Comparative Morphology Research Articles

Jumping through hoops: Structural rearrangements and accelerated mutation rates on Dendrodorididae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) mitogenomes rumble their evolution

The systematics of the family Dendrodorididae, with only three valid genera, is a challenge for integrative taxonomists. Its members lack hard structures for morphological comparisons, and their mitochondrial and nuclear markers provide contradictory phylogenetic signals, making phylogenetic reconstructions difficult. This molecular discordance has been hypothesized to be the result of nuclear pseudogenes or exogenous contamination. However, these hypotheses have not been tested. Here, we assembled the first genome drafts of seven Dendrodorididae species to investigate the evolutionary processes of this family. Two of the mitogenomes displayed an identical structural rearrangement involving the translocation of three coding genes and five tRNAs, described for the first time in nudibranchs. In addition, we found particularly high dN and dN/dS values and multiple insertions and deletions on the mitochondrial genes of smooth Dendrodoris. In contrast, nuclear single-copy ortholog genes showed no such mutational differences. Models of protein structures from mitochondrial genes are conserved, suggesting conserved functionality. Phylogenies using mitogenomic and nuclear data showed that species with rearranged mitogenomes form a clade, although Dendrodorididae relationships remained unresolved. The present study provides novel evidence for accelerated mutation rates in the mitogenomes of Dendrodorididae, which presumably have implications on respiratory adaptation, and highlights the importance of using genomic data to unveil rare evolutionary processes, crucial for correctly inferring phylogenies.

Leontopodium nyingchiense (Asteraceae), a new species from Xizang (Tibet), China

Leontopodium nyingchiense, a new species of Asteraceae from the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region of China, is described and illustrated here. Morphologically, it is most similar to L. lingianum but can be distinguished by the combination of monoecious and dioecious individuals, involucral bracts arranged in 3–5 series (with outer series herbaceous and middle to inner series membranous), fimbriate apices on female florets, rough-edged lobes on male florets, and achenes lacking costae. Phylogenetic analyses further support the separation of this new species from related taxa. Finally, we characterize this new species through both morphological comparisons and molecular analyses.

First records and extension of the geographic distribution of Cynomops kuizha (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract The insectivorous bat genus Cynomops belongs to the Neotropical fraction of the family Molossidae, which includes Free-tailed Bats or Mastiff Bats. Currently, nine species are recognized within Cynomops. In this study, we present the first records of Cynomops kuizha for the Colombian Caribbean Region. The two female specimens were recovered in the campus of the Puerta Roja of the University of Sucre, Sucre and represent a significant extension in the geographical and ecological distribution of the species. With these new records, the known distribution of this species is extended approximately 520 km northeast of the nearest previous record in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Identification of both specimens was carried out through morphological comparisons and analysis of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome-b (Cyt-b). Molecular analyses revealed that the Cyt-b sequences from the Sucre specimens are >99 % similar to those documented for C. kuizha in southwestern Colombia. With these new records, the known distribution of this species is extended approximately 520 km northeast of the nearest previous record in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Additionally, we discuss some morphological peculiarities observed in our Sucre specimens and their relationship with closely related species present in the area: Cynomops abrasus, Cynomops greenhalli, and Cynomops mastivus.

Prevalence, Occurrence, and Characteristics of Supernumerary Teeth Among the Saudi Arabian Population Using Panoramic Radiographs

Background: Supernumerary teeth numerical anomalies and the early diagnosis of supernumerary teeth is very important to avoid potential complications. The study aim was to determine the prevalence, occurrence, and characteristics of supernumerary teeth among the Arabian population. Methods: A retrospective radiographic study was performed using panoramic radiographs of patients attending a teaching hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. Only healthy patients with clear radiographs were included in the study, and patients with syndromes, cleft lip, and palate, and unclear radiographs were excluded from the study. The details include the patient’s age and gender, supernumerary tooth number, location, orientation, and position. Only a single examiner was involved in the data collection and analysis. Results: Overall, 38 (2%) patients were observed with 47 supernumerary teeth. Among them, 76% were males and 24% were females, with a mean age of 16.1 ± 9.7 years. Mesiodens (87%) are the common type of supernumerary tooth, and the majority of the supernumerary teeth were impacted (66%). The majority of the patients presented with a single supernumerary tooth, while 24% of the patients presented with two supernumerary teeth. Sixty percent of the supernumerary teeth were conical in morphology, followed by a tuberculate morphology. In the study population, most of the supernumerary teeth were normal in orientation. Conclusions: The prevalence of supernumerary teeth was 2%. Among them, the majority were observed at the anterior region of the maxillary arch with a conical shape of normal orientation. The gender-based comparison of location, orientation, morphology, eruption, and number of supernumerary teeth showed male predilection.

