Key Features For Identification Research Articles

Morishitium polonicum (Machalska, 1980) is a junior synonym of Morishitium dollfusi (Timon-David, 1950) (Trematoda: Cyclocoeliidae).

Species of the genus Morishitium Witenberg, 1928 are parasites of the body cavity, air sacs, and lungs of birds. At least 14 species are considered valid, but molecular confirmation of their status is lacking. Here, we provide the first molecular data on Morishitium dollfusi isolated from their type host Pica pica, compared them with previously reported molecular data from Morishitium polonicum isolated from their type and paratype hosts, Turdus merula and Turdus philomelos, and performed extensive measurements of 511 individuals of Morishitium spp. across a broad host spectrum, at multiple infection intensities, and year-round. We analyzed the molecular phylogenetics of Morishitium spp. adults isolated from bird hosts of Czech origin and provide comparative measurements of the analyzed specimens. Based on the molecular examination of morphologically identified specimens of M. dollfusi and M. polonicum (CO1, ND1, and ITS2 markers), we propose synonymization of Morishitium dollfusi (Timon-David, 1950) with Morishitium polonicum (Machalska, 1980) (isolates of European origin). The three markers were either identical (CO1, ITS2) or formed haplotypes shared by the two species (ND1). Morphological analyses revealed a continuum of key identification features for the two above-named species, although we used specimens matching the original descriptions and isolated them from the type hosts. Therefore, Morishitium polonicum is a junior synonym of Morishitium dollfusi. Attention is needed regarding the status of East Asian isolates identified previously as M. polonicum (or M. polonicum malayense). The molecular analysis revealed that these isolates form a distinct clade, and further research is needed to produce data allowing the likely separation of the malayense clade as a separate species.

Distribution of amanitine-containing macromycetes in the territory of Russia

Introduction. The toxic effect of amanitin-containing macromycetes, or phalloidin syndrome, is accompanied by low patient survival and it remains as one of the leading causes of urgent liver transplantation. As a result, the problems of biodiversity and the distribution of amanitin-containing fungi leading to this condition appear in a relevant light for toxicology. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, a preliminary list of amanitin-containing macromycetes was compiled by means of a system search in the PubMed database. At the second stage of the study, the presence and occurrence of amanitin-containing taxa in Russia were analyzed. Results. Based on the literature sources and data of the Laboratory of Geography and Systematics of Fungi of the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, maps of the administrative-territorial occurrences in Russia of twenty-one species of amanitin-containing macromycetes were compiled: five of Amanita, one of Galerina and fifteen of Lepiota. The species concepts of some poisonous taxa and their key identification features were reviewed. The debatable ideas about the toxicity of two Conocybe species are highlighted. Limitations. The study takes into account only the specific occurrence of poisonous fungi in various territories of Russia, without considering the density and frequency of their growth, which may make it difficult to assess the relationship between the data presented and the likelihood of poisoning by the species in question in individual administrative units. Conclusion. As a result of the study, the boundaries of the distribution of poisonous fly agaric and Galerina species were identified, as well as the territories with the highest registered diversity of Lepiota: the Moscow Region and the Primorsky Territory.

Wood identification of charcoal with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Wood identification of barbecue charcoal from commercial packages of three retailers (B1, B2, B3) in Slovenia and Croatia was performed with help of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). CLSM enabled us to image key identification features of charcoal wood that were compared with light micrographs of wood from the reference collection. Product B1 contained charcoal made exclusively of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) and the declaration indicated the address of the producer, in Serbia which allowed traceability of the wood. The selection of wood species in product B2, consisted of red oak (Quercus cerris or Q. rubra), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and cherry (Prunus avium), which could originate from Serbia, and it did not contain tropical wood as stated on the package. Product B3 contained wood from at least four (sub)topical species which could not be exactly identified to species/genus level. The declaration on the product did not allow traceability of wood. As the risks of illegal logging are high for wood of (sub)tropical origin, our results support the initiative that the monitoring of the charcoal trade should be covered by the EUTR - European Timber Regulations.

Comparative efficiency of photographs and videos for individual identification of the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) in camera trapping

