High Species Diversity Research Articles

Climate cycling did not affect haplotype distribution in an abundant Southern African avian habitat generalist species, the familiar chat (Oenanthe familiaris).

Avian species diversity in Southern Africa is remarkably high, yet the mechanisms responsible for that diversity are poorly understood. While this is particularly true with respect to species endemic to the subregion, it is unclear as to how more broadly distributed African species may have colonized southern Africa. One process that may in part account for the high bird species diversity in southern Africa is a "species pump" model, wherein the region was repeatedly colonized by lineages from areas further north: a pattern related to climate cycling and the eastern African arid corridor. Once occupying southern Africa, with its many varied biomes, it is possible that climate cycling further affected lineages by generating genetic diversity in multiple refugia, a pattern recently shown for several southern African bird species. Here, we used mtDNA to address these questions in a widespread, sedentary habitat generalist bird species, the familiar chat (Oenanthe familiaris). The phylogenetic structure suggests a north-to-south colonization pattern, supporting the "species pump" model. Haplotype diversity was partitioned into two distinct clusters: southern Africa and Malawi (East Africa). Southern African haplotypes were not geographically partitioned, and we hypothesize that this pattern has arisen because this species is a habitat generalist, and as such resilient to habitat-altering climate perturbations. Based on our phylogenetic results, we discuss the validity of currently recognized subspecies.

Assessment of Beetles Diversity and Abundance in Forest Edge and Grassland Ecosystems of Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve

This survey of beetles abundance and diversity was conducted at the Nigerian Montane Forest Project, Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve (NMFP). The study aimed to assess the abundance and diversity of beetles at the Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve located at Latitude 7°05′ N and Longitude 11°04′ E. It was carried out for one month from September to October 2021. Stratified sampling method was used to divide the study location into two major habitats; forest fragment and grassland and subsequently plots. A total of 200m line transect was established each on the selected habitat types. Pitfall traps were placed at 50m intervals along a 200m transect for the selected habitats. Hand-pick was adopted for beetle collection along the line transects. Sample collections were carried out in the morning and in the evening between the hours of 6 am and 8pm respectively. A total of 233 beetles were collected consisting of 24 species. The highest species diversity was recorded in the grassland (H’= 2.65). The relative Abundance is 0.69 and 0.3 from the 2 habitats. The Abundance of beetles in the forest reserve contributes to the ecosystem of the forest.

Plant species richness and legume presence increase microbial necromass carbon accumulation

Biodiversity control experiments have demonstrated that higher plant species richness increases plant production and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. However, although microbial necromass C constitutes a substantial and stable component of SOC, the effect of species richness on microbial necromass C accumulation remains unclear, especially concerning the presence or absence of legumes. We conducted an 8-year grassland biodiversity experiment to investigate how changes in plant diversity, with or without legumes, affect microbial necromass C and its proportion in SOC. Aboveground and root biomass increased by 254 % and 195 %, respectively, from monoculture plots to those with twelve species. SOC, total nitrogen (N), and microbial biomass C (MBC) all increased with plant species richness, independent of legume presence. The presence of legumes further increased the SOC, total N, MBC, and inorganic N compared to plots without legumes. Microbial necromass C increased by 48.3 % in twelve-species mixtures compared to monocultures; however, the ratio of microbial necromass C to SOC remained stable with increasing species diversity. Notably, the presence of legumes increased both the accumulation of microbial necromass C and its proportion in SOC compared to the absence of legumes at both high and low species diversity levels. This greater accumulation was primarily driven by increased plant productivity and microbial biomass, induced by legume-associated nitrogen fixation. Our findings highlight significant implications for ecosystem management: maintaining high levels of plant species diversity, particularly in conjunction with legumes, can increase microbial necromass C and enhance soil C sequestration.

Terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscidea) in the Upper Mežica valley

The distribution of terrestrial isopods in many parts of Slovenia is still poorly documented. This article is a contribution to the knowledge of the terrestrial isopod fauna in the Upper Mežica Valley, which is known for its long mining tradition. Isopods were collected from April to October 2022 by hand from 49 localities in the wider area of two towns – Žerjav and Črna na Koroškem in the area of Podpeca, the area above the Bistra Valley, and in the areas Spodnje Javorje and Javorje. Twelve different taxa of terrestrial isopods were determined, eleven of them to the species level. The most frequently found isopod was Trachelipus ratzeburgii as the researched area is mainly forest covered. However, the highest diversity of species was recorded in urban and semiurban areas. Oniscus asellus was found in the town Črna na Koroškem, which is probably the second documented location of O. asellus in Slovenia.

