Characteristic Taxa Research Articles

The health of benthic diatom assemblages in lower stretch of a lesser Himalayan glacier-fed river, Mandakini

This study examines the ecological state of epilithic diatom assemblages along the lower stretch of Mandakini, a glacier-fed Himalayan river. The diatoms were sampled at four stations during winter and summer, only once in each season. Valve counts were obtained from Naphrax mounts prepared from each sample. Assemblages were recorded for each location. The software OMNIDIA Ver. 5.3 was used for computing the ecological values from the sample counts. Normally Achnanthidium spp. dominated the assemblages, except Nitzschia fonticola (Grunow) at S1 (Kund) and Encyonema minutum (Hilse in Rabh) at S4 (Rudraprayag), only during summer. The ecological values revealed that the assemblages were in β-mesosaprobic and mésotraphentic states. However, at S4, trophic state was observed to be eutraphentic. Louis Leclercq index indicated that organic pollution was nonexistent, while the anthropogenic eutrophication was low except at S2 (Tilwara) and S3 (Medanpur) in summer and was moderate at S4 in winter characterized by a lean flow. The most abundant indicator taxa for anthropogenic eutrophication are varied; Cymbella tumida (Brebisson-Van Heurck) at S1, Encyonema minutum at S2, S4 while Surirella aungusta (Kutzing) at S3. Ordination showed that the taxa indicating degradation and anthropogenic eutrophication figured as characteristic taxa at respective locations.

Intra-Floodplain Seed Dispersal Limitation and Wetland Community Restoration

The broadleaf marsh community in the post-restoration reaches of the Kissimmee River floodplain, Florida, US, has failed to achieve the expected dominance based on pre-disturbance conditions. We examined the hypothesis that seed dispersal is a limiting factor delaying the expansion of characteristic taxa of a dominant wetland plant community, broadleaf marsh, from remnant populations into a partially restored river floodplain. Hydrochory and anemochory seed traps were deployed in the Kissimmee River for two week periods during four sampling periods over the course of a year. Study plots were divided among an area influenced by backwater effects from a downstream water control structure and the substantially drier floodplain with more fragmented and degraded broadleaf marsh communities to the north. Seed trapping showed that seeds of characteristic broadleaf marsh taxa, e.g., bulltongue arrowhead ( Sagittaria lancifolia ), pickerelweed ( Pontederia cordata ), and common buttonbush ( Cephalanthus occidentalis ), were only rarely dispersed and in small volumes north of the confluence of Oak Creek. Seed limitation due to a partially restored physical environment may be one of the factors contributing to minimal recovery of wetland communities in the Kissimmee River floodplain. As with fragmented regional scale landscapes with substantial distances among patches and an inhospitable matrix ecosystem, our research indicates that seed limitation may also be an issue for wetland restoration at local scales in contiguous floodplain wetlands such as the Kissimmee River. Active revegetation practices may be necessary for accelerating expansion of plant communities in large-scale river/floodplain restoration projects where local seed sources are spatially and hydrologically constrained.

Deep-sea Ostracoda from the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (ODP Site 1238) over the last 460ka

Abstract Core top and near-surface core catcher samples from eight drill sites in the Eastern Tropical Pacific were investigated for ostracod assemblage composition. Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Sites U1337 and U1338 (4200–4463 m water depth) are almost devoid of Ostracoda. Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Sites 1237, 1238, 1239, 1240, 1241 and 1242 (depth range of 1400–3200 m) exhibit a similar taxonomic composition with a predominance of Krithe spp. Site 1238 located ~ 200 km west of Ecuador at a water depth of 2203 m had the highest total abundance and was selected for the downcore assemblage study of glacial–interglacial variations over the last 460 ka. A total of three different assemblages were distinguished: glacial, interglacial and background. The glacial assemblage is characterized by higher total ostracod abundance, ostracod valve accumulation rates, and species diversity. The typical glacial taxa are Krithe spp., Legitimocythere castanea, Bradleya mesembrina, Cytheropteron spp. and Fallacihowella sol. Interglacial intervals are characterized by low abundance and diversity and the characteristic taxa are Pseudobosquetina mucronalata, Bradleya sp. 1, Agrenocythere hazelae and Poseidonamicus major. A background assemblage is found throughout the entire record and consists of Parakrithe sp., Ambocythere cf. sturgio and Rugocythereis sp. During glacial intervals (Marine Isotope Stages [MIS] 6, 8, 10, 12), Site 1238 was more strongly influenced by the colder, higher oxygenated Circum-Polar Deep Water. Interglacial intervals (MIS 7, 9, 11) were characterized by climate warming, increased bottom water corrosiveness and decrease in dissolved oxygen. The upper part of the record at Site 1238, MIS 1–5, is characterized by increased biogenic sedimentation rates and possible intensification of upwelling.

