Intrapopulation Level Research Articles

Assessing the Diversity of Beta vulgaris L. ssp. maritima (Sea Beet) Populations in Egypt

Sea beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang.) is a wild member of the Amaranthaceae family and a progenitor for all the cultivated beets (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris). It is a source of stress-resistant genes, contributing 21 valuable traits to sugar beet through multiple breeding approaches. Despite its importance, the core morphological diversity of sea beet within the Egyptian Mediterranean coastal region has not yet been thoroughly explored. The field observations indicated notable morphological diversity among sea beet populations. This study investigated the morphological diversity of six sea beet populations along with their associated soil and climatic conditions in their primary habitats. Our morphometric investigations identified two varieties: Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima var. glabra, characterized by glabrous, erect, larger basal leaves, and Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima var. pilosa, distinguished by its hairy, prostrate form with smaller basal leaves. These varieties exhibited differences in their spatial distribution, showing high variations at the inter- and intra-population levels as well as the variety level. Soil parameters significantly influenced population morphological variability, which demonstrated a strong positive correlation with soil organic carbon. Our results highlight the need for precise survey and molecular characterization to secure these potential genetic resources from alteration and loss, especially in coastal habitats that are particularly sensitive to future climate change.

Intraspecific venom variation in the Iberian asp viper (Vipera aspis zinnikeri) across natural and intensive agricultural habitats

Snake venom composition varies at different levels. To date, comparative venom studies have seldom taken into account the role of habitat type in the occurrence of snake venom variation. Here we investigated the presence of venom variation across different populations of the Iberian asp viper (Vipera aspis zinnikeri) inhabiting two contrasting habitats: natural vs. intensive agricultural. We used shotgun proteomics to describe the protein composition of the venoms of six adults from two distinct localities. Furthermore, to test whether local conditions and habitat can alter venom composition in this taxon, we compared the SDS-PAGE profiles of 40 adult venoms from six populations, three in natural habitats and three in intensive agricultural environments. The venoms were composed of 21 toxin families, of which five (CTL, PLA2, VEGF, svSP, and svMP) comprised 69–82 % of each proteome. The relative abundances of toxin families varied considerably at inter- and intra-population levels. Linear regression performed on non-metric multidimensional scaling values showed a significant effect of locality of origin and habitat type on the differences detected between individual SDS-PAGE venom profiles. Our results suggest the presence of regional variation in V. a. zinnikeri venom, potentially reinforcing the role of local pressures in shaping snake venom composition. SignificanceThis work provides the first proteomic characterization of the venom of the Iberian asp viper, Vipera aspis zinnikeri, obtained by means of shotgun proteomics. The statistical analysis of 40 individual SDS-PAGE venom profiles highlights that venom variation in this taxon can be associated with geographical origin and habitat type of the area where each viper was collected. Our results suggest the presence of regional variation in V. a. zinnikeri venom, reinforcing the role that local pressures may play as drivers of snake venom variation.

Intrapopulation germinability may help the Mediterranean plant species Poterium spinosum L. to cope with climate changes and landscape fragmentation.

Poterium spinosum L. is a key plant species forming typical shrub communities, distributed across the Mediterranean eastern coasts. The conservation of P. spinosum is thus of the utmost importance, especially due to the ever-increasing environmental pressures like climate changes and habitat fragmentation. This study, in particular, investigated for the first time the germination variability of P. spinosum at intrapopulation level, by analysing the germination behavior of five different subpopulations growing along the coasts of Sicily. For a more exhaustive picture of the main drivers of biodiversity loss affecting the distributional area of P. spinosum, the trends of climate and land-cover changes were also studied over the periods 1931-2020 and 1958-2018, respectively. The results found significant intrapopulation variability in P. spinosum, whose germination parameters showed that fruits and seeds from distinct subpopulations respond differently to diverse temperatures. Seeds showed generally higher values of final germination percentage (FGP) compared to fruits, and at higher temperatures: the highest FGP in seeds was 70% at 20°C, whereas in fruits was 58.2% at 15°C. The environmental threats showed worrying trends across the study area: during 1931-2020, the average temperature increased by 1.5°C, whereas the average rainfall declined from 710 to 650mm. Similarly, in the period 1958-2018, the analysis of the CORINE land-cover changes showed a highly fragmented agricultural landscape, where natural areas were reduced to 2.5-5.0%. Germination variability at intrapopulation level should be considered as a fundamental adaptation strategy, which can increase the reproductive success of P. spinosum under climate and land-cover changes.

