Distinct Species Research Articles

Nomenclatural notes on Isodon glaucocalyx and segregation from Isodon japonicus (Lamiaceae)

The Isodon genus comprises 100 species and is predominantly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions throughout Asia. The current study highlights the necessity of addressing the nomenclatural problem concerning Isodon japonicus and Isodon glaucocalyx. In 1832, Bentham treated Scutellaria japonica as the synonym of Plectranthus coetsa. Consequently, in some Indian botanical literature, P. coetsa is referred to as P. japonicus. Later, P. coetsa along with S. japonica was included as synonyms of P. glaucocalyx var. japonicus and due to publication priority resulting in I. glaucocalyx being considered a variety of I. japonicus, even though they are distinct species.

Taxonomic Studies on Indian Guttiferae III. the Genus <I>Garcinia</I> Linn. S.l.

The paper deals with the taxonomic treatment of the genus Garcinia Linn, (including Xanthochymus Roxb.) as occurring in India. The study was undertaken with a view to enumerate the wild types of Indian Garcinias that produce the 'gummi-gutt' or gamboge of commerce and which may be utilized in the improvement of the fruit of mangosteen (G. mangostana Linn.). Thirty five species are recognized in the area, of which thirty one species occur wild ; the rest are introduced into cultivation. Ten species are restricted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. One Burmese species, G. loniceroides T. Anders., has been discovered in Assam. A new variety of G. echinocarpaThwaites, namely var. monticola Mahesh., is reported from southern India. These are described in detail and their synonymy, distribution, uses, vernacular names, etc. are ascertained. A key to the species is presented.G. eugeniaefolia Wall, ex T. Anders., is incorporated in G. brevirostris Scheff. G. ovalifolia Hook.f. var. macrantha T. Anders, (syn. G. malabarica Talb., non Desr.) is raised to specific rank as G. talbotii Raiz. ex Santapau. G. affinis Wall, ex Pierre, G. pictoria Roxb., and G. acuminata Planch. & Triana, are treated as distinct species. T. Anderson (1874) in the Flora of British India has united G. kydia Roxb. with G. cowa Roxb. It is concluded here that these species should be kept separate. The details are discussed in this paper.

Taxonomic characterization of five species of emperor fishes (Actinopterygii: Eupercaria: Lethrinidae) based on external morphology, morphometry, and geographic distribution in the northwestern Indian Ocean

Species of the genus Lethrinus, commonly referred to as emperor fishes, mainly distributed in the Indo–West Pacific, including the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are poorly known. It is difficult to characterize them morphologically, as there are no distinguishing meristic features for the majority of species. We studied the morphological features of 65 specimens representing the genus Lethrinus to define and identify the species involved. Among the morphological characters commonly considered in this type of study, we also included new, previously undescribed characters. The results of Tukey’s post hoc HSD test for metric and meristic variables, which showed significant differences between species in ANOVA, indicate that most metric traits and the number of scale rows above the lateral line differ significantly among the five morphotypes distinguished. Principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) effectively showed the morphometric variation between these morphotypes. The characteristics of body depth, head length, pectoral fin length, and caudal fin length are the most distinguishing diagnostic at the species level. We determined that the collected fish specimens represented: Lethrinus borbonicus Valenciennes, 1830, Lethrinus crocineus Smith, 1959, Lethrinus lentjan (Lacepède, 1802), Lethrinus microdon Valenciennes, 1830, and Lethrinus nebulosus (Forsskål, 1775). We also confirmed their validity as distinct species. Notably, L. crocineus, previously known only from the western Indian Ocean (Africa and Socotra), is now reported for the first time from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Lastly, a distribution map for the Lethrinus species is included.