Chalaropsis pruni sp. nov. (Ceratocystidaceae), a new species from Prunus serrulata var. pubescens in South Korea

A routine survey in a natural forest located in the Gangwon Province of Korea was undertaken in 2022 to establish an inventory of potentially pathogenic fungi that might affect tree health in the country. An ophiostomatoid fungus was consistently isolated from naturally occurring wounds on Prunus serrulata var. pubescens. Isolates were subjected to morphological and DNA sequence comparisons. The results showed that the fungus resided in a distinct taxonomic lineage, and the novel species is described here as Chalaropsis pruni sp. nov.

Two new species of the sponge associated axiid shrimp genus Eiconaxius Bate, 1888 (Decapoda: Axiidea) from seamounts in the Nishi-Shichito Ridge, Japan

Two new species of the axiid shrimp genus Eiconaxius Bate, 1888, are described from seamounts in the Nishi-Shichito Ridge, northwestern Pacific off Japan, during recent cruises of R/V Kaimei of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, exploring the marine protected area (MPA). Eiconaxius latirostrum sp. nov. is described on the basis of three specimens from Shoho Seamount at depths of 402–456 m; and E. kaimei sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single ovigerous female from An’ei Seamount at a depth of 888 m. The status of the two new taxa was assessed by phylogenetic analyses employing two mitochondrial markers (16S rRNA and COI genes) and morphological comparison. Specimens of the two new species lived in colonies of unidentified farreid sponges. This study contributes to documenting the benthic invertebrate fauna of the Japanese MPA as a baseline data for conservation.

Curcuma sumonii sp. nov., and C. wanchaii sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), two new taxa of Curcuma subgen. Curcuma from Thailand.

This research presents the discovery of two novel taxa, Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa, and C. wanchaii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, belonging to the Curcuma subgenus Curcuma. Curcuma sumonii was collected in Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand, while C. wanchaii was found in Kanchanaburi Province, Southwestern Thailand. Our study provides a comprehensive documentation of their morphological attributes, including detailed descriptions supported by visual aids. In addition to morphological data, we offer insights into vernacular names, ecological characteristics, phenology, traditional uses, conservation status, and distribution maps. Morphological comparison Tables1 and 2 are provided to differentiate between these newly discovered taxa and their allied species. Furthermore, we present an identification key to facilitate the differentiation of these taxa from their allied species. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of biodiversity within the Curcuma genus and offer valuable information for further conservation efforts and taxonomic research.

Taxonomic Status of Stingless Bee Lepidotrigona arcifera (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) from the Southwest China - Tibetan Plateau

Abstract The stingless bee, Lepidotrigona arcifera, which was first reported in northeast India is a pollinating insect of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, little information about this species is known in terms of taxonomic status as well as detailed morphological characteristics. In this study, we discovered a stingless bee in Tibet that belongs to an Alpine climate region. The morphological comparison with the India stingless bee, confirms that this newly discovered species is L. arcifera from the Tibet plateau. To determine the taxonomic status of this Tibetan stingless bee, we sequenced the 16S rRNA and COI genes of samples from a dozen colonies and compared them to some other known bee species. Phylogenetic analysis shows that Tibetan L. arcifera is grouped with the other stingless bee species and most closely sistered to the stingless bee, L. flavibasis. The genetic distance between Tibetan L. arcifera and the other stingless bee species is approaching those between pairwise bee species belonging to other such bee genera as Bombus and Apis. Hence, our results not only offer new information on species distribution and morphological characteristics of L. arcifera but also confirm its taxonomic status among stingless bees for the first time, which will contribute to understanding the biodiversity of stingless bees in the future.

