Current Geographic Distribution Research Articles

Persistence of phylogeographic footprints helps to understand cryptic diversity detected in two marine amphipods widespread in the Mediterranean basin

Amphipods of the genus Gammarus are a vital component of macrozoobenthic communities in European inland and coastal, marine and brackish waters of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Exceptional levels of cryptic diversity have been revealed for several widespread freshwater Gammarus species in Europe. No comprehensive assessment has yet been made for brackishwater counterparts, such as Gammarus aequicauda and G. insensibilis, which are among the most widely dispersed members of the so-called “G. locusta group” in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea. Here we probe the diversity of these morphospecies examining the partitioning of mtDNA and nDNA across multiple populations along their distribution range and discuss it within the regional paleogeographic framework.We gathered molecular data from a collection of 166 individuals of G. aequicauda and G. insensibilis from 47 locations along their distribution range in the Mediterranean including the Black Sea. They were amplified for both mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA as well as the nuclear 28S rRNA. All five MOTU delimitation methods (ABGD, BIN, bPTP, GMYC single and multiple threshold models) applied revealed deep divergence between Black Sea and Mediterranean populations in both G. aequicauda and G. insensibilis. There were eight distinct MOTUs delimited for G. aequicauda (6–18% K2P) and 4 MOTUs for G. insensibilis (4–14% K2P). No sympatric MOTUs were detected throughout their distribution range. Multimarker time-calibrated phylogeny indicated that divergence of both G. aequicauda and G. insensibilis species complexes started already in the late Oligocene/early Miocene with the split between clades inhabiting eastern and western part of the Mediterranean occurring in both species at the similar time.Our results indicate a high cryptic diversity within Mediterranean brackishwater Gammarus, similar to that observed for freshwater counterparts. Moreover, the phylogenetic history combined with the current geographic distribution indicate that the evolution of both studied Gammarus morphogroups has been strongly connected with the geological events in the Mediterranean Basin and it reflect the turbulent history of the area.

Prevalence and spatiotemporal distribution of African swine fever in Lithuania, 2014\u20132017

BackgroundThe emergence in 2014 and persistence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Lithuania has been linked to infected wild boar movement and close contact with the carcasses of other infected wild boars. Over time the number of reported cases of ASF in wild boars gradually increased, but no detailed epidemiological data has been available. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine ASF virus prevalence in wild boars and domestic pigs during the 2014–2017 period and further explore the current geographical distribution of the virus.ResultsOur study results show that ASF virus prevalence in hunted wild boars using PCR analysis increased from 0.83% (95% CI 0.69–0.98) to 2.27% (95% CI 2.05–2.48) from 2014 to 2016 respectively. However, there was a dramatic jump in the number of ASF positive wild boars cases in 2017 resulting in prevalence of 12.39% (95% CI 11.91–12.86) (p < 0.05).The average prevalence of ASF-specific antibodies in wild boar population during years 2014–2017 was 0.45% (95% CI 0.39–0.51) based on ELISA test results.Prevalence of ASF virus in domestic pigs ranged from 0.24% (95% CI 0.17% - 0.32) in 2015 to 2.74% (95% CI 2.33% - 3.15) in 2017. The average seasonal prevalence of ASF virus in pigs was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and ranged from 0% in spring to 3.68% (95% CI 3.32–4.05) in summer. Correlation between the pig density and number of recorded pig ASF cases in affected regions was only found in 2017 (R = 0.78, p < 0.05). No correlation was detected between the wild boar density and number of recorded pig or wild boar ASF - positive cases.ConclusionsThis study provides the first results of ASF virus prevalence changes in Lithuania during the 2014–2017. The overall results confirm the relatively high prevalence of ASF virus in wild boar that was gradually increasing from 2014 to 2017. In the last year of study, the number of ASF positive cases in both domestic pigs and wild boars had unexpectedly increased several times. A better understanding of current status of the disease will enable better control and prevent further spread of ASF virus in Western Europe.

Reducing Wallacean shortfalls for the coralsnakes of the Micrurus lemniscatus species complex: Present and future distributions under a changing climate.