Using Fin Ray Elemental Signatures and Growth Zone Width to Estimate Onset of Sexually Maturity in Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

Characterizing inter- and intra-population levels of variability in age at sexual maturation for long-lived fishes provides insight into year-class strength and recruitment dynamics, allowing for more effective management practices. Here we analyzed the ontogenetic chronology of pectoral fin ray annuli trace elemental concentration profiles as well as changes in annuli growth in Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) to determine onset of sexual maturity (OSM). Elemental concentrations and growth-zone width were used to build a random forest classification model to discriminate year-specific signatures to before or after OSM from 98 individual fin rays from both sexes across multiple populations and watersheds. The model demonstrated an overall accuracy of 98.8%. Ba was the most important variable related to OSM discrimination success followed by zone width, Pb, Mn, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Sr. Fin ray elemental concentrations began to increase at approximately age 24 (± 4.7) in females and 15 (± 3.1) in males while zone width decreased. This study implies that new applications for fin ray microchemistry are possible and could benefit future fisheries management strategies specifically by adding nonlethal or less invasive sampling techniques for evaluating OSM in sturgeon.

Unveiling intra-population functional variability patterns in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) population from the southern range edge: drought resistance, post-drought recovery and phenotypic plasticity.

Understanding covariation patterns of drought resistance, post-drought recovery and phenotypic plasticity, and their variability at the intra-population level are crucial for predicting forest vulnerability to increasing aridity. This knowledge is particularly urgent at the trailing range edge since, in these areas, tree species are proximal to their ecological niche boundaries. While this proximity increases their susceptibility, these populations are recognized as valuable genetic reservoirs against environmental stressors. The conservation of this genetic variability is critical for the adaptive capacity of the species in the current context of climate change. Here we examined intra-population patterns of stem basal growth, gas exchange and other leaf functional traits in response to an experimental drought in seedlings of 16 open-pollinated families within a marginal population of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) from its southern range edge. We found a high degree of intra-population variation in leaf functional traits, photosynthetic performance, growth patterns and phenotypic plasticity in response to water availability. Low phenotypic plasticity was associated with higher resistance to drought. Both drought resistance and post-drought recovery of photosynthetic performance varied between maternal lines. However, drought resistance and post-drought recovery exhibited independent variation. We also found intra-population variation in stomatal sensitivity to soil drying, but it was not associated with either drought resistance or post-drought recovery. We conclude that an inverse relationship between phenotypic plasticity and drought resistance is not necessarily a sign of maladaptive plasticity, but rather it may reflect stability of functional performance and hence adaptation to withstand drought. The independent variation found between drought resistance and post-drought recovery should facilitate to some extent microevolution and adaption to increasing aridity. The observed variability in stomatal sensitivity to soil drying was consistent with previous findings at other scales (e.g., inter-specific variation, inter-population variation) that challenge the iso-anisohydric concept as a reliable surrogate of drought tolerance.

Redescription of Ilyocryptus raridentatus Smirnov, 1989 (Cladocera: Ilyocryptidae)

During recent years, many taxa of water fleas (Crustacea: Cladocera) with wide distribution ranges were revised and finally accepted as groups of cryptic species. Here we provide a redescription of Ilyocryptus raridentatus Smirnov, 1989 (Anomopoda: Ilyocryptidae). Our study clearly confirms that I. raridentatus belongs to the sarsi-group based on incomplete moulting, absence of dorsal keel, structure of antennule, thoracic limb I and postabdomen. The species is widely distributed in Australia and East Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Central China, Japan, South Korea) and penetrates north to the Far East of Russia. A morphological variability among different populations of I. raridentatus does not exceed an intrapopulational level. I. raridentatus seems to be a relatively rare species with a benthic lifestyle similar to its congeners.