The Investigation of Comparative Spore Morphologies of Acrocarpous and Pleurocarpous Two Mosses (Bryophyta)

The Investigation of Comparative Spore Morphologies of Acrocarpous and Pleurocarpous Two Mosses (Bryophyta)

Taxonomic notes on Sophora phulangkaensis, a new species of Sophora (Fabaceae – Sophoreae) from Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence

Sophora phulangkaensis is illustrated and newly described here. The species shows similarities with its congener, S. exigua, by having an obovate terminal leaf let and up to 15 leaflets but differs in the floralparts. A morphological comparison between the two species is provided along with a discussion. The phylogenetic place- ment of then ewspecies is presented and discussed based on molecular evidence by nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast markers (matK). The results suggest that the new species is nested into sect. Rubriflorae, which includes S. exigua and S. huamotensis. The circumscription of sect. Rubriflorae is expanded after being redefined by our findings. In addition, the updated key to species of the genus Sophora for the Flora of Thailand is given based on recent specimen observations. Additionally, lectotypes for S. exigua, S. tonkinensis, and S. violacea var. pilosa are designated.

GOLDEN RATIO INTERPRETATION ON 150 FLOWERS: THE BASIC INFORMATION TO DEVELOP ECOTOURISM IN BOGOR, INDONESIA

The Aesthetic value is one of the factors in order to attract tourists to visit. Flowers are one form of tourist attraction that symbolizes beauty, flowers can be used as an object of interpretation for the development of ecotourism, especially in interpreting the meaning of the aesthetic value. Assessment of beauty can be measured by a number that is believed to have beauty, namely by using the golden ratio. Research has shown that the golden ratio actually exists in flowers. The knowledge of the golden ratio of flowers, in addition to increasing tourist attraction, can also be used as an interpretation for tourists because the aesthetic value is very important to the human relationship with nature, and the motivation to protect it. Golden ratio analysis was performed on 150 flowers. A flower is said to have a golden ratio if the ratio results in a comparison of flower morphology producing a number of 1.618 or close to that number. The discovery of the golden ratio in all flowers shows that flowers are creations that have aesthetic value so visitors are expected to be able to interpret the importance of the value of beauty in living things for their tour experience

Resolving the Drymoniakillipii (Gesneriaceae) complex results in a new species from the northwestern Andes of South America.

A new species, Drymoniaquadrangulata Clavijo & J.L.Clark, sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae, Columneinae), is described from the western Andean slopes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. The new species has been historically confused with D.killipii, an endemic species to Colombia, restricted to the lowlands of the Chocó biogeographic region in the departments of Cauca, Chocó, and Valle del Cauca. These two species have large foliaceous calyx lobes that cover at least half of the corolla tube, and tubular-infundibuliform corollas. The new species differs by strigose quadrangulate and sometimes winged stems, leaves reticulate abaxially with obtuse to subcordate bases, midveins green, corolla lobes white to yellow with margins incised to short laciniate, and indehiscent berry fruits. Digital photographs, detailed morphological comparisons with the similar species, and an IUCN preliminary risk extinction assessment are provided for the new species.

Description of a new species of the Asian newt genus Tylototriton (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) from Hunan Province, China

The newt genus Tylototriton is widely distributed in east, southeast, and south Asia. Previous studies have shown that basic surveys of this genus are far from comprehensive, and unknown species still exist within the group. In this study, we described a new species of this genus, Tylototriton gaowangjienensissp. nov., from Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve in Hunan Province, China, based on evidence from molecular identification and morphological comparisons. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic analysis of the genus to elucidate the taxonomic status of the new species. Based on combined mitochondrial 16S rRNA and ND2 gene sequences, the phylogenetic tree supported the new species as a member of the T. wenxianensis species subclade in the subgenus Yaotriton. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: (1) medium-sized body; (2) finger tips extending beyond the snout while forelimbs stretched forward; (3) tips of forelimbs and hindlimbs reaching and overlapping when folded towards the body; (4) snout edge round; (5) absence of small papillae in the male cloacal fissure; (6) dorsal ridges narrow, with width smaller than the eye diameter; (7) head length (HDL) greater than head width (HDW) (HDL/HDW = 1.04~1.22); (8) orange markings absence on the parotoid; (9) nodule-like warts on body sides continuous; (10) vomerine teeth not connected at the tip, extending to the occipital bone at the posterior end.

Morphology and phylogeny reveal a new ramarioid species of Phaeoclavulina (Gomphaceae, Basidiomycota) from Yunnan Province, China

During a survey of coral mushrooms in Yunnan Province, China, yellow, cylindrical, and coral-shaped basidiomata were collected and preliminarily identified as a Phaeoclavulina species. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 and LSU sequences support our collections positioning within Phaeoclavulina sister lineage to P. carovinacea strains with 58% BS and 0.95 PP statistical support. Our Phaeoclavulina collection is characterized by verrucose, truncate (volcanic) spines in spores, and clamp connections that differ from closely related species. Phylogenetic analysis results and morphological comparisons support our collection as a distinct new species of Phaeoclavulina (P. yunnanensis). The new species is described and illustrated, and the results of the phylogenetic analysis are provided.