Floristic Diversity of Natural Forest Patches Across Agroclimatic Zones in Northwestern Ethiopian

Background Natural forest resources in northwestern Ethiopia are currently under threat, requiring immediate conservation measures and a management strategy. Thus, an understanding of the present floristic diversity status is required. There is lack of such type of studies specific to fragmented forest patches and across environmental factors. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the existing state of these resources to apply sustainable forest management practices. Methods To achieve this, transects with 200 square plots measuring 400 m2 were set up at nine forest patches with 200m spacing between plots and transects. Vegetation and environmental data were collected and analyzed using R version 4.1. Results Significant variations (p 0.008) were found in vegetation features along the slope, forest patches, and agroclimatic zone. When compared to other forest patches, highland, and mid-altitude forest patches had the highest species diversity (2.48) and stocking (2578 trees/ha). The gentle slope has the most species diversity (2.83). The species similarity between highland and mid-altitude forest habitats was found significant (69%). The vegetation cover in the mid-altitude forest patches was also high (abundance: 5-12%). In all the forest patches examined, tree life forms exceeded shrubs, climbers, and herbs. Conclusions According to the study’s findings, the state of forest resources varies considerably across different environmental variations. Despite the impression of entire forest patches from the outside, the interiors are open, with only huge and mature trees covering the canopy. This state has been triggered by deforestation, degradation, and inappropriate human and grazing operations.

An analysis of the gaps in the South African DNA barcoding library of ticks of veterinary and public health importance.

Ticks transmit pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. Understanding their diversity is critical as infestations lead to significant economic losses globally. To date, over 90 species across three families have been identified in South Africa. However, the taxonomy of most species has not been resolved due to morphological identification challenges. DNA barcoding through the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) is therefore a valuable tool for species verifications for biodiversity assessments. This study conducted an analysis of South African tick COI barcodes on BOLD by verifying species on checklists, literature, and other sequence databases. The compiled list represented 97 species, including indigenous (59), endemics (27), introduced (2), invasives (1), and eight that could not be classified. Analyses indicated that 31 species (32%) from 11 genera have verified COI barcodes. These are distributed across all nine provinces with the Eastern Cape having the highest species diversity, followed by Limpopo, with KwaZulu-Natal having the least diversity. Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Argas species had multiple barcode index numbers, suggesting cryptic diversity or unresolved taxonomy. We identified 21 species of veterinary or zoonotic importance from the Argasidae and Ixodidae families that should be prioritised for barcoding. Coordinating studies and defining barcoding targets is necessary to ensure that tick checklists are updated to support decision-making for the control of vector-borne diseases and alien invasives.

Associations Between Species and Habitat Niches of Macroalgae In Maitara Island Waters, North Tidore District, Indonesia

Macroalgae have many benefits, both ecological and economic benefits for society. The ecological benefits of macroalgae that they provide habitat for several types of marine biota such as crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, fish or other small fish. Macroalgae on Maitara Island has a fairly high species diversity; however its existence is currently starting to experience pressure, especially due to human activities (residents) who inhabit Maitara Island. The aim of this research is to determine the types of macroalgae, and patterns of association. The methods used in this research were identify of macroalga and associations between species of organisms. Based on the research, 14 species found in Maitara Island waters, with associatoin pattern consists of 3 types such as; positive association, negative association, and non association.

Species diversity, relative abundance, and habitat association of small mammals in Wenchi montane forests, central Ethiopia

Abstract A survey on the diversity, abundance, and habitat association of small mammals in Wenchi Highland, central Ethiopia, was carried out from August 2019 to January 2021. Small mammals were trapped at six different habitats (Hagenia Woodland, Erica Scrub, Qibate, Lakeshore, Erica, and Albesa Forests) using Sherman and snap traps in standard trapping grids. A total of 937 rodents belonging to 12 species (Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Desmomys yaldeni, Mastomys natalensis, M. awashensis, Stenocephaylemys albipes, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, L. brevicaudus, L. chrysopus, Dendromus lovati, Lophiomys imhausi, Graphirius murinus, and an unidentified murid rodent), and 22 insectivores belonging to 3 species (Crocidura bailey, C. fumosa and C. olivieri) were recorded. Hystrix cristata and Tachyoryctes splendens were also recorded through indirect evidence. About 52.9% of the identified small mammals were endemic to Ethiopia. A significant variation was observed in the captures of small mammals. The capture rate was higher in live traps (23.85%) than in snap traps (8.26%). The diversity and composition of small mammal species varied among habitats. The highest species diversity (H’=1.656) was recorded in Albesa Forest, while the lowest was in Erica Scrub (H’=1.409) and Qibate Forest (H’=1.407). However, after controlling for sampling effects, species diversity was the highest in the Erica Scrub (Fisher’s alpha=2.128) and the lowest in the Lakeshore Forests (Fisher’s alpha=1.318). The highest number of individuals was recorded in Lakeshore Forest (27.73%), whereas the lowest was in Erica Forest (3.96%). Mastomys natalensis (30.86%) and S. albipes (27.82%) were the two most abundant species, whereas L. imhausi (0.1%) was the least abundant one. Wenchi montane forests are essential homes for unique small mammals that need urgent conservation actions.