Variety Breeding Studies on Hesperis isatidea (Boİss.) D.A. German & Al-Shehbaz

Hesperis isatidea (Boiss.) D.A.German & Al-Shehbaz, a member of the Brassicaceae family, represents a distinctive natural species characterized by its fragrant, conspicuous inflorescences, unique flower coloration, and distinct feather-like foliage. The Turkish name of the species is known as “Allı Gelin”. This species is native, exhibiting resilience to drought conditions and requiring minimal care. Cultivation studies on this species were carried out at Erzincan Horticulture Research Institute (Turkey) with project number 106G022 within the scope of TÜBİTAK (Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council). The research aimed to determine optimal production techniques through generative and vegetative propagation methods. The project, initiated in 2013 and concluded in 2022, focused on developing a cultivar of the Allı Gelin plant using texel selection breeding techniques. Thirteen populations of Allı Gelin from institute's gene pool were utilized. Employing the Texel Selection method, four distinct lines were identified: compact, tightly spread compact, pyramid1and pyramid-2 shaped. Subsequent baby plant tests revealed stability in the tightly spread compact and pyramid-1 lines, leading to their selection for further breeding. Although breeding efforts continued on the compact line, the pyramid-2 line was discontinued due to an inability to attain the desired stability. The successfully tested variants, namely the pyramid-1 and tightly spread compact forms, have been earmarked as candidates for outdoor ornamental plant varieties. Registration procedures for these candidates are underway. These new varieties promise to enrich diversity within the ornamental plants sector, potentially enhancing competitiveness in foreign markets.

New report and range extension of invasive suckermouth armored catfishes of the genus Pterygoplichthys (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Loricariidae) in the Yucatan Peninsula

Commonly known as suckermouth armored catfishes or pleco, Pterygoplichthys spp. are a group of invasive fishes that are widely distributed in several countries, including Mexico. This paper reports the first records of suckermouth armored catfishes in the Candelaria River, thereby expanding its distribution within the Yucatan Peninsula. Fifteen individuals were collected from three sites in the upper and middle parts of the basin. They represented two phenotypically distinct species of catfishes: (vermiculate) Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991) and (spotted) Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855). Adults and juveniles were caught in lotic ecosystems in 2023 during the dry and rainy seasons. Results suggest that the invasive process of the Candelaria River is linked to the San Pedro River upper basin, in El Petén, Guatemala, through floodings enhanced by hurricanes, allowing these species to disperse. These records highlight the importance of connectivity between adjacent watersheds for the dispersal and expansion of these invasive fishes, mainly from rivers neighboring Guatemala. However, further research is necessary to explore the dynamics and connectivity between aquatic ecosystems and the possible mechanisms that promote the invasion of these fishes in this region.

Plastid Phylogenetics, Biogeography, and Character Evolution of the Chinese Endemic Genus Sinojackia Hu

Sinojackia Hu. comprises five to eight Chinese endemic species with high ornamental and medicinal value. However, the generic limits, interspecific relationships and evolutionary history of the genus remain unresolved. In this study, we newly sequenced three plastomes of S. oblongicarpa and compared them with those of the other congeneric species to explore the taxonomic delimitation of the species and the evolutionary history of the genus. The plastome structure of Sinojackia species was extremely conserved in terms of number of genes, sequence length, and GC content. The codon usage patterns revealed that natural selection may be the main factor shaping codon usage bias. Our phylogenetic tree shows that Sinojackia is monophyletic and can be divided into two clades. Sinojackia oblongicarpa as a distinct species is supported for it is distantly related to S. sarcocarpa. The evolutionary analysis of morphological features indicates that the woody mesocarp is an ancestral feature. Sinojackia originated in central Southeast China during the early Miocene. In this period, it experienced elevated diversification and migrated from central Southeast China to the Hunan Province and the Sichuan Province with the development of the Asian monsoon and East Asian flora. Glacial–interglacial interactions with the monsoon climate may provide favorable expansion conditions for Sinojackia on a small scale.