Boosting the reconstruction performance of 3D Multi-porous media using double generative adversarial networks

With the continuous improvement of mathematical modeling technology, reconstructing the three-dimensional structure of media from two-dimensional reference images has become an important research method for the three-dimensional modeling of multi-porous media. Deep-learning-based methods are currently popular and form the focus of this research field. However, the performance of deep learning in reconstructing the three-dimensional structure of media from two-dimensional reference images still requires improvement. To enhance the diversity and generalization of network-generated three-dimensional models, this study proposed a preprocessing method that correlated two-dimensional reference images with Gaussian noise, a three-orthogonal random section constraint method, and a dual generative adversarial network (DGAN)-based model. Multiple sets of core samples, a set of building materials, and a set of battery-material samples were used to verify the performance of the proposed network. Both intuitive morphological and statistical feature comparisons showed that the DGAN model solved the problem of insufficient diversity and generalization when reconstructing three-dimensional porous media from a single image using deep-learning-based methods. The morphological and statistical features of the reconstructed three-dimensional structure also exhibited good consistency with the reference two-dimensional image, and the training efficiency of the network was greatly improved.

The Cross-Verification of Different Methods for Soil Erosion Assessment of Natural and Agricultural Low Slopes in the Southern Cis-Ural Region of Russia

The conventional measuring methods (runoff plots and soil morphological comparison) and models (WaTEM/SEDEM and regional model of Russian State Hydrological Institute (SHI)) were tested with regard to the Southern Cis-Ural region of Russia, along with data from rainfall simulation for assessing soil erosion. Compared with conventional methods, which require long-running field observations, using erosion models and rainfall simulation is less time-consuming and is found to be fairly accurate for assessing long-term average rates of soil erosion and deposition. In this context, 137Cs can also be used as a marker of soil redistribution on the slope. The data of soil loss and sedimentation rates obtained by using conventional measuring methods were in agreement with the data based on the used contemporary modeling approaches. According to the erosion model calculations and data on the fallout of radionuclides in the Southern Cis-Ural (54°50–25′ N and 55°44–50′ E), the average long-term annual soil losses were ~1.3 t·ha−1 yr−1 in moderate (5°) arable slopes and ~0.2 t·ha−1 yr−1 in meadows. In forests, surface erosion is negligible, or its rates are similar to the rate of soil formation of clay–illuvial chernozems. The rates of soil erosion and sediment deposition on the arable land obtained using different methods were found to be very close. All the methods, including the WaTEM/SEDEM, allowed us to measure both soil erosion and intra-slope sedimentation. The regional SHI model fairly accurately assesses soil erosion in the years when erosion events occurred; however, soil erosion as a result of snowmelt did not occur every year, which should be taken into account when modeling. The concentrations of 137Cs in the topsoil layer (0–20 cm) varied from 0.9 to 9.8 Bq·kg−1, and the 137Cs inventories were 1.6–5.1 kBq·m−2, with the highest values found under the forest. The air dose rate in the forest was higher than in open areas and above the average of 0.12 μSv·h−1 on the slope (0.1 μSv·h−1 in the meadow and 0.08 μSv·h−1 on the arable land), with the value increasing from the watershed to the lower part of the slope in all the areas. The γ-background level in the studied ecosystems did not exceed the maximum permissible levels.

The Correlation Between Dust and Gas Contents in Molecular Clouds

Molecular clouds are regions of dense gas and dust in space where new stars and planets are born. There is a strong correlation between the distribution of dust and molecular gas in molecular clouds. The present work focuses on the three-dimensional morphological comparisons between dust and gas in 567 molecular clouds identified in a previously published catalog. We confirm a sample of 112 molecular clouds, where the cloud morphology based on CO observations and dust observations displays good overall consistency. There are up to 334 molecular clouds whose dust distribution might be related to the distribution of gas. We are unable to find gas structures that correlate with the shape of the dust distribution in 24 molecular clouds. For the 112 molecular clouds where the dust distribution correlates very well with the distribution of gas, we use CO observational data to measure the physical properties of these molecular clouds and compare them with the results derived from dust, exploring the correlation between gas and dust in the molecular clouds. We found that the gas and dust in the molecular clouds have a fairly good linear relationship, with a gas-to-dust ratio of GDR=(2.80−0.34+0.37)×1021cm−2mag−1 . The ratio varies considerably among different molecular clouds. We measured the scale height of dust-CO clouds exhibiting strong correlations, finding hZ=43.3−3.5+4.0 pc.