South American coralsnakes are characterized by inconspicuous and poorly known species, which are potentially very sensitive to climate change. Here, we assess the impact of future climate change on the distributions of the Micrurus lemniscatus species complex after addressing the Wallacean shortfalls and refining the knowledge about their current geographic distributions. We also evaluate the efficiency of the current reserve network to protect the species in the present and future. We applied ecological niche model tools through a carefully examined set of occurrence records to generate potential present distributions and to project these distributions into future scenarios of climate change. Specific thresholds based on occurrence records along with expert opinions were used to delineate the geographic distribution of each species. A hierarchical ANOVA was applied to evaluate the uncertainties in species distributions across niche modeling methods and climate models and nested into the time factor (present and future). Multiple regression models were used to infer the relative importance of the climatic variables to determine the species’ suitability. A gap analysis was performed to address the representativeness of species distributions into protected areas. Predicted geographic distributions were compatible with the known distributions and the expert opinions, except for M. l. carvalhoi. New areas for field research were identified. Variation in precipitation was the most important factor defining the habitat suitability for all species, except for M. diutius. All taxa (except M. l. lemniscatus) will shrink their distributions in the future; less than 50% of the present suitable areas are protected in reserve networks, and less than 40% of these areas will be held in reserves in the future. We found strong evidence that coralsnakes may be highly sensitive to the ongoing changes and must be protected.

Species distribution models of the Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, Diptera: Drosophilidae) in its native and invasive range reveal an ecological niche shift

Abstract The Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is native to Southeast Asia. Since its first detection in 2008 in Europe and North America, it has been a pest to the fruit production industry as it feeds and oviposits on ripening fruit. Here we aim to model the potential geographical distribution of D. suzukii. We performed an extensive literature review to map the current records. In total 517 documented occurrences (96 native and 421 invasive) were identified, spanning 52 countries. Next, we constructed three species distribution models (SDMs) based on occurrence records in: (a) the native range (SDMnative), (b) the invasive range in Europe (SDMEurope), and (c) a global model of all records (SDMglobal). The aim of the models was to investigate whether this species will be able to occupy additional ecological niches beyond its native range and expand its current geographic distribution both globally and in Europe. The SDMs were generated using Maximum Entropy algorithms (Maxent) based on present occurrence records and bioclimatic variables (WorldClim). Predictions of habitat suitability vary greatly depending on origins of occurrence records. According to all models, precipitation and low temperatures were key limiting factors for the distribution of D. suzukii, which suggests that this species requires a humid environment with mild winters in order to establish a permanent population in its invasive range. Several regions in the invasive range, not presently occupied by this species, were predicted highly suitable, especially in northern Europe, suggesting that D. suzukii does not yet occupy its full fundamental niche. Synthesis and applications. Based on these models of potential geographic distribution of the Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), we show a shift in the ecological niche in Drosophila suzukii populations, emphasizing the importance of using presence, and local environmental data. Further investigation regarding new occurrences is recommended to secure optimal pest management. Despite a continuing expansion, many countries still lack proper surveillance schemes, and we urge policy makers to initiate appropriate management programmes.

Genetic and morphometric divergence in the Garnet-Throated Hummingbird Lamprolaima rhami (Aves: Trochilidae).

Cloud forests are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the Americas, as well as one of the richest in biological diversity in the world. The species inhabiting these forests are susceptible to environmental changes and characterized by high levels of geographic structure. The Garnet-Throated Hummingbird, Lamprolaima rhami, mainly inhabits cloud forests, but can also be found in other habitats. This species has a highly restricted distribution in Mesoamerica, and five disjunct regions have been delimited within the current geographic distribution of the species from Mexico to Honduras. According to variation in size and color, three subspecies have been described: L. r. rhami restricted to the Mexican highlands and Guatemala, L. r. occidentalis distributed in Guerrero (Mexico), and L. r. saturatior, distributed in the highlands from Honduras and El Salvador. We analyzed the levels of geographic structure in L. rhami and its taxonomic implications. We used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to analyze genetic variation, demographic history, divergence times, reconstructed a multilocus phylogeny, and performed a species delimitation analyses. We also evaluated morphological variation in 208 specimens. We found high levels of genetic differentiation in three groups, and significant variation in morphological traits corresponding with the disjunct geographic populations. L. rhami presents population stability with the highest genetic variation explained by differences between populations. Divergence time estimates suggest that L. rhami split from its sister group around 10.55 million years ago, and the diversification of the complex was dated ca. 0.207 Mya. The hypotheses tested in the species delimitation analyses validated three independent lineages corresponding to three disjunct populations. This study provides evidence of genetic and/or morphometric differentiation between populations in the L. rhami complex where four separate evolutionary lineages are supported: (1) populations from the Sierra Madre Oriental and the highlands of Oaxaca (rhami), (2) populations from the highlands of Guerrero (occidentalis), (3) populations from the highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala (this is a non-previously proposed potential taxon: tacanensis), and (4) populations from the highlands of Honduras and El Salvador (saturatior). The main promoters of the geographic structure found in the L. rhami complex are likely the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as a geographic barrier, isolation by distance resulting from habitat fragmentation, and climatic conditions during the Pleistocene.