Ant-plant networks exhibit distinct species diversity but similar organization in urban and wild areas of neotropical savannas

Ant-plant networks exhibit distinct species diversity but similar organization in urban and wild areas of neotropical savannas

Multivariate statistical analysis of bioavailability of heavy metals and mineral characterization in selected species of coastal flora

This study presents a thorough investigation into the concentration of heavy metals and mineral composition within four distinct coastal flora species: Cyperus conglomeratus, Halopyrum mucronatum, Sericostem pauciflorum, and Salvadora persica. Employing rigorous statistical methodologies such as Pearson coefficient correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and interclass correlation (ICC), we aimed to elucidate the bioavailability of heavy metals, minerals, and relevant physical characteristics. The analysis focused on essential elements including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl–), all of which are known to play pivotal roles in the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Through PCA, we discerned distinctive patterns within PC1 to PC4, collectively explaining an impressive 99.65% of the variance observed in heavy metal composition across the studied flora species. These results underscore the profound influence of environmental factors on the mineral composition of coastal flora, offering critical insights into the ecological processes shaping these vital ecosystems. Furthermore, significant correlations among mineral contents in H. mucronatum; K+ with content of Na+ (r = 0.989) and Mg2+ (r = 0.984); as revealed by ICC analyses, contributed to a nuanced understanding of variations in electrical conductivity (EC), pH levels, and ash content among the diverse coastal flora species. By shedding light on heavy metal and mineral dynamics in coastal flora, this study not only advances our scientific understanding but also provides a foundation for the development of targeted environmental monitoring and management strategies aimed at promoting the ecological sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Comprehensive molecular interaction map of TGFβ induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the prevailing cancers globally, with a high mortality rate. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an advanced stage of cancer, characterised by a highly nonlinear, heterogeneous process involving numerous singling pathways and regulatory interactions. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) emerges as a key mechanism exploited by cancer cells. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ)-dependent signalling is attributed to promote EMT in advanced stages of breast cancer. A comprehensive regulatory map of TGFβ induced EMT was developed through an extensive literature survey. The network assembled comprises of 312 distinct species (proteins, genes, RNAs, complexes), and 426 reactions (state transitions, nuclear translocations, complex associations, and dissociations). The map was developed by following Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) using Cell Designer and made publicly available using MINERVA (http://35.174.227.105:8080/minerva/?id=Metastatic_Breast_Cancer_1). While the complete molecular mechanism of MBC is still not known, the map captures the elaborate signalling interplay of TGFβ induced EMT-promoting MBC. Subsequently, the disease map assembled was translated into a Boolean model utilising CaSQ and analysed using Cell Collective. Simulations of these have captured the known experimental outcomes of TGFβ induced EMT in MBC. Hub regulators of the assembled map were identified, and their transcriptome-based analysis confirmed their role in cancer metastasis. Elaborate analysis of this map may help in gaining additional insights into the development and progression of metastatic breast cancer.

Devonian Harpetidae from the central and eastern Anti–Atlas, Morocco

Devonian Harpetidae from the central and eastern Anti–Atlas, Morocco

Assessment of Fisheries Diversity in Mathabhanga River in the Southwestern Part of Bangladesh

Mathabhanga is an important and well-known river in the southwestern part of Bangladesh due to its role in fish production and as a vital income source for numerous fishermen. The study was carried out from August 2022 to July 2023 to reveal the existing aquatic resources and their composition, along with diversity, richness, and evenness indices. A comprehensive list of 57 distinct fish species has been documented, spanning across 8 orders, 22 families, and 42 genera. Within these, the Cypriniformes order exhibited the highest diversity in terms of both species count and observed individuals. Among the fish species inhabiting the Mathabhanga river, approximately 29.83% are considered threatened in Bangladesh, comprising 14.04% categorized as vulnerable (VU), 14.04% as endangered (EN), and 1.75% as critically endangered (CR). Overall values of the diversity index ranged from 2.45 to 3.15, richness was 3.81 to 6.17, and evenness index was 0.72 to 0.84. The investigation revealed that fish biodiversity in the Mathabhanga River has been steadily decreasing. This study suggested that fisheries should be managed through community-based fisheries management, establishing fish sanctuary, water pollution control, maintenance of fishing gear, and the implementation of the Fish Act for the sustainable management of fish biodiversity in the Mathabhanga River. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 1, April 2024: 93-103