Redefining phylogenetic placements of Hyphodiscosia: integrative taxonomic insights based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses

In conducting a survey on the diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi across a north-south latitudinal gradient in the Asian region, two strains were collected from freshwater habitats. This species is characterized by forming pinkish sporulating colonies both on wood and in culture, presenting macronematous conidiophores that swollen at the apex, producing cylindrical, pink in mass, 1-septate conidia, each with two flexuous, filamentous appendages arising from the middle of the cells. These characteristics closely match the definition of Hyphodiscosia. Through multigene phylogenetic analysis, this study for the first time determines the phylogenetic position of Hyphodiscosia within Muyocopronaceae (Muyocopronales). This study provides detailed illustrations, updates on molecular data, and a morphological comparison with related genera within Muyocopronaceae, as well as discusses the validity of the currently accepted four species within Hyphodiscosia.

Hidden in plain sight: Systematic review of Indo-West Pacific Siphonariidae uncovers extensive cryptic diversity based on comparative morphology and mitochondrial phylogenetics (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

This study combines phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences with comparative morphological analyses to revise the taxonomy of 101 nominal siphonariid species from the Indo-West Pacific belonging to the genera Siphonaria Sowerby I, 1823 and Williamia Monterosato, 1884. We have examined preserved specimens that have been newly collected at 462 sites across Australasia, the Indo-West Pacific, and in temperate zones of the northern and southern Pacific. Critically, our sampling includes topotypic specimens of 98 nominal species. The study area covered herein extends between the latitudes of 60°N and 55°S and the longitudes of 37°E and 175°W. We have sequenced two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S) from 546 individuals and conducted a phylogenetic analysis including additional sequences from GenBank. We also studied the anatomy of 436 individuals using dissections and scanning electron microscopy. This study offers a comprehensive documentation and taxonomic assessment of type specimens for nearly all examined nominal species. Our taxonomic revision leads us to accept 88 species, which are thoroughly redescribed. 52 nominal species are treated as synonyms of earlier names, 41 of which are newly synonymized herein. Thirteen species names are deemed unavailable or invalid under the rules of zoological nomenclature, and six names are considered as nomina dubia or nomina inquirenda, notably including the oldest name, Patella laciniosa, which was widely used previously. In addition, we describe 40 new species. We have identified eleven species with broad distributions in the IWP and beyond and four species with more limited distributions than previously accepted. Notably, many species have narrow ranges, some being single island endemics. To stabilize taxonomic names, we have designated neotypes for seven species (Siphonaria sipho Sowerby I, 1823, Patella japonica Donovan, 1824, S. obliquata Sowerby I, 1825, Pileopsis radiata Blainville, 1826, S. radians H. Adams & A. Adams, 1855, S. incerta Deshayes, 1863, and S. tasmanica Tenison Woods, 1877) and lectotypes for 25 species (Patella javanica Lamarck, 1819, S. albicante Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. atra Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. capensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. denticulata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. diemenensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. guamensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. plana Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. plicata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. punctata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. viridis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. savignyi Krauss, 1848, S. cancer Reeve, 1856, S. bifurcata Reeve, 1856, S. funiculata Reeve, 1856, S. kurracheensis Reeve, 1856, S. lirata Reeve, 1856, S. scabra Reeve, 1856, S. belcheri Hanley, 1858, S. nuttallii Hanley, 1858, S. nigerrima Smith, 1903, S. madagascariensis Odhner, 1919, S. alba Hubendick, 1943, M. lentulus Iredale, 1940, H. monticulus Iredale, 1940 and M. oppositus Iredale, 1940).

Notes on the genus Taiwanolagria Masumoto, with a new species from China (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae)

The genus Taiwanolagria Masumoto is reviewed with two species, Taiwanolagria reni sp. nov. and Taiwanolagria merkli Masumoto, 1988. The new species from China can be diagnosed by the gently depressed male profemora, the expanded male metatibiae with basal tuft. Morphological comparisons of habitus, aedeagus, and diagnostic features of the two species are illustrated.