. J. de Boe, Phylogenomics and barcoding of Panax: toward the identification of ginseng species. BMC Evolutionary Biology (2018) 18-44. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-018-1160-y[13] Vu Huyen Trang, Hoang Dang Hieu, Chu Hoang Ha, Study on DNA barcode for identify Sam ngoc linh, National conference of biotechnology, Ep.2, (2013) 1100-1104.[14] Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang, Nguyen Thi Hong Mai, Zhuravlev Yury N, Reunova Galina D., rbcL and rpoB gene sequences of Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus and Panax vietnamensis, the background for identification and comparison, Journal of Biology 39(1) (2016) 80-85. http://doi.org/10.15625/0866-7160/v39n1.7870[15] Phan Ke Long, Tran Thi Viet Thanh, Nguyen Thien Tao, Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Tu Lenh, Nguyen Tien Lam, Dang Xuan Minh, Morphological and molecular characsteristics of Panax sp. (Araliaceae) from Phu Xai Lai Leng mountain, Nghe An province, Vietnam, Journal of Biology 36(4) (2014) 494-499. https://doi.org/ 10.15625/0866-7160/v36n4.5212[16] Phan Ke Long, Vu Dinh Duy, Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Giang Son, Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang, Le Thi Mai Linh, Le Thanh Son, Phylogenetic relationships of the Panax samples collected in Lai Chau province based on matK and ITS-rDNA sequences, Journal of Biology 12(2) (2014) 327-337 (in Vietnamese).[17] Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang, Le Thanh Son, Nguyen Giang Son, Phan Ke Long, A new ginseng species Panax sp. (Araliaceae) in Vietnam, Journal of Pharmacology 10 (2011) 59-63. [18] Pham Thi Ngoc, Pham Thanh Huyen, Nguyen Quynh Nga, Nguyen Minh Khoi, Morphological characteristics of genus Panax L. (Araliaceae) in Vietnam, Journal of Medicinal Materials, 22(3) (2017) 315-322.
 
 

Small-scale phenotypic differentiation along complex stream gradients in a non-native amphipod

BackgroundSelective landscapes in rivers are made up by an array of selective forces that vary from source to downstream regions or between seasons, and local/temporal variation in fitness maxima can result in gradual spatio-temporal variation of phenotypic traits. This study aimed at establishing freshwater amphipods as future model organisms to study adaptive phenotypic diversification (evolutionary divergence and/or adaptive plasticity) along stream gradients.MethodsWe collected Gammarus roeselii from 16 sampling sites in the Rhine catchment during two consecutive seasons (summer and winter). Altogether, we dissected n = 1648 individuals and quantified key parameters related to morphological and life-history diversification, including naturally selected (e.g., gill surface areas) as well as primarily sexually selected traits (e.g., male antennae). Acknowledging the complexity of selective regimes in streams and the interrelated nature of selection factors, we assessed several abiotic (e.g., temperature, flow velocity) and biotic ecological parameters (e.g., conspecific densities, sex ratios) and condensed them into four principal components (PCs).ResultsGeneralized least squares models revealed pronounced phenotypic differentiation in most of the traits investigated herein, and components of the stream gradient (PCs) explained parts of the observed differences. Depending on the trait under investigation, phenotypic differentiation could be ascribed to variation in abiotic conditions, anthropogenic disturbance (influx of thermally polluted water), or population parameters. For example, female fecundity showed altitudinal variation and decreased with increasing conspecific densities, while sexual dimorphism in the length of male antennae—used for mate finding and assessment—increased with increasing population densities and towards female-biased sex ratios.ConclusionsWe provide a comprehensive protocol for comparative analyses of intraspecific variation in life history traits in amphipods. Whether the observed phenotypic differentiation over small geographical distances reflects evolutionary divergence or plasticity (or both) remains to be investigated in future studies. Independent of the mechanisms involved, variation in several traits is likely to have consequences for ecosystem functions. For example, leaf-shredding in G. roeselii strongly depends on body size, which varied in dependence of several ecological parameters.