Application of volume‐translated rescaled perturbed‐chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state to pure compounds using an expansive experimental database

AbstractThe performance of the perturbed‐chain statistical associating fluid theory‐type equations of state (PC‐SAFT‐type EOSs) is compromised in predicting properties of pure compounds in the critical region. In our previous research, we introduced an improved volume‐translated rescaled PC‐SAFT EOS (VTR‐PC‐SAFT EOS) by incorporating a dimensionless distance‐function. Such VTR‐PC‐SAFT EOS is built based on a critical point‐based PC‐SAFT EOS that can reproduce the critical temperature, critical pressure, and critical molar volume of pure compounds. VTR‐PC‐SAFT EOS is found to significantly improve the accuracy of phase behavior predictions in both critical and noncritical regions for pure compounds. In this study, we assess the performance of VTR‐PC‐SAFT EOS in reproducing the critical and noncritical properties of 251 pure compounds, encompassing 20 distinct chemical species. The testing results indicate that, compared to the other three PC‐SAFT‐type EOSs, the VTR‐PC‐SAFT EOS can consistently provide more accurate representations of critical and noncritical properties of 251 pure compounds.

A practical, step-by-step, guide to taxonomic comparisons using Procrustes geometric morphometrics and user-friendly software (part B): group comparisons

In this second part of the study, using a ‘clean’ dataset without very low precision landmarks and outliers, I describe how to compare mandibular size and shape using Procrustes methods in adult North American marmots. After demonstrating that sex differences are negligible, females and males are pooled together with specimens of unknown sex and species are compared using a battery of tests, that estimate both statistical significance and effect size. The importance of allometric variation and its potential effect on shape differences is also explored. Finally, to provide potential clues on founder effects, I compare the magnitude of variance in mandibular size and shape between the Vancouver Island marmot (VAN) and the hoary marmot, its sister species on the mainland. In almost all main analyses, I explore the sensitivity of results to heterogeneous sample size and small samples using subsamples and randomized selection experiments. For both size and shape, I find a degree of overlap among species variation but, with very few exceptions, mean interspecific differences are well supported in all analyses. Shape, in particular, is an accurate predictor of taxonomic affiliation. Allometry in adults, however, explains a modest amount of within-species shape change. Yet, there is a degree of divergence in allometric trajectories that seems consistent with subgeneric separation. VAN is the most distinctive species for mandibular shape and mandibular morphology suggests a long history of reduced variation in this insular population. Geometric morphometrics (GMM) is a powerful tool to aid taxonomic research. Regardless of the effectiveness of this family of methods and the apparent robustness of results obtained with GMM, however, large samples and careful measurements remain essential for accuracy. Even with excellent data, morphometrics is important, but its findings must be corroborated with an integrative approach that combines multiple lines of evidence to taxonomic assessment. The analytical protocol I suggest is described in detail, with a summary checklist, in the Appendix, not to miss important steps. All the analyses can be replicated using the entire dataset, which is freely available online. Beginners may follow all the steps, whereas more experienced researchers can focus on one specific aspect and read only the relevant chapter. There are limitations, but the protocol is flexible and easy to improve or implement using a programming language such as R.

Arctic phytoplankton microdiversity across the marginal ice zone: Subspecies vulnerability to sea-ice loss