Different Responses in Geographic Range Shifts and Increase of Niche Overlap in Future Climate Scenario of the Subspecies of Melipona quadrifasciata Lepeletier

Climate change is suggested to be one of the possible drivers of decline in pollinators. In this paper, we applied an ecological niche model to modeling distributional responses in face of climate changes for the subspecies of Melipona quadrifasciata Lepeletier. This species is divided into two subspecies based on difference in the yellow tergal stripes, which are continuous in M. q. quadrifasciata and interrupted in M. q. anthidioides. The geographic distribution of each subspecies is also distinct. M. q. quadrifasciata is found in colder regions in the Southern states of Brazil, whereas M. q. anthidioides is found in habitats with higher temperatures, suggesting that ecological features, such as adaption to distinct climatic conditions may take place. Thus, the possibility of having diff erent responses in geographic range shifts to future climate scenario would be expected. This study aimed to investigate the eff ects of climate changes on the distribution of the two M. quadrifasciata subspecies in Brazil, using an ecological niche model by the MaxEnt algorithm. Our results indicate that the subspecies showed clear diff erences in geographic shift patterns and increased climate niche overlap in the future scenarios. M. q. anthidioides will have the potential for an increase of suitable climatic conditinos in the Atlantic Forest, and towards the Pampa biome, while M. q. quadrifasciata will suffer a reduction of adequate habitats in almost all of its current geographic distribution. Given the potential adverse eff ects of climate changes for this subspecies, conservation actions are urgently needed to avoid that it goes extinct.

Genomic Evidence for Cryptic Speciation in Tree Frogs From the Apennine Peninsula, With Description of Hyla perrini sp. nov

Despite increasing appreciation of the “speciation continuum”, delimiting and describing new species is a major yet necessary challenge of modern phylogeography to help optimize conservation efforts. In amphibians, the lack of phenotypic differences between closely-related taxa, their complex, sometimes unresolved phylogenetic relationships, and their potential to hybridize all act to blur taxonomic boundaries. Here we implement a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate the nature of two deeply-diverged mitochondrial lineages previously documented in Italian tree frogs (Hyla intermedia s. l.), distributed north and south of the Northern Apennine Mountains. Based on evidence from mitochondrial phylogenetics, nuclear phylogenomics, hybrid zone population genomics, niche modelling analyses, and biometric assessments, we propose that these lineages be considered distinct, cryptic species. Both mitochondrial and nuclear data affirm that they belong to two monophyletic clades of Pliocene divergence (~3.5 My), only admixing over a relatively narrow contact zone restricted to the southeast of the Po Plain (50-100km). These characteristics are comparable to similarly-studied parapatric amphibians bearing a specific status. Inferred from their current geographic distribution, the two Italian tree frogs feature distinct ecological niches (<15% of niche overlap), raising questions regarding potential adaptive components contributing to their incipient speciation. However, we found no diagnostic morphological and bioacoustic differences between them. This system illustrates the speciation continuum of Western-Palearctic tree frogs and identifies additional cryptic lineages of similar divergence to be treated as separate species (H. cf. meridionalis). We recommend combined approaches using genomic data as applied here for the future taxonomic assessment of cryptic diversity in alloparapatric radiations of terrestrial vertebrates, especially in controversial taxa. Finally, we formally described the northern Italian tree frogs as a new species, Hyla perrini, sp. nov.

Functional responses of a cosmopolitan invader demonstrate intraspecific variability in consumer-resource dynamics.