Microsatellite marker-based analysis of the genetic diversity and population structure of three Arnebiae Radix in western China

Arnebiae Radix is an important medicinal and perennial herb found in Western China, particularly in the Xinjiang region. However, the assessment, utilization and conservation of Arnebiae Radix resources are still unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of three Arnebiae Radix populations across 47 regions (Ae = 16, Ag = 16, Ad = 15) in Xinjiang, China, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. In total, 48 alleles were amplified by six pairs of primers screened with ISSR markers. The average number of effective alleles (Ne) was 1.5770. The percentage of interspecific genetic polymorphisms in A. guttata (Ag = 89.58 %) was greater than that in A. euchroma. and A. decumbens (Ae = Ad = 87.50 %). Intraspecific genetic polymorphisms, Bo Le (BL) population of A. euchroma exhibited the highest percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB% =58.33 %, Na = 1.313, Ne = 1.467, I = 0.0.366, H = 0.255), which indicated high genetic diversity. In contrast, the Tuo Li (TL) population of A. guttata had the lowest values for these parameters (PPB% =0.00 %, Na = 0.313, Ne = 1,000, I = 0.000, H = 0.000). The Arnebiae Radix germplasms were classified into two major groups (I and II) based on UPGMA cluster analysis (Fig. 8a) and principal coordinate analysis (PCOA). In addition, A. decumbens is placed in a separate category due to its high differentiation coefficient. The AMOVA and genetic differentiation coefficient results indicated that the genetic variation in Arnebiae Radix was predominantly due to intrapopulation differences (78 %). Additionally, the gene flow index (Nm) between populations was 2.4128, which further indicated that the genetic diversity of Arnebiae Radix was greater at the intrapopulation level. The destruction of the ecological environment leads to the continuous reduction and degradation of the genetic diversity of Arnebiae Radix germplasm resources. In this study, we used ISSR molecular markers to analyze the genetic diversity and relatedness of Arnebiae Radix, which revealed the genetic relationship of Arnebiae Radix germplasm resources at the molecular level and provided a scientific basis for future research on selecting and breeding good varieties, evaluating the quality of Arnebiae Radix, and conserving and utilizing its resources.

Simulating the effects of kinship and postmarital residence patterns on mitochondrial DNA diversity in mortuary contexts.

We explore the observable outcome in mtDNA diversity of different kinship systems and associated postmarital residence patterns in the archeological record, using simulations at the intrapopulation level. Four kinship systems were simulated from a set of variable fertility and mortality scenarios. Initial conditions consisted of six clusters of variable size and a random number of assigned haplotypes, with individuals migrating between groups and reproducing for 15 generations. Each 15-generation span was simulated 500 times to obtain representative intrasite mtDNA diversity distributions for each kinship system. Additional simulations were devised to consider the effect of migration and different rates of adherence to kinship norms. Matrilineal kinship generates low male and female haplotype diversities that are statistically indistinguishable from each other, while female diversity in bilateral kinship with matrilocality is significantly lower than that observed in male diversity. Furthermore, mtDNA diversity generated by patrilineal kinship is very high. The effect of noncompliance with kinship rules is low; migration has a considerable impact on diversity, eventually obscuring the effect of kinship practices. The results of the simulations can be applied to ancient mtDNA data from archeological contexts, as exemplified with data from two studies. On a broader scale, the kinship system followed by the sampled population, can lead to either over- or underestimation of mtDNA population diversity. The results of the simulations can be used in the design of inferential frameworks to discern kinship scenarios in the archeological record, based on mtDNA and other types of evidence.

Discriminant inter and intrapopulation variation in sagittal otolith shape and morphometry inChelon ramada(Actinopterygii, Mugilidae) from the Boughrara and El Bibane lagoons in Tunisian waters

AbstractVariations in sagittal otolith shape and morphometry, including length (Lo), width (Wo), area (Ao), and perimeter (Po), were investigated in two populations ofChelon ramadacollected from the Boughrara and El Bibane lagoons located in southeastern Tunisia. The objective was to assess the geographic variation in the sagittal otoliths' shape and morphometry and the effect of potential fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in morphometry on the stock structure ofC. ramadain the two lagoons to inform on appropriate management procedures. At the interpopulation level, analysis of sagittal otolith shape showed a statistically significant difference (P= 0.0001), i.e. there was a bilateral asymmetry, in the shape of left and right otoliths between individuals of the two populations. In addition, significant FA was found only inLobetween the left and right otoliths. At the intrapopulation level, a significant shape difference (P< 0.0001), particularly asymmetry, was observed in both left and right otoliths between males and females, indicating sexual dimorphism in shape within the Boughrara lagoon. However, significant shape similarity, i.e. symmetry, was observed in the left and right otoliths among individuals of the El Bibane lagoon. Moreover, a significant FA was detected inLobetween the left and right otoliths only among males, as well as between males and females of the Boughrara lagoon. However, a significant FA between the left and right otoliths was found only inWoamong males and in all morphometric dimensions among females andWobetween males and females of the El Bibane lagoon. Discriminant function analysis of the otolith contour shape confirmed the presence of two separateC.ramadastocks, one corresponding to the Boughrara lagoon and the other representing the El Bibane lagoon, which should be managed separately. The possible cause of morphological variation in the sagittal otoliths' shape and morphometry due to FA between individuals of the two populations was discussed in relation to the biotic and abiotic factors.