Seasonal phytoplankton blooms are important Arctic phenomena, contributing to global primary production and biogeochemical cycling. The decline in sea-ice extent and thickness favors a longer open-water period with impacts on phytoplankton dynamics. Arctic net productivity is influenced by microalgae living associated with sea ice, with distinct species thought to be favored by ice-covered and ice-free waters. In this study, we investigated the phytoplankton community structure in Baffin Bay, a semi-enclosed sea where Arctic and North Atlantic water masses interact. We compared communities from the ice-free Atlantic-influenced eastern, the marginal ice zone, and the ice-covered Arctic-influenced western Baffin Bay. The community was characterized using 18S rRNA high-throughput amplicon sequencing and flow cytometry cell counting, and compared to environmental data collected during the Green Edge campaign. We sampled 16 stations grouped by sectors according to sea-ice cover. In the sectors associated with sea ice, phytoplankton formed a highly diverse community of smaller taxa, which contrasted with a low-diversity community in ice-free sectors, dominated by larger centric diatoms and Phaeocystis pouchetii adapted to high light/low nutrient conditions. Several phytoplankton species were flagged as indicators for the under-ice and marginal ice zone sectors, including ice-associated taxa such as the diatoms Melosira arctica and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata, but also subspecies representatives of the early-blooming alga Micromonas polaris and the cryptophyte Baffinella frigidus. The strong association of certain taxa with under-ice and marginal ice zone sectors, including Pterosperma sp., Chrysochromulina sp., Micromonas polaris, and B. frigidus, suggest that they might be indicators of diversity loss due to ongoing sea-ice changes in Baffin Bay. We report new intra-species variability of Micromonas polaris suggesting that seasonal specialists could wax and wane over the bloom and non-bloom periods, highlighting the need for detailed year-long studies and the importance of microdiversity when assessing the diversity and distribution of polar phytoplankton.

Oxyrrhynchium hians (Brachytheciaceae, Bryophyta) includes several morphologically distinct and cryptic species in northwestern Europe

Oxyrrhynchium hians (Brachytheciaceae, Bryophyta) includes several morphologically distinct and cryptic species in northwestern Europe

Influence of climatic factors on the life stages of Aedes mosquitoes and vectorial transmission: A review.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two sympatric mosquito species that compete with each other for resources when their breeding habitats overlap. This study examines what happens when sympatric Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes' mate with each other and other species by looking at insemination rates, fecundity, and hatchability rate. We performed controlled mating experiments in laboratory setting, assessing both conspecific and interspecific crosses. We measured insemination rates, egg numbers, and hatching success to examine the reproductive interference dynamics between these two distinct mosquito species. In the context of conspecific mating, it was observed that both female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus exhibited high insemination rates, with percentages of 98% and 94%, respectively. However, interspecific mating exhibited interesting asymmetries: Ae. albopictus males achieved a notable insemination success rate of 28% when mating with Ae. aegypti females, while Ae. aegypti males achieved only 8% insemination success with Ae. albopictus females. Additionally, females that mated with interspecific males had reduced production of viable eggs compared to conspecific mating. Most notably, interspecific mating resulted in the production of infertile eggs, while conspecific mating led to successful hatching. The study reveals that, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus can asymmetrically interfere with each other's reproduction, causing a 'satyr' effect. This understanding of interspecific competition and reproductive interference in these mosquito species could impact their coexistence in shared breeding habitats.

Molecular authentication of commercial "Qian-hu" through the integration of nrDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 and nucleotide signature.

Peucedani Radix, also known as "Qian-hu" is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. It is widely utilized for treating wind-heat colds and coughs accompanied by excessive phlegm. However, due to morphological similarities, limited resources, and heightened market demand, numerous substitutes and adulterants of Peucedani Radix have emerged within the herbal medicine market. Moreover, Peucedani Radix is typically dried and sliced for sale, rendering traditional identification methods challenging. We initially examined and compared 104 commercial "Qian-hu" samples from various Chinese medicinal markets and 44 species representing genuine, adulterants or substitutes, utilizing the mini barcode ITS2 region to elucidate the botanical origins of the commercial "Qian-hu". The nucleotide signature specific to Peucedani Radix was subsequently developed by analyzing the polymorphic sites within the aligned ITS2 sequences. The results demonstrated a success rate of 100% and 93.3% for DNA extraction and PCR amplification, respectively. Forty-five samples were authentic "Qian-hu", while the remaining samples were all adulterants, originating from nine distinct species. Peucedani Radix, its substitutes, and adulterants were successfully identified based on the neighbor-joining tree. The 24-bp nucleotide signature (5'-ATTGTCGTACGAATCCTCGTCGTC-3') revealed distinct differences between Peucedani Radix and its common substitutes and adulterants. The newly designed specific primers (PR-F/PR-R) can amplify the nucleotide signature region from commercial samples and processed materials with severe DNA degradation. We advocate for the utilization of ITS2 and nucleotide signature for the rapid and precise identification of herbal medicines and their adulterants to regulate the Chinese herbal medicine industry.