Mesoclimate scale effects of river intermittency on aquatic insects in Seto Inland Sea watersheds, Western Japan

AbstractThe responses of assemblages and ecosystems to river intermittency are often considered on large spatial scales, such as those associated with the Köppen climate classification. However, river intermittency may naturally occur even in humid regions, and the effects may differ from those where intermittency occurs throughout the area. This study aimed to examine the differences in taxonomic and trait composition of aquatic insects between intermittent rivers in the Seto Inland Sea watersheds and neighboring humid-temperate rivers in Japan using national census data. While the climate in the most part of the Japanese Archipelago is categorized as humid-temperate, and rivers are usually perennial, local climate in the Seto Inland Sea watersheds has low summer precipitation compared with that in neighboring regions, thereby resulting in river intermittency. Consistent with the previous studies in the regions where rivers are intermittent on a large spatial scale, we observed that aquatic insects with multivoltinism and/or aerial respiration notably tolerated river intermittency. In contrast, the aquatic insect fauna in Japanese intermittent rivers represented subsets of those in the humid-temperate rivers, although previous studies such in Mediterranean regions have reported high endemism and species diversity in intermittent rivers. These results highlight the importance of exploring the role of river intermittency on small to medium spatial scales, as well as on large scales, to project effects of ongoing and future climate changes on species diversity.

Quantification of tree growth change under climate change using National Forest Inventory of Korea

To achieve carbon neutrality in the face of climate change, accurately estimating forest carbon uptake is crucial. Environmental changes, such as temperature increases or precipitation fluctuations caused by climate change, can alter the growth responses of each species and act as a driver for changes in forest productivity. In particular, using a single-species growth model increases uncertainty in predicting stand growth, given the high species diversity in temperate forests in East Asia. Therefore, in this study, we identified the growth curve of 17 species-specific distributed in Korean temperate forest as well as the growth trend over the last 30 years (1976–2005). For this purpose, the species distribution and growth characteristics of 17 major Korean species of trees were analyzed using 13,808 tree-ring series from the 5th National Forest Inventory, which was conducted between 2006 and 2010. The growth characteristics of each species were analyzed using the average growth curve specific to each species, and the yearly growth trend was examined through residual analysis of the average growth curve. The distribution range of the 17 major tree species varied by species, as did the growth rate, ranging from 7 cm² · year⁻¹ to 17 cm² · year⁻¹ for the 30-year-old average basal area increment (BAI). Over time, fast-growing tree species exhibited initially high BAI, followed by a sharp decline from the 2000s. In contrast, broadleaf trees showed a continuous increase. Furthermore, a comparison of the total volume of individual trees and the volume of the yield table revealed that accurately estimating the actual forest volume was challenging. This study contributes to improving the accuracy of productivity predictions for temperate forests, underscoring the necessity to investigate the interaction between climate and forest succession in the future.

DNA metabarcoding reveals high diversity of fish and macrofaunal species in diets of little auks and other Arctic seabird species in Svalbard

Climate change is a major concern for the future of marine Arctic food webs. Diet shifts of seabirds can be used as indicators of environmental changes such as species compositions of food webs. However, studies on diets are often laborious and costly, while research in vulnerable Arctic environments benefits from short visits for data collection that minimize disturbance to Arctic wildlife and the environment. DNA-metabarcoding techniques are rapidly developing and could be used as an effective method of monitoring diet choice of seabirds. We tested DNA-metabarcoding on seabird faeces collected during short visits of typically around 30 min at breeding colonies of black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (3 colonies), Brünnich’s guillemot Uria lomvia (2 colonies) and little auk Alle alle (3 colonies). DNA metabarcoding based on COI and 18S of a limited number of faeces samples revealed a wide spectrum of fish species and crustaceans in the diets of these species, comparable with or even exceeding diversity in diet composition found in conventional, more invasive techniques where birds are shot or caught and handled to obtain samples. While previous studies on diet choice of little auk, a crustacean specialist, mainly report small fractions of unidentified fish remains, DNA metabarcoding of faeces revealed a large variety of pelagic and benthic fish species supplementing its diet. We conclude that DNA metabarcoding of seabird faeces can be an effective attribute to diet studies supporting our understanding of changes in numbers and distribution of Arctic seabirds and their marine environment.