Diatom communities along pH and hydrological gradients in three montane mires, central China

The distribution patterns of epiphytic diatom assemblages in three montane mires in central China were investigated to examine their relationships with selected environmental variables (pH and depth to water table, DWT). Two of the mires are considered to be in good ecological condition (Dajiuhu and Qizimeishan Mires) while Erxianyan Mire is extensively affected by acid deposition and human activities. A total of 206 taxa belonging to 56 genera were found in 44 Sphagnum samples. Multivariate analysis revealed that pH and DWT were significantly correlated with diatom distribution. In Erxianyan Mire, the characteristic taxa (Eunotia minor and Eunotia intermedia) had lower pH optima and may therefore be useful indicators of highly-acidic conditions. In Dajiuhu Mire, the dominant species had higher pH optima, and abundant xerotolerant taxa (Hantzschia amphioxys, Pinnularia borealis, Luticola mutica and Diadesmis contenta) were observed. In the partial canonical correspondence analyses with mire location as a covariable, the correlation between diatom data and pH was insignificant, likely because pH differences between mires were greater than those within mires. In contrast, diatom data were significantly correlated with DWT, suggesting that diatoms are good sensors of hydrological variability along the hollow to hummock gradient. Together, these data can expand current autecological information for these potential diatom indicator species, which is critical for refining our interpretations of bio-monitoring and palaeolimnological studies in montane mires.

The detection of thermophilous forest hotspots in Poland using geostatistical interpolation of plant richness

Attempts to study biodiversity hotspots on a regional scale should combine compositional and functionalist criteria. The detection of hotspots in this study uses one ecologically similar group of high conservation value species as hotspot indicators, as well as focal habitat indicators, to detect the distribution of suitable environmental conditions. The method is assessed with reference to thermophilous forests in Poland – key habitats for many rare and relict species. Twenty-six high conservation priority species were used as hotspot indicators, and ten plant taxa characteristic of the <em>Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae</em> phytosociological order were used as focal habitat indicators. Species distribution data was based on a 10 × 10 km grid. The number of species per grid square was interpolated by the ordinary kriging geostatistical method. Our analysis largely determined the distribution of areas with concentration of thermophilous forest flora, but also regional disjunctions and geographical barriers. Indicator species richness can be interpreted as a reflection of the actual state of habitat conditions. It can also be used to determine the location of potential species refugia and possible past and future migration routes.

Dystrophy in determining midge community composition in boreal lakes

Brown-water dystrophic lakes have several limnological characteristics that clearly separate them from clear-water oligotrophic and murky eutrophic lakes. In this study, I examined the sedimentary midge (Nematocera) assemblages from 30 shallow boreal lakes of varying humic status to test the influence of dystrophy on community composition. The results indicate differing community assemblages between oligohumic and humic lakes. Several taxa were restricted to clear-water lakes, whereas dystrophic lakes also had their characteristic taxa, which were rare or absent in the clear-water lakes. The most common and abundant nematocerans having statistically significant indicator values for dystrophy were chironomids Zalutschia zalutschicola-type, Tanytarsus mendax-type, and Cladotanytarsus mancus-type, together with the phantom midge Chaoborus flavicans. These results indicate that the level of dystrophy plays a significant role in determining midge distribution in boreal lakes. Therefore, consideration of differences in humic conditions is crucial to contemporary midge-based environmental assessments and long-term paleolimnological investigations, because temporal changes in the humic state may have occurred.

Modern pollen deposition in relation to vegetation and climate of Balpakram valley, Meghalaya, northeast India: Implications for Indo-Burma palaeoecological contexts