Interspecific and intraspecific variation in corolla tube length in Pedicularis species achieved by both cell anisotropy and division

AbstractThe association between plants with long corolla tubes and pollinators with long tongues has evolved repeatedly in diverse pollination systems. However, the morphogenesis of long corolla tubes involved in diverse plant groups remains largely unexplored, limiting our understanding of the evolution and maintenance of long corolla tubes. Corolla tubes of Himalayan Pedicularis species exhibit striking length diversity, ranging from less than 10 mm to more than 120 mm. We investigated the role of cell division and cell expansion in determining the corolla tube morphology in eight Pedicularis species and in an experimental population of P. siphonantha Don in which corolla tubes were elongated under shading and watering treatments. Among species, the corolla tube length was positively correlated with both cell number and cell length but not cell width. Our analyses of intraspecific variation in corolla tube length indicated that it was positively correlated with cell length in all eight species but with cell number in only four of the species, indicating that corolla tube development in Pedicularis generally involves anisotropic cell expansion. The elongation of corolla tubes in P. siphonantha under experimental conditions was caused by the anisotropic elongation of cells; cell number of tube‐elongated flowers was not significantly increased. Our results showed that intraspecific variation in corolla tube length in Pedicularis species was largely attributable to changes in cell anisotropy, but the evolutionary innovation underlying the rapid radiation of Pedicularis corolla tubes was attributable to both cell division and cell expansion.

DNA Barcoding and Intra Species Analysis of the Ember Parrot Fish Scarus Rubroviolaceus using mtCO1

<div><p><em>In this study S.rubroviolaceus </em><em>form very ancient family group </em><em>Scorpaenidae with</em><em> structurally diverse group of subphylum Vertebrata</em><em> was collected form from parangipettai (MAB06)for species identification with inter specific variation among barcoding region sequenceing cytochrome oxidase subunit I (</em><em>COI)</em><em> gene comparing with Australia (EF609452), Tonga (FJ584082), South Africa (GU805008), Iran (HQ149928). The intraspecific variation analysis in NCBI screend for COI sequence form different geographical regions results 99% to 100% identity. BOLD’s identification engine shows 99.68% to 100% similar of 20 specimens with conformation of COI species database tree that S.rubroviolaceus belongs to order Carangidae. The molar concentration of nucleotides in the COI region profiling barcoding valuates that high in thymine content are similar in all the samples, Cytosine as second predominant and guanine as least molar concentration. A helical wheel is ploted to illustrate the properties of alpha helices in proteins. Multiple sequence alignments for DNA sequences similarities query were analysed with Clustal W from EMBL tools.</em></p></div>

Multilocus assessment of phylogenetic relationships in Alytes (Anura, Alytidae)

With the advent of large multilocus datasets, molecular systematics is experiencing very rapid progress, but important challenges remain regarding data analysis and interpretation. Midwife toads (genus Alytes) exemplify two of the most widespread problems for accurate phylogenetic reconstruction: discerning the causes of discordance between gene trees, and resolving short internodes produced during rapid, successive splitting events. The three species in subgenus Baleaphryne (A. maurus, A. dickhilleni and A. muletensis), the sister group to A. obstetricans, have disjunct and highly restricted geographical ranges, which are thought to result from old vicariant events affecting their common ancestor, but their phylogenetic relationships are still unresolved. In this study we re-address the phylogeny of Alytes with a special focus on the relationships in Baleaphryne with a multilocus dataset including >9000 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA and four nuclear markers (3142bp) in all recognized taxa, including all subspecies of A. obstetricans. Both concatenation and species tree analyses suggest that A. muletensis, endemic to the Balearic island of Mallorca, is the sister taxon to a clade comprising the southeastern Iberian endemic A. dickhilleni and the North African A. maurus. This scenario is consistent with palaeogeological evidence associated with the fragmentation of the Betic-Rifean Massif, followed by the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar. On the other hand, analyses of intraspecific variation in A. obstetricans are inconclusive regarding relationships between major clades and conflict with current subspecific taxonomy.