Oxynoemacheilus kottelati, a new species from the Havran and Karınca streams in Northern Aegean Basin, Türkiye (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae)

The taxonomic status of the Oxynoemacheilus from the Karınca and Havran streams in the north Aegean Basin was evaluated, and it was concluded that these populations contain a new species. The new species, Oxynoemacheilus kottelatisp. nov., is distinguished by a body with a marbled pattern, a deeper caudal peduncle, a shorter caudal peduncle, a wider interorbital distance, and a shorter middle caudal-fin lope. Oxynoemacheilus kottelatisp. nov. is differentiated from the closest species, O. marmaraensis, in possessing 51 nucleotide substitution sites, a genetic distance of 8.40%, the presence of an axillary lobe at the base of the pelvic fin (vs. absent), and a narrower median incision in the upper lip (vs. absent). Three species delimitation tests (ASAP, ABGD, and PTP) and phylogenetic analyses reinforce the validity of O. kottelatisp. nov. as a distinct species.

Morphological and Molecular Characters Differentiate Common Morphotypes of Atlantic Holopelagic Sargassum

Since 2011, massive new strandings of holopelagic Sargassum have been reported on the coasts of the Caribbean, northern Brazil, Guiana, and West Africa, causing severe economic and ecological damage. Three common morphotypes (S. fluitans III, S. natans I, and S. natans VIII) were identified as responsible for these catastrophic events, with dominance shifts between them over time. However, the taxonomic status of these holopelagic Sargassum morphotypes remains unclear. Using an integrative taxonomy framework, combining a morphological study and molecular analyses, this study aimed to clarify their taxonomic status. Morphological analyses of 54 characters revealed no intermediate form between the three morphotypes, with the overall shape, nature of the axis, and size and shape of blades and vesicles being the most discriminating. An analysis of mitochondrial (IGS, cox2, cox3, mt16S rRNA, and nad6) and plastid (rbcL) markers confirmed the genetic divergence among the three morphotypes, with a lower level of divergence between the two S. natans morphotypes. Without additional molecular characterization, these morphotypes cannot be classified as three distinct species. However, due to their distinct morphological characteristics and sympatry within drifting aggregations, a revision of holopelagic species names is proposed, with Sargassum fluitans var. fluitans (for S. fluitans III), Sargassum natans var. natans (for S. natans I), and S. natans var. wingei (for S. natans VIII). This revision provides necessary clarity on the species involved in inundations of the tropical Atlantic.

New Understanding of Meta-Topolin Riboside Metabolism in Micropropagated Woody Plants.

Topolin cytokinins have emerged as valuable tools in micropropagation. This study investigates the metabolism of meta-topolin riboside (mTR) in three distinct tree species: Handroanthus guayacan and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae), and Tectona grandis (Lamiaceae). Employing labeled N15 mTR, we unraveled the complex mechanisms underlying cytokinin homeostasis, identifying N9-glucosylation as the principal deactivation pathway. Our findings demonstrate a capacity in T. rosea and H. guayacan to reposition the hydroxyl group on the cytokinin molecule, a previously unexplored metabolic pathway. Notably, this study reveals remarkable interfamilial and interspecies differences in mTR metabolism, challenging established perspectives on the role of callus tissue in cytokinin storage. These insights not only illuminate the metabolic intricacies of mTR, a cytokinin with interesting applications in plant tissue culture, but also enhances our understanding of cytokinin dynamics in plant systems, thereby enriching the scientific discourse on plant physiology and cytokinin biology.