BackgroundVariability in the ecological impacts of invasive species across their geographical ranges may decrease the accuracy of risk assessments. Comparative functional response analysis can be used to estimate invasive consumer-resource dynamics, explain impact variability, and thus potentially inform impact predictions. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has been introduced on multiple continents beyond its native range, although its ecological impacts appear to vary among populations and regions. Our aim was to test whether consumer-resource dynamics under standardized conditions are similarly variable across the current geographic distribution of green crab, and to identify correlated morphological features.MethodsCrabs were collected from multiple populations within both native (Northern Ireland) and invasive regions (South Africa and Canada). Their functional responses to local mussels (Mytilus spp.) were tested. Attack rates and handling times were compared among green crab populations within each region, and among regions (Pacific Canada, Atlantic Canada, South Africa, and Northern Ireland). The effect of predator and prey morphology on prey consumption was investigated.ResultsAcross regions, green crabs consumed prey according to a Type II (hyperbolic) functional response curve. Attack rates (i.e., the rate at which a predator finds and attacks prey), handling times and maximum feeding rates differed among regions. There was a trend toward higher attack rates in invasive than in native populations. Green crabs from Canada had lower handling times and thus higher maximum feeding rates than those from South Africa and Northern Ireland. Canadian and Northern Ireland crabs had significantly larger claws than South African crabs. Claw size was a more important predictor of the proportion of mussels killed than prey shell strength.DiscussionThe differences in functional response between regions reflect observed impacts of green crabs in the wild. This suggests that an understanding of consumer–resource dynamics (e.g., the per capita measure of predation), derived from simple, standardized experiments, might yield useful predictions of invader impacts across geographical ranges.

First record of Alophia drummondii (Iridaceae) for the Paraíba state and Caatinga vegetation, Brazilian northeastern

Alophia drummondii Graham R Foster Iridaceae species previously reported only from Pernambuco state in Cerrado vegetation is identified first time at Paraiba state in Caatinga vegetation Brazil The identification was based on literature reports including the protologue of the basyonim The present study includes description of species its habitat and phenology data as well as current geographical distribution

The First Records of Three Non-Biting Midge Species in Tunisia (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Three species of non-biting midges, Microchironomus deribae, Cricotopus (Isocladius) ornatus and Synendotendipes impar, are reported for the first time from the current fauna of Tunisia. All three species were collected close to a lake in a semi-desert area in Gasfa Governorate, Tunisia. Their diagnostic morphological characteristics are illustrated and their current geographical distribution in North Africa is discussed.

Three new species of Bathysciola Jeannel, 1910 (Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Leptodirini) from caves in Central Italy, comparing morphological taxonomy with molecular phylogeny

The genus Bathysciola is widely distributed in the northern Mediterranean region, although its range extends east to the Caucasus and Iran. More than 130 species belonging to this genus are actually known in the whole geographic distribution area and 45 species are distributed in continental and insular Italy. The species belonging to the Bathysciola sisernica Cerruti and Patrizi, 1952 species group occur in the Central-Southern Italian Apennines and Pre-Apennines. This group consists of seven species, four of which (B. sisernica, B. delayi Latella and Rampini, 1994, B. rampinii Latella, 2002, B. sbordoni Rampini and Latella, 1993) were already known to science and three are described herein, Bathysciola fabiolae sp. nov., Bathysciola octaviani sp. nov. , and Bathysciola valeriae sp. nov., markedly increasing the knowledge on the distribution of this genus in Central Italy. A morphological analysis was carried out based on diagnostic characters usually used to distinguish different taxa, and including both genitalia and external traits. Based on morphological characters, we reconstructed the phylogeny of this group of species, comparing them with the species belonging to other phyletic lineages, such as B. derosasi Jeannel, 1914, B. georgi Cerruti, Patrizi, 1952, B. vignai Sbordoni and Rampini, 1978, and B. sarteanensis sarteanensis (Bargagli, 1870). Results suggested that morphological traits show a clear taxonomic signal but a poor phylogenetic signal. To better understand the relationships within this group of species, we performed a molecular analysis by sequencing three mitochondrial genes, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, partially sequenced and the entire gene of COI. Molecular markers were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among the Bathysciola sisernica species group and to reconstruct the historical processes that shaped their current geographic distribution. Results showed that these species became isolated in very ancient times, showing very high genetic differentiation.