Variability among Mediterranean populations of Sabella pavonina (Annelida: Sabellidae)

Sabella pavonina Savigny, 1920 is a species common to sheltered areas of northwest Europe and reported also in several Mediterranean sites. However, most Mediterranean records refer to faunistic lists with only few papers reporting morphological descriptions supported by drawings or photographs, most of which are short and out-dated. Moreover, no analysis of intraspecific variations among Mediterranean populations is available. In the present paper we provide the descriptions of individuals identified as S. pavonina belonging to four different Mediterranean populations and deposited at the Laboratory of Zoology of the Salento University. We analyzed the species morphological variation within the Mediterranean area compared to the deposited neotype and some other specimens collected from the type locality (Plymouth) and from Portsmouth (English Channel). The examined specimens from the four Mediterranean localities all differ from the English Channel Plymouth specimens with respect to a higher crown/body length ratio and smaller body size. Among them, individuals from Taranto and Gela resemble the morphology of the neotype specimens from Plymouth more closely than the others, with only a few differences, mostly involving the branchial crown features. Statistical analysis shows the occurrence of two different groups, one formed by specimens collected in sites located at deeper depths (100–130 m), separated by another containing specimens collected at shallower depths (5–10 m). Based on these considerations, it could be hypothesized that the specimens collected from greater depths do not actually belong to the S. pavonina species. However, the poor condition of the material does not yet allow the establishment of a new taxon. Only the examination of additional material coupled with further data including genetic analysis, will clarify the status of the taxon S. pavonina within the Mediterranean area.

A fast SNP identification and analysis of intraspecific variation in the medicinal Panax species based on DNA barcoding

Medicinal plants of the Panax genus belonging to Araliaceae family are well-known, rare plants used as tonics in traditional Chinese medicine and have been described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Because of the high price and the huge human demand, these commercial products often contain adulterants. In this study, 377 sequences from four species were analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and patterns of intragenomic variation in internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) from the four Panax species were studied. Intraspecific variations were analyzed based on three typical DNA barcodings (ITS2, matK and psbA-trnH). Results from this study revealed that intraspecific genetic distances in Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius were quite low (0–0.002) and the multi-copy ITS2 could be considered a single locus in the genomes of these two species. Five stable SNPs were detected in ITS2 region to identify the Panax medicinal species. Considering the mixed powder of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius, double peaks could be clearly examined at SNP positions and the height of the peaks could indicate the mixed ratio roughly. Our findings indicate that SNP-based molecular barcodes could be developed as a routine method for the identification of the Panax genus with closely related species and the mixed powder P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius.

Characterization of three VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE3-like (VIL) homologs in wild wheat, Aegilops tauschii Coss

Control of flowering time is an adaptive trait of plants for different growth habitats. A vernalization requirement is a major genetic component determining wheat flowering time. Arabidopsis VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE3 (VIN3) and VIN3-like 1 (VIL1) play critical roles in the vernalization pathway of flowering, and three wheat VIL homologs are upregulated by vernalization in einkorn wheat. To study the relationship between vernalization and wheat VIL homologs in Aegilops tauschii, the D-genome progenitor of common wheat, we isolated three cDNAs orthologous to the einkorn wheat VIL genes. The three Ae. tauschii VIL genes showed many single nucleotide polymorphisms including non-synonymous substitutions relative to the einkorn orthologs. In addition, high rates of non-synonymous and synonymous substitutions were revealed by intraspecific variation analysis of the AetVIL sequences, suggesting adaptive evolution at the AetVIL loci. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis was conducted to examine the time course of expression of the VIL genes during vernalization. Of the three AetVIL genes, AetVIL2 was upregulated after one week of low-temperature treatment, and its expression pattern was distinct for winter and spring habit accessions. These observations strongly suggest that AetVIL2 is associated with the vernalization-responsive pathway in Ae. tauschii.

Frugivoria e potencial dispersão de sementes pelo marsupial Gracilinanus agilis (Didelphidae: Didelphimorphia) em áreas de Cerrado no Brasil central