Do eco-geospatial differences induce otolith morphological variations? Assessment in Chelon auratus (Mugiliformes, Mugilidae) populations collected from Tunisian and Mauritanian waters

Abstract Saccular otoliths (sagittae) have long been shown to be species-specific and exhibit inland geospatial intra- and interpopulation morphological differences with variations in environmental conditions. Here, we analysed inland and outland geospatial variations in sagittae shape, length (Lo), width (Wo), perimeter (Po), and area (Ao), and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Chelon auratus males and females collected from Ghar El Melh (Tunisia) and Etoile Bay (Mauritania) stations to assess whether sagittae shape and morphometry differ between these two niches having different environmental conditions. At the intrapopulation level, a significant otolith shape asymmetry was observed between left and right and left–left and right–right otoliths among males and females of the Ghar El Melh (Tunisia) population and a significant symmetry among those of the Etoile Bay (Mauritania) population. At the interpopulation level, a significant asymmetry was found between left and right otoliths' shape among males and females of the two populations. Besides, a discriminant function analysis of otoliths' contour shape separated left and right otoliths among males and females at the intra- and interpopulation levels and also separated those of the two populations. Moreover, differential significant asymmetry in Lo, Wo, Po, and Ao between left and right otoliths was observed among males and females at the intra- and interpopulation levels. Therefore, the geospatial variations in environmental conditions between the two ecological niches effectively induced differences in otolith morphology. These significant asymmetries were discussed in terms of FA caused by environmental stress conditions resulting from variations in abiotic factors between the two ecological niches.

Aridity Gradients Shape Intraspecific Variability of Morphological Traits in Native Ceratonia siliqua L. of Morocco.

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a significant fruit tree in the Mediterranean region with cultural, biological, and ecological importance. Despite its importance, intraspecific trait variability (ITV) in carob trees has been largely overlooked in previous studies. Understanding ITV and its relationship with environmental conditions is crucial for conservation and breeding programs. In this study, we investigated the variability of carob pod and seed-related traits across different ecological scales in 25 studied populations in Morocco. Significant differences in morphological traits were observed between carob populations at various ecological levels, and pod-related traits exhibited greater variability than seed traits. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between carob morphological traits and environmental conditions, with altitude and aridity index playing an influential role. The aridity gradient was strongly related to changes in pod size, seed number, and size, as well as seed yield. Our findings highlight an important ITV reaching 45% at the intra-population level, 36.5% at the inter-geographic level, and 30% at the inter-population level. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the ecology and adaptation of carob trees, emphasizing the importance of considering intraspecific variability when studying this remarkable species. This knowledge is critical for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and human activities on the long-term survival and ecological functioning of carob populations.

Genetic and morphological assessment of Helichrysum Mill. from Tuscan Archipelago (Italy)

In the Mediterranean area, the species of the genus Helichrysum Mill. (Asteraceae) have very similar genetic traits despite they may show different morphological characteristics. A first genetic and morphological assessment on twelve populations of Helichrysum from Elba, Capraia and Giglio Islands, in the Tuscan Archipelago (Italy) was carried out. To determine their taxonomic identity, additional reference specimens belonging to the three Helichrysum species reported from the Tuscan Islands in the literature -H. italicum (Roth) G. Don subsp. italicum, H. litoreum Guss., and H. stoechas L.-, were also included in the assessments. Our results show that the Tuscan Archipelago populations have low levels of morphological and genetic variation. In particular, the variability was mainly observed at the intra-population level, as revealed by the coefficient of variation and AMOVA-Gst in the morphological and genetic analyses, respectively. Basing on our results, all examined populations from the Tuscan Archipelago seem fit in H. italicum subsp. italicum. However, we detect and discuss the existence of some intermediate specimens, mainly with H. litoreum, reflecting the complexity of Helichrysum’s taxonomy and highlighting the need for additional studies to fully understand the various patterns and the underlying evolutionary events that originated them.