Balpakram valley, the sacred grove of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya, is world famous for its tropical unique biodiversity, physiography, seismically active zone, and proximity to Cherrapunjee. The area was not previously approached for palynological study due to its remoteness, impenetrable forest and wildlife. A modern pollen database of 120 surface samples from Balpakram valley indicates a good correlation of modern pollen, extant vegetation, and climate. Five pollen zones (forest types) have been recorded based on the regional pollen marker taxa corresponding to the ratio of evergreen and deciduous forest elements (>30% signifies the forest type). The present vegetation is similar to the Indo-Burmese vegetation except for a unique Duabanga–Schima–Nepenthes assemblage due to high monsoonal activity with a strong perennial river and streamlet system. The evergreen woody taxa in abundance along with Dendropthoe, Piperaceae and Impatiens in the assemblage are significant and suggestive of dense forest with high monsoonal activity. The abundance of Poaceae along with an Artemisia–Chenopodiaceae assemblage shows a savanna forest type, attributed to seasonal dryness and a poor water system in a restricted region. The absence of Dipterocarpaceae pollen, a characteristic taxon of the Indo-Malayan forest, is indicative of a regional effect. The poor representation of bamboo pollen may be attributed due to low pollen production (one-time flowering) and preservation. Pollen of Nepenthes khasiana in sediment signifies high precipitation, and is also indicative of this high pollen producer with good preservation status. No medicinal plants, specifically Costus speciosus and Swertia chirata, are observed despite their luxuriant growth in the region, which may be due to poor pollen production. Abundance of Cyathea (tree fern) along with Lycopodium and Pyrrosia signifies high rainfall and humid climate. The presence of coprophilous fungi including Sordaria and Cercophora is indicative of wildlife habitation in the area. The unique forest vegetation of Balpakram valley is mainly controlled by annual precipitation with perennial rivers and streamlets, moisture availability, and altitudinal variation in the region. This study will be helpful to generate palaeoecological data for surrounding ecozones including eastern Himalaya and Indo-Malayan regions, to trace migratory routes for flora and fauna in the Indo-Burma ranges.

The role of rock mining for maintaining Dauco carotae-Crepidetum rhoeadifoliae Hejný et Grüll in Hejný et al. 1979 — a new to Poland plant association

AbstractThis work presents the Dauco carotae-Crepidetum rhoeadifoliae plant association, which is new to Poland. The association has been observed in industrial reclamation areas in the vicinity of carbonate mineral excavation sites in the central part of the Opole region. In the vast majority of cases, plots of this association developed in reclaimed areas. The majority of diagnostic species for the association was found within surveyed plots, including Verbascum thapsus, V. densiflorum and Bryum argenteum. Taxa characteristic of the alliance were also constantly present, i.e. Daucus carota, Melilotus alba, M. officinalis, Echium vulgare and Erysimum hieracifolium. This association belongs to the rarest syntaxa in Poland included in the Dauco-Melilotion alliance of ruderal communities with a predominance of hemicryptophytes, therophytes and perennials. The main diagnostic species — Crepis rhoeadifolia, belongs to very rare elements of Polish flora. It has been observed only in the southern part of the country in approx. 20 sites. Crepis rhoeadifolia had not been observed in Silesia for approx. 40 years, which is why it was considered to be an extinct taxon in this region. Rediscovering of the species allowed for diagnosing the Dauco-Crepidetum rhoeadifoliae association. This association is an example of a pioneer phytocenosis of, most likely, anthropogenic origin in Silesia.

Phytoplankton community and succession in a newly man-made shallow lake, Shanghai, China

We studied phytoplankton community and succession in Lake Dishui, the largest man-made coastal lake in China. The lake experienced drastic changes in physicochemical conditions since its creation in 2003. Monthly phytoplankton communities were characterized between 2006 and 2011. A two-dimensional solution of nonmetric multidimensional scaling clearly delineated four groups of distinct phytoplankton community structure. Indicator species analysis showed that Group I (2006–2008) was characterized by mainly nanoplankton including Chromulina pygmaea. Group II (2009) was characterized by nonmotile, unicellular, elongated, or filamentous taxa, which are resistant to grazing pressure due to their large size. Group III (winter–early spring since 2010) was characterized by many motile taxa. The most characteristic taxa in Group IV (summer–autumn since 2010) were the flagellate algae. Seasonal variation in phytoplankton community was highest after 2010. Changes in phytoplankton communities may closely reflect rapid changes in lake environmental conditions such as desalination and nutrient enrichment.