No presente estudo, investigamos o consumo de frutos e viabilidade de sementes consumidas pelo marsupial Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) em quatro áreas de cerradão do Brasil central. Análises fecais indicaram que este mamífero se alimenta de plantas pioneiras da família Melastomataceae (Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. cuspidata Naudin, M. ferruginata DC., M. pepericarpa DC., M. pohliana Cogn. e Ossaea congestiflora (Naudin) Cogn.), Solanaceae (uma espécie não identificada) e Viscaceae (Phoradendron perrottetii (DC.) Eichler, erva-de-passarinho). Detectamos o maior índice de consumo de frutos já registrado para o gênero Gracilinanus, com cerca de 45% das fezes contendo sementes e 86% contendo itens derivados de frutos (N=422). Com exceção de O. congestiflora, o restante das sementes das espécies testadas não sofreram efeitos negativos na germinabilidade ao passarem pelo trato digestório deste marsupial. A avaliação da variação intraspecífica no número de sementes encontradas nas fezes indicou que fêmeas de G. agilis defecam maior quantidade de sementes de Miconia (média±EP = 21,7±3,8) em comparação com os machos (14,4±3,0) (F=26,32; P<0,0001). O fator estação do ano também foi significativo (F=452,22; P<0,0001) e existiu interação entre sexo e estação do ano (F=30,10; P<0,0001). Tanto fêmeas como machos aumentaram o consumo de frutos com sementes na época seca, contudo fêmeas apresentaram mais sementes nas fezes do que machos na estação chuvosa. Nessa estação, observamos um maior número de sementes de espécies de Miconia defecadas por fêmeas reprodutivas (24,7±6,6) em relação a fêmeas não reprodutivas (12,9±2,8) (P=0,031). Nossos dados indicaram que G. agilis selecionou positivamente espécies da família Melastomataceae, sugerindo um papel relevante dessas plantas na dieta desse marsupial, relacionado ao suprimento da demanda energética e de água, principalmente na época seca.

The use and limits of ITS data in the analysis of intraspecific variation in Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae)

The discovery and characterization of informative intraspecific genetic markers is fundamental for evolutionary and conservation genetics studies. Here, we used nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences to access intraspecific genetic diversity in 23 species of the genus Passiflora L. Some degree of variation was detected in 21 of these. The Passiflora and Decaloba (DC.) Rchb. subgenera showed significant differences in the sizes of the two ITS regions and in GC content, which can be related to reproductive characteristics of species in these subgenera. Furthermore, clear geographical patterns in the spatial distribution of sequence types were identified in six species. The results indicate that ITS may be a useful tool for the evaluation of intraspecific genetic variation in Passiflora.

New synonym and new Japanese record of the ant genus Ponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

AbstractA new synonym in the ant genus Ponera, and a new species‐record from Japan are reported following faunal surveys of Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Morphological comparison of type specimens with material collected on Yakushima and mainland Kyushu and Honshu reveals that Ponera yakushimensis Tanaka is a junior synonym of Ponera scabra Wheeler. Analysis of intraspecific variation in P. scabra is reported. Morphological comparison reveals that a recent putative distribution record of P. scabra from Yakushima was based on a misidentification of Ponera alisana Terayama. This is the first Japanese record of P. alisana, which was originally described from Taiwan. Geographic variation between the P. alisana types and specimens collected on Yakushima is discussed. A revised key to Japanese Ponera species is presented.

Analysis of intraspecific colour variation in the fossorial Coastal Legless Lizard, Microacontias litoralis (Scincidae: Acontiinae)

An analysis of intraspecific variation in the fossorial skink Microacontias litoralis revealed that orange‐coloured and melanistic individuals co‐occur at several localities. Body colour was found to be independent of sex and body size. Both orange‐coloured and melanistic in situ embryos were present in pregnant females, showing that colour polymorphism is not the result of ontogenetic changes induced by environmental conditions, but rather has a genetic basis. The presence of orange‐coloured embryos in melanistic females and vice‐versa shows that breeding in these two colour morphs is not isolated. The functional significance of colour polymorphism in M. litoralis remains unclear, but intraspecific communication or background colour matching as possible selective advantages of melanism are ruled out. Microacontias litoralis is endemic to the west coast of South Africa where there is in general a high incidence of melanistic lizard species and populations associated with zones of upwelling of cold water in the Atlantic Ocean. That the melanistic morph may represent past or present selection for thermal melanism can not be ruled out and further investigation is required.