Comparative analysis of genetic polymorphism in <i>Rhaponticum carthamoides</i> (Asteraceae) populations by ISSR markers in the Altai Republic

Background. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin (Asteraceae) is a rare species for the Altai Republic (AR). The purpose of this study was to characterize the genetic polymorphism of Rhaponticum carthamoides at the inter- and intrapopulation level in a comparative analysis for subsequent selection of seed samples from the genetically most heterogeneous natural populations of the AR for practical purposes. Materials and methods. The species was studied for ISSR variability in five habitats in the AR. DNA from dried leaves of R. carthamoides was isolated using the STAB method. For testing seventeen ISSR primers were used, seven of which were selected as most informative ones. Results and conclusion. The analysis showed that individual plants from five cenopopulations (CP) were distributed into three groups of similarity on the dendrogram. A separate clade was formed by plant samples from two CPs of the Katun Nature Reserve (KNR). Samples of one of those CPs grew on well-warmed southern slopes and exhibited a higher genetic heterogeneity than the others. The highest intrapopulation and interpopulation similarity in the distribution of DNA fragments was also found in two CPs from habitats with the smallest geographic distance from each other. Representatives of a separate population, least in size and number of individuals in the KNR, showed a high level of similarity in the distribution of DNA fragments. Significantly lower coefficients of genetic similarity with other CPs were found in plants from a small isolated CP from the Shavlinsky Protected Area. It can be assumed that one of the main reasons for the least genetic similarity of this population with others is its location in the immediate vicinity of the foothill at the pass to Achik (Ongudaysky District; absolute height: 2300 masl). This location can be a limiting factor for the exchange of genetic information with individuals from other populations.

Phytochemical and genetic marker (SCoT and CBDP) based study of genetic diversity and population structure in natural populations of Cannabis sativa L.: A high-value sustainable biodiversity of North-Indian Himalaya

Cannabis sativa is a versatile, sustainable cash crop grown in vast agro-climatic zones of India. The present study used comprehensive datasets involving phytochemical and molecular genotyping to characterize forty-two wild cannabis accessions collected from fourteen geographical locations of the North Indian Himalayas. Two gene-targeted dominant molecular markers, i.e., start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism and CAAT-box derived polymorphism (CBDP), were used for molecular genotyping to evaluate genetic assortment and interrelatedness among and within wild inhabitants of C.sativa. Multiple t-tests indicated significant differences among the studied cannabis populations for the phytochemical traits. Five major cannabinoids were identified in Indian Cannabis sativa germplasm, and most of the populations were of drug/marijuana types. The considerable diversity in drug types was observed at the chemical and genetic levels. Twenty-six SCoT and twenty-one CBDP markers generated a sum of 134, and 80 alleles averaged with 3.08 and 6.65 alleles per primer, respectively. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) and resolving power per primer indicated both SCoT and CBDP as ideal markers system for genetic diversity study in Cannabis sativa. The population diversity analysis based on SCoT, CBDP, and cumulative marker dataset revealed a high genetic differentiation (Gst>0.15), and a low estimated gene flow (Nm<1.0) between the studied populations. The highest gene diversity (H) and Shannon diversity Index (I) were observed for the population of Matiyal location (Pop3) using SCoT and cumulative marker dataset. However, Population 7 (Pop7) of location Kanatal was found to be highly diverse using the CBDP marker dataset. The multivariate analyses, i.e., Neighbour-joining tree based phenetic analysis, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and Structure, revealed that there was no individual geographical location based grouping among the cannabis populations using both markers data set individually and their cumulative datasets. However, the allocation of accessions in common groups corresponding to their geographical locations was maximum in the case of Analysis with a cumulative marker data set. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) also demonstrated a maximum percentage of molecular variation at the intra-population level (77–86%) rather than the inter-population level (14–23%). Altogether, our data suggest that both SCoT and CBDP markers are the ideal markers to study the genetic relationship among geographically different populations of C.sativa, and populations identified as highly diverse can be utilized as parents in Indian cannabis breeding programs.