Late early Oligocene deep-sea benthic foraminifera and their faunal response to paleoceanographic changes in the eastern Equatorial Pacific

Abstract We documented new data on the late early Oligocene benthic foraminifera and sediment geochemistry in the eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean (EEP) from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (Exp. 320) Site U1334 (paleo-water depth: ~ 3650 to ~ 3850 m) with some published data on those from Ocean Drilling Program (Leg 199) Sites 1218 (~ 3850 to ~ 4000 m) and 1219 (~ 4270 to ~ 4370 m) in order to understand the response of abyssal benthic foraminifera to paleoceanographic conditions during the interval ~ 32–28 Ma. The relative abundances of Nuttallides umbonifer were distinctly different between Sites 1218 and 1219 during 31.0 to 29.9 Ma, although other major taxa (e.g., Globocassidulina subglobosa , Cibicidoides spp. and Oridorsalis umbonatus ) showed no marked changes. The characteristics (e.g., Shannon–Wiener (H′)) of the benthic foraminiferal fauna are affected by the abundance of a few dominant species rather than by the change in the number of species in the EEP. Based on multi-dimensional scaling (MDS), two MDS axes were recognized: MDS axis 1 (characteristic taxa: N. umbonifer and Cibicidoides sp. A) and MDS axis 2 (characteristic taxa: G. subglobosa and Bolivina huneri ). The tendency of both MDS axes (1 and 2) showed a distinct depth gradient among the three sites after 28.6 Ma, whereas the tendency was different from 31.0 to 28.6 Ma, especially at Site 1218. Increased abundance of N. umbonifer in the EEP after ~ 29 Ma was similar to that in the Atlantic Ocean after the expanded distribution of this species to shallower depths was finished. The faunal change at 28.6 Ma might be related to the change of deep water circulation, possibly with the influences of the Southern Component Water (SCW) and/or Northern Component Water in the South Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the faunal change at 31.0 Ma might be related to the formation of the SCW and/or meridional overturning circulation in the Southern Ocean. In particular, MDS axis 1 exhibited the opposite tendency between Sites 1218 and 1219 around the Oi-2 event, whereas the depth gradient was clearly observed among the sites around the Oi-2* event. The opposite tendency of MDS axis 1 around the Oi-2 event might be explained by the varying influences of the SCW on different depths of the EEP, especially in terms of carbonate undersaturation. The influence of the SCW on benthic foraminifera in the EEP was different among the depths of the three sites in the Oi-2 event, however, the depth gradient of the SCW influence was gradually intensified in the Oi-2* event and the 28.6–28.0 Ma interval.

Longitudinal Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in a Central Highlands River, The Tons (Central India)

The median density of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage declined longitudinally from headwater to mouth (except increase at T3) in the river Tons. Arthropoda was largest component followed by Mollusca and Annelida. The abundance of assemblages forming taxa Brachycentridae, Helidae and Leptophlebiidae declined at T2 and was replaced by Neoephemeridae and Glossocolecidae. Similarly, abundance of Baetidae and Caenidae decreased at T4 and was replaced by Chironomidae and Nephthydae at T4. The assemblages varied from the T1 to T4 but were dominated by Thiaridae at all stations except Neoephemeridae at T3. Principal component analysis revealed that Glossosomatidae, Glossocolecidae, Thiaridae and Neoephemeridae were the characteristic taxa at T1, T2–T4 and T3, respectively. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the substratum was an important factor for T1, T2 and T3, while water temperature for Chironomidae at T4. Rhyacophilidae, Neoephemeridae, Caenidae were associated with landuse and substratum, while current velocity was responsible for the abundance of Thiaridae. Thus, landuse, slope and substratum were the effective variables responsible for assemblage in the river Tons.

The World's Zoogeographical Regions Confirmed by Cross-Taxon Analyses

The world's zoogeographical regions were historically defined on an intuitive basis, with no or a limited amount of analytical testing. Here, we aimed (a) to compare analytically defined global zoogeographical clusters for the herpetofauna, birds, mammals, and all these groups taken together (tetrapod vertebrates); (b) to use commonalities among these groups to propose an updated global zoogeographical regionalization; and (c) to describe the resulting regions in terms of vertebrate diversity and characteristic taxa. The clusters were remarkably uniform across taxa and similar to previous intuitively defined regions. Eleven vertebrate-rich (Nearctic, Caribbean, Neotropical, Andean, Palearctic, Afrotropical, Madagascan, Indo-Malaysian, Wallacean, New Guinean, Australian) and three vertebrate-poor (Arctic, Antarctic, Polynesian) zoogeographical regions were derived; the Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Australian had the highest numbers of characteristic tetrapod genera. This updated regionalization provides ...