P-324 Finding on the gut microbiome impact on non-reproductive pathologies of the uterus: an endometriosis perspective

Abstract Study question Is there any link between intestinal microbiome and endometriosis? Summary answer The aetiopathogenesis of endometriosis might be linked to intestinal dysbiosis. Microorganisms could be used as potential microbiota-mediated metabolites therapy to target the estrobolome in endometriosis. What is known already Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic estrogenic-dependent gynaecological condition with a complex and multifactorial aetiology, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, accompanied by a severe inflammatory process. Sampson’s theory of retrograde menstruation is considered one of the most convincing hypotheses for the origin of EMs. Recently, the human microbiome has been linked to its pathogenesis, and exits some evidence that it might modulate the immune system from the gut, therefore the generation of a dysfunctional immune response caused by intestinal dysbiosis might play an important role in the initiation and progression of EMs. Study design, size, duration A case-control study was designed to analyse intestinal microbiome from EMs patients and age-matched healthy women. Herein, we aim to investigate for potential intestinal biomarkers related to the pathology. The recruitment was through health questionnaires such as EHP-5 setting the initial cohort at 243 women. This initial cohort was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants/materials, setting, methods Seventy-seven women met eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Stool samples from the controls group (n = 43) and patients with a positive diagnosis of EMs (n = 34) were collected and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the V3-V4 regions. Various multivariate analysis approaches were used to assess diversity, composition and abundance of intestinal microbiota. Main results and the role of chance The number of significantly different taxa between healthy controls and EMs patients were 18 (p-value<0.05). Among these 18 taxa, we found 3 families: Bacteroidaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae; 3 genera: Blautia, Anaerostipes and Lachnospira; and 12 species: Roseburia intestinalis, Bacteroides uniformis, Anaerobutyricum hallii, among others), with a higher diversity of families and genera in the patient group, while the control group had a higher diversity of species, according to the results of Shannon and Simpsońs indexes. This suggests that EMs is dominated by a few species belonging to a wide variety of families and genera, while in the control group there is a greater variability of intestinal species belonging to a smaller number of families and genera. These taxa were related with molecular routes implied in the management of inflammation and estrogens signalling. Additionally, the data were correlated with clinical parameters through the Endometriosis Health Profile-5 questionnaire (EHP-5). This correlation shows significant differences specifically into the «self-image» variable and the total score with the genus diversity (positive and negative correlations were reported), with a strong positive correlations between the variable “Infertility” and the genus Anaerostipes. Limitations, reasons for caution Pronacera develops molecular tests for several conditions that involve the analysis of genes, proteins, and microbes in human samples. Neither the patients nor the healthcare professionals participating in this study have been paid or influenced whatsoever. Hence, the authors report no other potential conflicts of interest. Wider implications of the findings The aetiopathogenesis of EMs might be linked to intestinal dysbiosis. In this sense, the taxa identified in this study and its estrobolome-related metabolite could play a key role in the initiation of the disease, proposing themselves as potential prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the future. Trial registration number not applicable

Drawing mitochondrial genomes with circularMT.

Mitochondrial DNA sequences are used extensively in phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies for a wide range of organisms. With the advent of low-cost, high throughput 'next generation' DNA sequencing, and user-friendly bioinformatics pipelines for generating and annotating whole mitochondrial genome assemblies, the analysis of whole mitochondrial genomes has become an important component of phylogenomic studies for taxa with high species diversity but limited coverage for other genomic resources. An important step in characterizing de novo mitochondrial genome assemblies is to evaluate and describe structural rearrangements relative to reference taxa. Accessible tools are needed to help visualize gene and noncoding feature complement, their order and strand orientation. However, there are few dedicated applications that generate high quality genome diagrams. Here we present circularMT and circularMT-console that allow users to create highly customizable, publication quality images, of linear and circular mitochondrial genome maps, either individually, or integrated into an analysis pipeline. Both applications are implemented in C#, with binaries, source code and user guides available on GitHub (https://github.com/msjimc/circularMT). An archive of the published version is available on Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/records/10912319). This paper has no supplementary data.