Distinct inter and intrapopulation variation in the otolith shape and size of Mullus barbatus (Actinopterygii: Mullidae) from the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh lagoons in Tunisian waters

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the geographic variation in otoliths’ shape and size and the effect of potential fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in otolith size on the stock structure of Mullus barbatus collected from the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh lagoons located in northeastern Tunisia and to evaluate the relationship between the otolith mass asymmetry (OMA) and total length (TL). Analysis of the otolith shape showed a statistically significant intersexual shape difference, i.e. asymmetry, in the left and right and left-left and right-right otoliths between populations of the two lagoons. In addition, significant intersexual differences were detected in Lo, Wo, and Mo, as well as in FA, between the left and right otoliths among the two populations. Moreover, no statistically significant relationship (P > 0.05) was found between OMA and TL between and within the two populations. At the intrapopulation level, a significant intrasexual asymmetry was observed in the left and right, as well as on left-left and right-right sides, otoliths’ shape and size only within the Ghar El Melh lagoon. Discriminant function analysis of the otoliths’ contour shape confirmed the presence of two separate stocks representing the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh lagoons, which should be managed separately. This significant inter and intrapopulation asymmetry detected in otolith shape and size due to FA can be attributed to the instability of larval development caused either by environmental stress associated with variation in water temperature, salinity, feeding conditions and pollutants or due to poor living conditions of larvae resulting from unfavourable environments.

Are the Organellar Genomes Useful for Fine Scale Population Structure Analysis of Endangered Plants?-A Case Study of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill.

Pulsatilla patens is a rare and endangered species in Europe and its population resources have significantly decreased over the past decades. Previous genetic studies of this species made it possible to estimate the genetic diversity of the European population and to describe the structure of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes. The main aim of these studies was to characterize the variability of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes in more detail at the intra-population and inter-population levels. Our study presents new organelle genome reference sequences that allow the design of novel markers that can be the starting point for testing hypotheses, past and modern biogeography of rare and endangered species P. patens, and adaptive responses of this species to changing environments. The study included sixteen individuals from five populations located in Northeastern Poland. Comparative analysis of 16 P. patens plastomes from 5 populations enabled us to identify 160 point mutations, including 64 substitutions and 96 InDels. The most numerous detected SNPs and Indels (75%) were accumulated in three intergenic spacers: ndhD-ccsA, rps4-rps16, and trnL(UAG)-ndhF. The mitogenome dataset, which was more than twice as large as the plastome (331 kbp vs. 151 kbp), revealed eight times fewer SNPs (8 vs. 64) and six times fewer InDels (16 vs. 96). Both chloroplast and mitochondrial genome identified the same number of haplotypes-11 out of 16 individuals, but both organellar genomes slightly differ in haplotype clustering. Despite the much lower variation, mitogenomic data provide additional resolution in the haplotype detection of P. patens, enabling molecular identification of individuals, which were unrecognizable based on the plastome dataset.

Variation in wing morphology is related to breeding environment in a high‐elevation specialist bird

The morphology of bird wings is subject to a variety of selective pressures, including migration, predation, habitat structure and sexual selection. Variation in wing morphology also occurs at the intraspecific and intrapopulation level, and can be related to sex, age, migration strategy and environmental factors. The relationship between environment and intraspecific variation in wing morphology is still poorly understood. In this work, we studied the relationship between wing morphology and breeding environment in a high‐elevation specialist bird, the water pipit Anthus spinoletta. We calculated wing isometric size, pointedness and convexity of 84 birds mist‐netted at breeding sites in year 2021 in the European Alps. We then searched for associations between these traits and potentially relevant breeding site characteristics (vegetation structure, elevation, latitude). For all wing traits, sex and one or more environmental factors best explained the variation, with environmental factors explaining between 3 and 8% of the variation. Wing size was negatively related to tree cover and wing convexity was negatively related to bush cover. Elevation contributed to explain variation in wing pointedness, but the direction of its effect was unclear. The negative relationship between wing size and tree cover could be due to intraspecific competition, i.e. to the relegation of smaller winged low‐quality individuals in marginal grassland areas. Higher wing convexity could improve predator escape ability in areas with scarce protecting vegetation, with possible effects on habitat choice. These findings represent one of the few demonstrated cases of wing morphology–environment relationships at the intraspecific level.