Freshwater ascomycetes: Natipusillaceae, a new family of tropical fungi, including Natipusilla bellaspora sp. nov. from the Peruvian Amazon

A new ascomycete species, Natipusilla bellaspora, collected from submerged woody debris in a freshwater stream at Los Amigos Biological Station, Madre De Dios in the Peruvian Amazon is described and illustrated. This fungus is characterized by small, globose to subglobose, hyaline ascomata; small, globose to subglobose, eight-spored fissitunicate asci; one-septate, multiguttulate ascospores with two different gelatinous sheaths, an outer amorphous sheath that enlarges in water and an inner sheath that has a distinctive persistent shape and is attached to the ascospore apex. Morphologically N. bellaspora differs from other Natipusilla species in having larger ascospores and two ascospore sheaths. A second Natipusilla species, N. limonensis, is reported for the first time from Peru. Based on the unique morphological characters of taxa in Natipusilla and results of previous molecular phylogenetic analyses with other members of the Dothideomycetes, we establish Natipusillaceae fam. nov. for this unique tropical freshwater clade.

The Feasibility of Developing Multi-Taxa Indicators for Landscape Scale Assessment of Freshwater Systems

Abstract The use of bird assemblages as wetland indicators is now well established in the UK. An indicator based on a single taxonomic group can, however, have limitations. Conversely, a multi-taxa approach can potentially provide a more robust reflection of the health of fresh waters. In this paper, we consider the inherent suitability of different taxonomic groups for inclusion in a multi-taxa indicator, based upon taxon characteristics, species richness and prevalence across a range of freshwater habitats, and their practical suitability, based upon quality and quantity of available data. We conclude that, in addition to birds, there are six candidate groups of taxa throughout the world that are currently suitable for inclusion in a multi-taxa indicator. These are: mammals, amphibians and reptiles, fish, dragonflies and damselflies (based on adult recording), benthic macroinverte-brates and macrophytes. Of these taxa, all but amphibians and reptiles and fish are suitable for inclusion in a UK indicator...

Two new non-haptotypic palynomorph taxa from the middle Permian Upper Gharif Member, Oman

Two non-haptotypic palynomorph taxa, Schizosporis? pennyi n. sp. and Tetraporina forbesii n. sp., are described and illustrated from Subunit B of the Upper Gharif Member immediately underlying the base of the Khuff Formation at the northern Huqf outcrop, Oman. Tetraporina forbesii also occurs in heterolithic beds within the lowest part of the Khuff Formation in the Barik-36 oil well. The forms are assigned to the Wordian-Capitanian Oman and Saudi Arabia Palynological Biozone 6 (OSPZ6) on the basis of their occurrence with Florinites? balmei, and other taxa characteristic of OSPZ6. They were previously assigned to informal taxa and are likely freshwater zygospores, and their prevalence in the Subunit B section of the Upper Gharif Member may indicate impermanent stagnant ponds in a coastal plain or estuarine palaeoenvironment.

Palynological characterization of the Paleocene Wuyun formation, People’s Republic of China

The Wuyun deposit of brown coal is situated on the right bank of the Amur River in the People’s Republic of China, 35–60 km away from the Arkhara-Boguchan brown coal deposit. The Belaya Gora stratotype of the latter and the southwestern flanks of the Raichikhinsk brown coal field (Russia) have been studied previously when the author analyzed in detail the Danian and Selandian-Thanetian palynoassemblages from the Upper Tsagayan Subformation. A section of the Wuyun Formation was studied at the eponymous deposit in 2002 and 2004. Based on new palynological results and analysis of data from earlier publications, two palynoassemblages distinguished there in the Paleocene coal-bearing succession enable correlation between sections of relevant deposits on the right and left banks of the Amur River. Data on the taxonomic composition of palynoassemblages are considered, and their basic and characteristic taxa are figured in paleontological plates.

Taxonomic studies of some cultured strains of Cyanobacteria (Nostocales) isolated from the Yenisei River basin

Twenty-one strains of cyanobacteria representing the genera Anabaena, Cylindrospermum, Mojavia, Nostoc, Trichormus, and Wollea (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria) isolated from algocenoses of the Yenisei River basin (eastern Siberia, Russia) were taxonomically studied. New taxa characteristic of this region were discovered. The properties of pure cultures of Anabaena sedovii, A. zinserlingii,Cylindrospermum stagnale f. tortuosum, Nostoc kihlmani, Trichormus variabilis f. tenuis, and Wollea saccata have never been described before. The primary taxonomic features (the position of akinetes and heterocysts, the width of vegetative cells, akinetes and heterocysts, and the shape of terminal cells) of these cyanobacteria when cultured were shown to fit the diagnosis of the identified taxa.