Expanding the geographical distribution of the Egyptian Mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon (Linnaeus, 1758), in South Africa

The current geographical distribution of the Egyptian Mongoose or Large Grey Mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon (Linnaeus, 1758), in South Africa is limited to the south-eastern coastal and eastern sections of the country. One recent sighting in the central part of the country suggested a wider geographical distribution. In this study, we report on confirmed sightings of the Egyptian Mongoose on consecutive years in the central part (at Sasol’s Synfuels Plant in Secunda) of the country. Our sightings thus expand the distribution of the Egyptian Mongoose in South Africa to include some sections of the central to eastern part of the country.

Are Millennials Coming to Town? Residential Location Choice of Young Adults

How widespread is the downtown resurgence among the current generation of young adults 25 to 34 years old, often referred to as the Millennials? Answering the question, this article provides a detailed analysis of the past, current, and future geographic population distribution, focusing on the young adults. It first documents the demographic shifts from 1990 to 2015 by distance from the central business districts (CBDs) of the 50 largest U.S. metros. The results of the intrametropolitan analysis reconcile the back-to-the-city thesis with sustained suburban growth, explaining how the two sides have reached different conclusions. Then this article empirically examines the generational residential patterns using a multinomial logistic regression, suggesting the generational characteristics of the Millennials, at least partially, explain their inclination to choose city center over suburbs. The simulations based on the model estimates indicate that ongoing demographic shifts might contribute to more population growth in urban centers over the next two decades.

The Economic Direction of Egyptian Grape Exports

Export sector is one of the main sectors that play an important role in achieving the economic growth in Egypt. It’s one of the most important sources of hard currency which is necessary for the overall economic development of the country. Grape is one of the most important export crops in Egypt, The average value of its exports represents about 4.36% of the average value of Egyptian agricultural exports, which is about 3.29 million dollars during the average period (2012-2016). The problem of research is about that the Egyptian agricultural exports in general and grapes exports in particular face a lot of problems and obstacles that stand in the way of increasing their export capacity. Some of the problems are related to the economic blocks, the plurality of the competing countries, the difference of the prices of export and the different capacity. Some other problems are related to the severe competition in the foreign markets, the non-matching specifications of the Egyptian grape exports to the standard specifications and the required quality in these markets. Other problems are related bad geographical misdistribution which affects its exporting portion. So, the objective of the research is to identify the current geographical distribution of Egyptian grape exports during the period (2012-2016) and the geographical redistribution of Egyptian grape exports to the different in order to achieve the best geographical distribution, in order to achieve the highest possible value of these exports in the foreign markets during the period (12–2016) The research has reached following results: 1- The quantity of grape exports to the European markets is estimated at about 19.68 thousand tons, representing about 17.97% of the average total Egyptian exports to importing countries. Britain is the largest market for Asian importing grapes, which imports about 30.59% of the average total of the Egyptian exports of grapes according to the current distribution of its exports. 2- The quantity of grape exports to the Arab and African is estimated at about 72.98 thousand tons, representing about 66.64% of the average total Egyptian exports to importing countries. Saudi Arabia is the largest market for Asian importing grapes, which imports about 5.05% of the average total of the Egyptian exports of grapes according to the current distribution of its exports. 3- The quantity of grape exports to the Asian is estimated at about 11.32 thousand tons, representing about 10.34% of the average total Egyptian exports to importing countries. Russia is the largest market for Asian importing grapes, which imports about 6.67% of the average total of the Egyptian exports of grapes according to the current distribution of its exports. Five models were used to provide the economic guidance for grape exports in order to achieve the highest possible economic return there are as follows (the free model- the model of the European markets-the model of the Arab and African countries- the model of Asian markets and the model of the markets with the highest export price). It has been show that free model and the model of the markets of the highest price countries are the best among the five proposed models. The first achieves an increase in the export earnings of about 222.77 million dollars, equivalent to about 100.26%. The second achieves an increase in the export earnings of about 231.92 million dollars, equivalent to about 104.37% of the average total value of Egyptian exports of grapes.

El registro más septentrional de la libélula gigante neotropical Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) en el continente Americano

Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782) is one of the largest damselflies in the world and it is recorded here for the first time in Acomul, state of Hidalgo, Mexico, being this the northernmost record known in the American Continent, which allows us to discuss its current geographic distribution and its taxonomic status.