Tracking the trends of karyotype differentiation in the phylogenetic context of Gint, a scorpion genus endemic to the Horn of Africa (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract To determine the mechanisms of karyotype differentiation in scorpions of the genus Gint, we employed an integrative approach, combining cytogenetic data and sequence-based phylogeny. We cytogenetically examined six species with emphasis on multivalent meiotic configurations, 18S rDNA and (TTAGG)n distribution and compared chromosomal data with genetic divergence based on analysis of 16S rRNA and COI gene markers. Our results show that Gint species exhibit substantial karyotype diversity (2n = 18–45) and a high incidence of chromosome heterozygosity. Meiotic chromosome chains formed by up to six elements were found in 85% of analysed individuals, causing intraspecific chromosome variation in three species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the 18S rDNA distribution pattern differed in Gint species, including at the intrapopulation level, but the chromosomal localization of (TTAGG)n motif was stable across species. Conspicuous interspecific differences in chromosome counts broadly corresponded with genetic divergence among Gint species. Our findings indicate that Gint karyotypes have undergone dynamic reorganization through independent fusions, fissions and reciprocal translocations. Owing to present chromosomal polymorphism, such structural changes shaping the genome architecture appear to be still ongoing in the populations of some Gint species.

Phytochemical Variability of Essential Oils of Two Balkan Endemic Species: Satureja pilosa Velen. and S. kitaibelii Wierzb. ex Heuff. (Lamiaceae).

Satureja pilosa and S. kitaibelii (Lamiaceae) are Balkan endemic plant species, and the composition of their essential oil (EO) is highly variable. The aim of the present study was to establish: (1) the EO variability in two populations of S. pilosa (the intrapopulation), and (2) the EO variation in S. kitaibelii between nine populations (interpopulation) from Bulgaria and two from Serbia. The EOs of two Satureja species were obtained from aboveground plant parts by hydrodistillation and were analyzed by GC/MS/FID. Overall, the EO yield on the intrapopulation level of S. pilosa varied from 0.54% to 2.15%, while the EO of S. kitaibelii varied from 0.04% to 0.43% (interpopulation). The EO of S. pilosa was found to contain thymol and carvacrol as the main constituents, with other major constituents being p-cymene and γ-terpinene. S. pilosa samples in both studied populations formed six chemical groups. The major constituents (p-cymene, terpinen-4-ol, bornyl acetate, γ-muurolene, endo-borneol, cis-β-ocimene, trans-β-ocimene, carvacrol, α-pinene, thymoquinone, geranial, geranyl acetate, spathulenol, and caryophyllene oxide) of S. kitaibelii EO were considered for grouping the populations into ten chemotypes. The present study is the first report on the interpopulation diversity of S. kitaibelii EOs in Bulgaria. It demonstrated variability of the EOs between and within the populations of S. kitaibelii from Bulgaria. This study identified promising genetic material that could be further propagated and developed into cultivars for commercial production of S. kitaibelii and S. pilosa, thereby reducing the impact of collection on wild populations.

Assessment of the phenotypic diversity of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) populations and halfsib lines by multivariate statistical analyses

Abstract Wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a multi-purpose tree species with great ecological and economic importance for European forestry. Evaluating this species phenotypic diversity and quantitative traits characterization is of great importance to define its genetic resources conservation and breeding strategies. In this work, variations of physiological, biochemical, anatomical and morphological traits of one-year-old wild cherry seedlings were evaluated within and among populations to distinguish and characterize their phenotypic portfolio. We observed significant differences at the intra- and inter-population levels considering both biochemical and physiological leaf traits, whereas differences in morphological and anatomical traits were found to be significant only among half-sib lines within populations (i.e. intra-population level). With a multivariate approach, we explored the inter-population specificity and found out that the tiered approach spanning from organ morphology, across physiological scale, to the biochemical level gave out enough power to discriminate between different populations, and their acquisition and resource-use strategies. Moreover, stepwise discriminative analysis showed that radical scavenger capacity against 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) and water-use efficiency contributed to discrimination of studied populations to the largest extend. Lastly, our study highlights the robustness of certain functional traits, such as ABTS•+, water-use efficiency, net photosynthesis, total flavonoid content, width of stomata guard cell, and stomatal aperture length, which could be considered as a proxy to discriminate between wild cherry populations and assess phenotypic diversity.