Distribution and diversity of littoral macroinvertebrates within extensive reed beds of a lowland pond

Although habitats of hard emergent macrophyte beds, including reed beds (Phragmites australis), are very common in the littoral zones of stagnant waters in central Europe, research investigating their macroinvertebrate communities is still lacking. In this study, the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates was studied within large reed beds in the littoral zone of a lowland fishpond (Nesyt, SE Moravia, Czech Republic). Using a hand net, horizontal line transects in the reed bed leading from the marginal area with the open water towards the shore were sampled. The results of NMDS ordination and PERMANOVA test proved that the taxonomic composition of the macroinvertebrate assemblage changed significantly along the investigated horizontal transect from the open water towards the shore, together with gradual changes in some environmental factors. The taxa diversity was found to be the highest in the areas closest to the shore. In the reed bed areas near open water, corixids, aquatic insects larvae, leeches, water mites, some naidids and tubificids, which represented free-swimming invertebrates with tracheal gill breathing, ectoparasites, gatherers/collectors and taxa preferring pelal and inorganic substrates, were more abundant compared with the interiors of reed beds. On the other side, in the shallow dense interior of reed beds close to the shore, gastropods, water slaters, some naidids and enchytraeids, aquatic beetles and dipteran larvae were characteristic taxa, which belonged especially to grazers and scrapers, shredders and invertebrates preferring phytal and POM (particulate organic matter) microhabitats. Different predators were recorded in areas near open water and near the shore. This invertebrate spatial distribution probably reflects changes in microhabitat and environmental conditions along the investigated horizontal transect. The results of this study proved that extensive reed beds serve as refuges for many groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates within lowland fishpond ecosystems.

Characteristic ichthyoplankton taxa in the separation zone of the East Australian Current: Larval assemblages as tracers of coastal mixing

Ichthyoplankton assemblages were compared between regions dominated by the oligotrophic East Australian Current (EAC) and the inner-shelf waters off southeastern Australia, to determine if the early life history of fish was related to the separation of the EAC from the coast, producing different water masses as well as characteristic taxa. Samples were collected at the surface and in sub-surface waters, at 50 and 100 m isobath stations, during two summer research voyages in November 1998 and January 1999. On both voyages the study region was characterized by coastal and EAC waters in the north (∼31°S), and in the south by topographically induced upwelling (∼31°S), associated with narrowing of the continental shelf and separation of the EAC from the coast. Among the 111 families of larval fish, we observed distinctive assemblages of ichthyoplankton associated with the two different water masses. A greater abundance of the Carangidae, Labridae, Lutjanidae, Microcanthidae, Myctophidae and Scombridae was associated with the nutrient poor EAC water mass, while the Callionymidae, Clupeidae, Platycephalidae and Sillaginidae were mostly found in the cooler and/or fresher inner-shelf water mass. We assessed these patterns with opportunistic samples from an unusual, wind-driven upwelling event in the north (∼31°S) earlier in the November voyage. The relative abundance of these 10 characteristic families distinguished this wind-driven upwelling event from the subsequent relaxation and predominance of the EAC assemblage at this location just 6 d later. Distinctive and abundant families such as larval clupeids, relative to larval carangids, could be a useful marker of inner-shelf, EAC and mixed water masses in the absence of robust hydrographic data. This and related studies indicate contrast in early life histories of Sardinops sagax and Trachurus spp., which appear to spawn respectively in the inner-shelf and outer-shelf waters. The post-flexion stages of S. sagax predominate in the outer-shelf and Tasman Front, while post-flexion Trachurus spp. predominate in inner-shelf water masses.

Gliridae (Rodentia, Mammalia) with a simple dental pattern: a new genus and new species from the European Early and Middle Miocene

A new genus of Gliridae, Simplomys gen. nov. is proposed. It contains glirids with a simplified dental pattern from the European Early and Middle Miocene. Simplomys gen. nov. includes several species originally described as Pseudodryomys such as Simplomys simplicidens, Simplomys robustus, Simplomys julii, and Simplomys aljaphi. In addition, a new species, Simplomys meulenorum sp. nov., is proposed from the Spanish Miocene. The species of this genus share not only a very reduced and simplified dental morphology, but also unique dental proportions that clearly separate them from any other genera of Gliridae. Simplomys gen. nov. is recorded in most of the fossil faunas from the Early and Middle Miocene of the Iberian Peninsula, and shows the maximum diversity in this area during Mammal Neogene Zones MN 3 and MN 4. The genus has been also recorded in other European countries such as France, Germany, and Switzerland, conferring to this very characteristic taxon an important role for biochronological correlations within the European continent. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 157, 622–652.