Latitudinal variation in whistle structure of the estuarine dolphin Sotalia guianensis

[Analyses of intraspecific variation in behaviour can provide insights into the process of behavioural diversification. In this study we characterized geographic variation in whistle structure of the estuarine dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, at 10 sites of a ∼4000 km transect along the coast of Brazil. Whistles were recorded, digitized (N = 527), and six acoustic parameters measured from spectrograms. ANOVA revealed geographic variation in all six parameters. Post-hoc analyses indicated that pairs of sites with similar whistle parameters tended to be adjacent to each other, and discriminant functions analysis (DFA) revealed that the greatest differences in whistle structure tended to occur between the most distant sites. Whistle parameters did not, however, express simple clinal variation, and DFA was a poor predictor of site (29.0% accuracy). Mantel tests revealed significant correlations between geographic distance and variation in three of six whistle parameters. Linear regression analyses for our data set, pooled with data from Azevedo & Van Sluys (2005, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117:1456), revealed significantly lower starting and minimum frequencies for southern populations relative to northern populations. A geographic discontinuity in these two features is observed, varying on either side of the easternmost tip of South America. Possible ecological and evolutionary explanations for these patterns are discussed., Analyses of intraspecific variation in behaviour can provide insights into the process of behavioural diversification. In this study we characterized geographic variation in whistle structure of the estuarine dolphin, Sotalia guianensis , at 10 sites of a ∼4000 km transect along the coast of Brazil. Whistles were recorded, digitized ( N = 527), and six acoustic parameters measured from spectrograms. ANOVA revealed geographic variation in all six parameters. Post-hoc analyses indicated that pairs of sites with similar whistle parameters tended to be adjacent to each other, and discriminant functions analysis (DFA) revealed that the greatest differences in whistle structure tended to occur between the most distant sites. Whistle parameters did not, however, express simple clinal variation, and DFA was a poor predictor of site (29.0% accuracy). Mantel tests revealed significant correlations between geographic distance and variation in three of six whistle parameters. Linear regression analyses for our data set, pooled with data from Azevedo & Van Sluys (2005, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117:1456), revealed significantly lower starting and minimum frequencies for southern populations relative to northern populations. A geographic discontinuity in these two features is observed, varying on either side of the easternmost tip of South America. Possible ecological and evolutionary explanations for these patterns are discussed.]

Variation Among and Within Dogrose Taxa ( Rosa sect. caninae ) in Fruit Weight, Percentages of Fruit Flesh and Dry Matter, and Vitamin C Content

Important fruit traits were screened in a plant breeding program concerning a newly domesticated crop in Sweden of rose hips. The taxa Rosa dumalis subsp. coriifolia , R . dumalis subsp. dumalis , R . rubiginosa and R . villosa subsp. mollis, collected from 23 localities in Scandinavia, were investigated for fruit weight, percentage of fruit flesh, percentage of dry matter and vitamin C content. R . dumalis subsp. coriifolia, R . dumalis subsp. dumalis and R . villosa subsp. mollis had significantly larger fruits and a higher percentage of fruit flesh than R . rubiginosa. Analysis of intraspecific variation showed that R. dumalis subsp . coriifolia was the most variable taxon, followed by R . dumalis subsp. dumalis and R . villosa subsp. mollis , whereas R. rubiginosa showed the most restricted variability. A highly significant positive correlation was found between fruit weight and percentage fruit flesh which in turn showed a moderate negative correlation with percentage dry matter.

Molecular analysis of intraspecific variation between building and ‘wild’ isolates of Serpula lacrymans and their relatedness to S. himantioides

Relationships between Serpula lacrymans and S. himantioides isolates of ‘wild’ Himalayan woodland and building (European and Australian) origin were examined using RAPD-PCR and ITS rDNA sequence comparison. GelCompar analysis of the genetic fingerprints of eighteen isolates using four RAPD-primer combinations clearly distinguished S. lacrymans and S. himantioides. Little intraspecific variation was observed in S. lacrymans (including isolates of Himalayan woodland origin), relative to S. himantioides. Despite previously reported differences in growth rates and decay capabilities of ‘wild’ Himalayan woodland S. lacrymans isolates and those from buildings, RAPD fingerprints and ITS sequences indicated they were genetically similar. Interspecific ITS sequence polymorphisms were consistent with other studies and clearly demonstrated S. himantioides and S. lacrymans were distinct taxa. Evolutionary questions regarding the origins of S. lacrymans are discussed.