Geographic distribution, habitat characterization, and conservation status of Bolboschoenus bulrushes (Cyperaceae) in the Hudson River Estuary, USA

Bulrushes of the genus Bolboschoenus are robust, ecologically important sedges occurring in wetlands, including intertidal marshes and mudflats. Despite their importance and multiple serious threats to their habitats, estuarine Bolboschoenus species remain poorly known. We conducted herbarium and field research in order to document historic and current geographic distributions, characterize the habitats, and assess the conservation status of Bolboschoenus species in the Hudson River Estuary, New York, U.S.A. Three species of Bolboschoenus grow in intertidal zones in the Hudson Estuary. Bolboschoenus fluviatilis occurs in the northern, upstream, and freshwater portion of the estuary with multi-year mean surface salinities of 0.078–2.0 ppt. Bolboschoenus robustus occupies the southernmost, downstream, and brackish to saline portion of the estuary with salinities of 4.9–16 ppt. Bolboschoenus novae-angliae occurs in the slightly to strongly brackish region between the other two species with salinities of 1.8–8.0 ppt. The geographic ranges of B. fluviatilis and B. robustus do not overlap, but B. novae-angliae has short zones of sympatry with each of the other two species. Syntopy of B. novae-angliae with each of the other two species is rare. In the Hudson Estuary, B. fluviatilis is secure, but B. novae-angliae and B. robustus are critically imperiled. Threats to future survival of Bolboschoenus species in the Hudson Estuary include competition from invasive plant species (especially Phragmites australis), eutrophication resulting from excess nutrient pollution, and habitat destruction. Our data and analyses provide critical new information for management of existing environmental problems and planned habitat restoration efforts in the Hudson River Estuary.

Václav Trnka ‐ the story of an almost forgotten Czech‐Austria‐Slovakia‐Hungarian anatomist of the 18th century, a founder of modern anatomy education in Hungary

Václav Trnka from Křovice (1739–1791, Latin: Wenzel Trnka Krzowitz) is a unique example of interconnecting the history of medicine within Central Europe. In view of the current geographical distribution of countries, he was born in the Czech Republic, graduated in Austria from the University of Vienna, he became Professor of Anatomy at the newly established Faculty of Medicine in Trnava (today Slovak Republic) and after moving of the University to Buda and later to Pest (today Budapest), he became the founder of the Hungarian anatomy. The region of Upper Hungary in the 17th–18th centuries, which is now known as the Slovak Republic, was traditionally multicultural. Within this region, the Slovak speaking people lived together with the Hungarian and German‐speaking communities. In 1635, Cardinal Péter Pázmány, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Esztergom, decided to found in Upper Hungary the university in order to improve the quality of education. At the University of Trnava, first there were established faculties of Philosophy, Theology and Law, Empress Maria Theresa also founded the Faculty of Medicine. The history of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Trnava was short and lasted only eight years, from 1769 to 1777, when the entire university moved to Buda (Budapest today, Hungary). The Faculty of Medicine in Trnava had five departments of which each was managed by a young graduate of the Vienna Medical School. Among them, there was a young and ambitious Václav Trnka. Trnka came from a noble Bohemian family and was born on October 18, 1739, in Tabor, today's Czech Republic. Václav Trnka became Doctor of Medicine in 1770 at the Medical Faculty in Vienna. As immediately this year he also became Professor of Anatomy at the newly established Faculty of Medicine in Trnava, it is believed he had had excellent teachers of anatomy. In Vienna, Trnka could still meet an anatomist J. L. Gasser (1723–1765). He wrote his doctoral thesis at the Vienna Military Hospital and devoted it to the issue of sciatica. His work was titled “De Morbo Coxario”. Václav Trnka led the Institute of Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine in Trnava from 1770. He introduced anatomy according to the textbooks by J. B. Winslow of Paris (“Expositio anatomica”), B. S. Albinus of Leyden (“De sceleto humano”) and A. Schaarschmidt of Berlin (“Anatomische Tabellen”). Trnka never wrote his own textbook on anatomy, although he published many clinically‐oriented monographs. After the release of the Latin version of the anatomical compendium (1777) by J. F. von Leberius (1727–1808), a court surgeon of Maria Theresa, Trnka used mostly that particular 412‐page work to teach anatomy. After the death of his personal friend Professor Michael Schoreticz in 1786, Václav Trnka took over the teaching of pathology and later internal medicine after him. According to records, Trnka was highly recognized by both colleagues and students. He became Dean of the Faculty of Medicine three times and in the years 1786–1787 he was even Rector of the whole university. Despite the fact that Trnka is considered the founder of the Hungarian anatomy and a major medical figure in Central Europe, there has not been published any biographical information about him in the English language yet. Therefore, through this poster presentation, we would like to remind Václav Trnka both as an anatomist and medical polymath, as well as the beginnings of teaching anatomy in present‐day Slovakia and Hungary.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Ecological Niche Modeling of Ommatissus Lybicus (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) De Bergevin