Naturally diverse plant communities do not resist invasion by the strong competitor, Microstegium vimineum.

Theory predicts and empirical studies have shown that ecologically manipulated communities with high species diversity are resistant to invasion, but do these predictions and results hold true when applied to highly competitive invaders in natural communities? Few studies of diversity-mediated invasion resistance have measured both invasion resistance and invader impact in the same study. We used a two-year field experiment to test: (1) diversity-mediated competitive resistance to patch expansion by the grass, Microstegium vimineum; and (2) the competitive effect of M. vimineum on resident plant diversity. We examined responses of M. vimineum to two native plant density-reduction treatments that had opposite effects on species diversity: (1) reducing species richness via the removal of rare species; and (2) reducing dominance by reducing the density of the dominant resident species. We examined the effects of M. vimineum reduction by pre-emergent herbicide on resident diversity in the second year of the study. Neither rare species removal nor dominant species reduction significantly increased M. vimineum density (relative growth rate). The pre-emergent herbicide dramatically reduced M. vimineum in year 2 of the study, but not most resident plants, which were perennials and indirectly benefited from the herbicide at a more productive site, presumably due to reduced competition from M. vimineum. Diversity-mediated resistance did not effectively deter invasion by a highly competitive invader. In the case of M. vimineum and at more productive sites, it would appear that nearly complete removal of this invader is necessary to preserve plant species diversity.

New cave species of Cyphoderus Nicolet and Pararrhopalites Bonet & Tellez (Hexapoda, Collembola) from Caatinga biome, Brazil

In recent years, surveys have revealed a high diversity of troglophilic and troglobitic species of Brazilian Collembola, mainly represented by the Entomobryidae and Sminthuridae, which hold some representative genera in Brazilian caves such as Cyphoderus Nicolet and Pararrhopalites Bonet & Tellez. Here we describe in detail two new species of these genera sampled from caves of the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. Cyphoderus caatinguensis sp. nov. is similar to other Neotropical species of the tridenticulati group, but it is unique by the combination of labial chaetotaxy, ungues with a filamentous apical tooth and number of feathered chaetae on the dorsal face of the dens. Pararrhopalites iataganii sp. nov. differs from other Neotropical species of the genus especially by the number of subsegments of the fourth antennomere, number of cephalic spines, manubrium chaetotaxy and ventral dens formula. Recognition of these species enhances our understanding of the subterranean fauna in the Neotropics, and their identification may support future conservation policies for caves of the Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil.

Разнообразие сообществ почвенных диатомовых водорослей Государственного природного заказника «Фролихинский»

The species composition of soil diatoms in Frolikhinsky State Nature Reserve was studied. Flora of diatoms algae was represented with 128 taxa of 4 classes, 12 orders, 23 families and 49 genera. The greatest diversity of species was found on the bank of the Bireya River (77 species), and the lowest – on the Barguzinsky ridge pass (3 species). In most species and intraspecific taxa of diatoms (97%) found in the reserve, the occurrence rate varied from 10 to 40%. An occurrence rate above 40% was noted only in four taxa that were identified as leading: Pinnularia borealis (80%), Adlafia bryophila (50%), Gomphonema parvulum (50%) and Planothidium lanceolatum (50%). The complex of dominant species was diverse and included representatives of 15 families. 36 species and intraspecific taxa were classified as dominants, 20 taxa were classified as subdominants. The complex of associated species included 6 taxa, 67 taxa were found singly and occasionally. Pinnularia borealis Ehrenberg had the highest occurrence at all sites. The families Fragilariaceae, Achnanthidiaceae, Naviculaceae, Ahnanthaceae, Gomphonemataceae, Cymbellaceae, Cocconeidaceae, Eunotiaceae, Pinnulariaceae, Bacillariaceae, Sellaphoraceae were characterized by high species diversity. Comparison of diatoms complexes (DC) in different plots of the reserve revealed similarities and differences of floristic diversity and taxonomic structure. The main reasons of taxonomic heterogeneity of DC in different areas are the conditions defined by their location within the natural reserve. The largest number of species was found on the shores of water bodies characterized by a high degree of moisture. The least abundant and diverse diatoms were represented in shaded and insufficiently moist areas of coniferous forests with abundant coniferous litter and acidic soils.