Date palm hooper is one of the most important pests on date palms with many highly diverged populations varied in damaging rate and preferring host cultivar. Current and potential geographic distribution of date palm hopper, Ommatissus lybicus (de Bergevin; Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) in Iran was modeled using the Maxent procedure. Point sampling data sets included latitude, longitude, and altitude and were augmented with data on 19 bioclimatic variables retrieved from WorldClim dataset for use as predictor variables in Maxent. Maxent results demonstrated that northwest Sistan-Baluchestan, east, south and southeast Kerman, northeast and northwest Hormozgan and small districts of Bushehr provinces are hot spot habitats for O. lybicus in Iran. Jackknife analysis revealed that precipitation of warmest quarter was the most influential explanatory variable in determining distribution of O. lybiucs in Iran. Moreover, curve response and frequency distribution analyses revealed that annual mean temperature was the most predictive factor of the distribution of O. lybicus. Discontinuity in predicted hot spot habitats of O. lybicus was consistent with the genetic structure recorded for this species. Our study represents valuable information that can inform pest management strategies aimed at preventing population expansion and niche shift.

Androctonus genus species in arid regions: Ecological niche models, geographical distributions, and envenomation risk.

Aim:The objective of this study was to establish environmental factors related to scorpion species occurrence and their current potential geographic distributions in Morocco, to produce a current envenomation risk map and also to assess the human population at risk of envenomation.Materials and Methods:In this study, 71 georeferenced points for all scorpion species and nine environmental indicators were used to generate species distribution models in Maxent (maximum entropy modeling of species geographic distributions) version 3.3.3k. The models were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), using the omission error and the binomial probability. With the data generated by Maxent, distribution and envenomation risk maps were produced using the “ESRI® ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Desktop” software.Results:The models had high predictive success (AUC >0.95±0.025). Altitude, slope and five bioclimatic attributes were found to play a significant role in determining Androctonus scorpion species distribution. Ecological niche models (ENMs) showed high concordance with the known distribution of the species. Produced risk map identified broad risk areas for Androctonus scorpion envenomation, extending along Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Souss-Massa-Draa, and some areas of Doukkala-Abda and Oriental regions.Conclusion:Considering these findings ENMs could be useful to afford important information on distributions of medically important scorpion species as well as producing scorpion envenomation risk maps.

Phylogeny, biogeography and diversification patterns of side-necked turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira).

Pleurodires or side-necked turtles are today restricted to freshwater environments of South America, Africa–Madagascar and Australia, but in the past they were distributed much more broadly, being found also on Eurasia, India and North America, and marine environments. Two hypotheses were proposed to explain this distribution; in the first, vicariance would have shaped the current geographical distribution and, in the second, extinctions constrained a previously widespread distribution. Here, we aim to reconstruct pleurodiran biogeographic history and diversification patterns based on a new phylogenetic hypothesis recovered from the analysis of the largest morphological dataset yet compiled for the lineage, testing which biogeographical process prevailed during its evolutionary history. The resulting topology generally agrees with previous hypotheses of the group and shows that most diversification shifts were related to the exploration of new niches, e.g. littoral or marine radiations. In addition, as other turtles, pleurodires do not seem to have been much affected by either the Cretaceous–Palaeogene or the Eocene–Oligocene mass extinctions. The biogeographic analyses highlight the predominance of both anagenetic and cladogenetic dispersal events and support the importance of transoceanic dispersals as a more common driver of area changes than previously thought, agreeing with previous studies with other non-turtle lineages.