Weed Biology and Ecology Studies: Diversity, Dominance, Population and Weed Growth and Land Use Efficiency in Intercropping Corn (Zea mays l.) with Leguminous Crops in Dryland

The aim of the research is to examine the effect of intercropping corn with leguminous crops on weeds and land use efficiency. The experimental research method was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. The treatments tested were monocrop planting patterns and intercropping between corn and leguminous crops. The results of the research showed that 16 weed species were found with high species diversity, evenness, dominance, and abundance, so that there were six dominant species that existed during plant growth. Peanuts and cowpeas are suitable for intercropping with corn because they can suppress the population and growth of weeds. Soybeans, green beans, and red beans are not suitable because they are not effective in suppressing the population and growth of weeds and compete with corn, so that corn yield losses due to competition are 38.20%–40.96% and due to weed competition, they reach 62.37%–63.77%. The best ecological and agronomic land use efficiency was obtained by intercropping corn with peanuts and cowpeas, with NKL values based on dry biomass weights of 1.90 and 1.89 (NKL > 1) and dry seed weights of 1.79 and 1.78 (NKL > 1).

Description of 17 new species of Semisulcospiridae (Gastropoda: Cerithioidea) from southern China based on morphological and molecular evidence

The genera Semisulcospira (Boettger, 1886), Koreoleptoxis (Burch & Jung, 1988) and Hua (Chen, 1943) in China exhibit extremely high diversity of species. In mid-2023, we collected a large number of species from the Semisulcospiridae in southern China. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, twelve new species from genus Hua, one from Koreoleptoxis and four from Semisulcospira were identified. The validity of Melania suifuensis (Chen, 1937) is also reinstated and transferred to genus Hua. This discovery contributes to our further understanding of the diversity of Semisulcospiridae species in China. Molecular analysis based on partial mitochondrial COI supports the systematic position of the new taxon.

Nodulating Aeschynomene indica without Nod Factor Synthesis Genes: In Silico Analysis of Evolutionary Relationship

Aeschynomene indica rhizobia (AIRs) are special classes of bacteria capable of nodulating without nodulation factors and have photosynthetic capacity. With an aim to characterize the structural variations in Bradyrhizobium genomes during its evolution, the genomes of AIRs and the reference Bradyrhizobium strains were compared utilizing molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biochemistry techniques. The presence of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (nif) genes and photosynthetic genes, as well as components of the T3SS (Type III secretion system) and T3CP (Type III chaperone) in the genome of AIRs, was also assessed. Additionally, the origin, evolutionary history, and genes associated with the NF-independent nodulation pattern in AIRs were explored. The results indicate that horizontal gene transfer events have occurred in AIRs, and three distinct origins of AIRs were estimated: early differentiated AIRs, non-symbiotic Bradyrhizobium, and non-AIRs. In contrast to the significant genetic transformations observed in the second and third groups, the first group of AIRs displays a rich evolutionary history, exhibits high species diversity, and primarily relies on vertical transmission of nitrogen fixation and photosynthetic genes. Overall, the findings provide a fundamental theoretical foundation for gaining a deeper understanding of the phylogeny and genealogy of AIRs.

Systematics and distribution of the genus Darevskia Arribas, 1997 on the Iranian plateau: a review

Two hundred ninety species of lacertids are presently placed in from 24 to about 30 genera. Most of the genera that have been recognized appear to be clades on the basis of their morphology, with the exception of the paraphyletic central African Adolfus and Lacerta sensu lato of Europe, Asia and northwest Africa. Traditionally, species boundaries are only based on morphological and appearance differences, and this approach is qualitatively or quantitatively investigated. At the same time, several new and modern methods can be used for a more realistic and logical investigation in the determination of species boundaries. Molecular analysis has provided more evidence about lacertids' kinship relationships. These methods work particularly well when dealing with cryptic species or species complexes. Where there is a high general and morphological similarity between the species of a population. The rock lizards, genus Darevskia Arribas, 1999, are such species, as many of its members have few distinctive and diagnostic morphological features. Biodiversity and species diversity assessment allows for more precise determination of the causes of many biological processes. These processes involve complex patterns that are especially observed in areas with high species diversity. Anatolia and Caucasus regions are two important geographical regions where Darevskia species live, which have complex morphology and unique speciation. Darevskia valentini and D. rudis are two widely distributed species of this genus, both of which have controversial taxonomy. In this study, an attempt has been made to summarize the species available in Iran.