Identification of Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) specimens is essential for obtaining demographic estimates of their populations. Camera traps are a noninvasive tool that allows such identification. The efficiency of using photographic or video records for identifying specimens of this species in a wild population in Colombia was compared. A total of 18 camera traps were operated from November 2011 through November 2013; each sample station included a single camera at 0.6 m height, with a bait placed 2 m in front of it at 1.5 m height. Four key external morphological features were chosen for identifying the specimens: Presence, shape and colour of facial; presence, shape and colour of pectoral markings; estimated body size; and sex. For each recording event, a visual file (photograph or video) was scored as ¨good¨ if it showed at least three key identification features, thus allowing the correct identification of the specimen; or as ¨bad¨ if it showed fewer than three features, making identification impossible. Successful recording events were those that included at least one good visual file (photograph or video). A total of 4,588 visual files were obtained: 4,324 photographs in 325 recording events and 264 videos in 260 recording events. 5.25 % of the photographs and 53.03 % of the videos were scored as good files. 26.77 % of the photograph-based and 49.62 % of the video-based recording events were successful. There were statistically significant differences between the percentage of good photographs and good videos obtained every time a camera trap was activated in the presence of a bear (Mann-Whitney, P = 1.37E-11). The low percentage of successful recording events obtained with photographs (26.77 %) compared to that obtained with videos (50.38 %), is consistent with results previously reported for this same species in Ecuador using photographs (25 %). The higher percentage of good videos (53.03 %) compared to that of good photographs (5.25 %), is consistent with the statistically significant difference found between the percentage of good photos and good videos obtained every time a camera trap was activated in the presence of a bear (Mann-Whitney, P = 1.37E-11), and with results previously reported for the Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus, 70 %) using sample stations including a single camera trap with video format. The use of video for recording Andean bear specimens allows the observation of individuals from different viewpoints and distances, even with the use of sample stations including a single camera trap, thus minimizing the effect of light reflection on the recognition of key identification features. Additionally, the video format allowed recognition of particular physical conditions, such as limp or rigid limbs in some specimens, which cannot be recognized in photographs. In this study case, information obtained with video records provides a greater ability to recognize individual marks in the specimens and to identify them.

The bees in your backyard: a guide to North America's bees

The Bees in Your Backyard provides an engaging introduction to the roughly 4,000 different bee species found in the United States and Canada, dispelling common myths about bees while offering essential tips for telling them apart in the field.The book features more than 900 stunning color photos of the bees living all around us—in our gardens and parks, along nature trails, and in the wild spaces between. It describes their natural history, including where they live, how they gather food, their role as pollinators, and even how to attract them to your own backyard. Ideal for amateur naturalists and experts alike, it gives detailed accounts of every bee family and genus in North America, describing key identification features, distributions, diets, nesting habits, and more.Provides the most comprehensive and accessible guide to all bees in the United States and CanadaFeatures more than 900 full-color photosOffers helpful identification tips and pointers for studying beesIncludes a full chapter on how to attract bees to your backyard

Discontinuity surfaces in Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene carbonates of central Dalmatia (Croatia): Glossifungites ichnofacies, biogenic calcretes, and stratigraphic implications

Substrate-controlled ichnofacies and biogenic calcretes represent key features for identification and interpretation of discontinuities in the carbonate rock record, which are of great significance for stratigraphic interpretations and correlations. Intraformational firmground and composite surfaces, as well as a regional Cretaceous to Paleogene (K–Pg) subaerial unconformity, developed in Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene intra-platform peritidal successions in central Dalmatia, Croatia (Adriatic-Dinaridic Carbonate Platform, ADCP), were analyzed for their trace fossil and subaerial exposure features. Thalassinoides (probably T. paradoxicus) box-work burrow systems of the substrate-controlled Glossifungites ichnofacies characterize the two documented firmgrounds and one composite (polygenic) surface. Rhizogenic laminar calcretes developed subsequently inside burrows of the composite surface through diagenetic overprint of marine sediment that passively infilled the burrows. While the formation of the two firmgrounds was probably caused by cessation of precipitation and/or deposition of calcium carbonate due to relative sea-level fall, the recorded trace fossils associated with the composite surface indicate that this surface developed through both submarine firmground and subaerial exposure stages probably caused by several episodes of regression and transgression, and exemplifies the general complexity of hiatal surfaces in shallow-marine carbonate successions. The regional K–Pg subaerial unconformity is characterized by biogenic (beta microfabric) calcretes with rhizoliths including Microcodium aggregates, root tubules, as well as alveolar-septal structures. Laminar calcretes and pisoids, together with in situ and resedimented speleothems, and bauxitic deposits, were also recorded. The unconformity developed due to formation of a forebulge in front of the approaching Dinaridic orogen. Ichnological and subaerial exposure features, together with stratigraphic implications derived from the analyzed discontinuities, serve as examples that can be applied to discontinuities present in carbonate successions elsewhere.

Birds of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan

Central Asia--a vast and remote area of steppe, semi-desert, and mountains separating Europe from eastern Asia--is home to a diversity of birds. Birds of Central Asia is the first-ever field guide to the avian population of this fascinating part of the world. From ground jays, larks, and raptors to warblers, nuthatches, and snowfinches, this comprehensive guide covers 618 species--including all residents, migrants, and vagrants--and 143 superb plates depict every species and many distinct plumages and races. This portable book contains important introductory sections on the land and its birds, and up-to-date color maps. The concise, authoritative text on facing pages highlights key identification features, such as status, voice, and habitat. Birds of Central Asia is indispensable for anyone interested in the birds of this remarkable and little-known region. * First-ever field guide to the birds of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan * Covers 618 species, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants *143 superb plates depict every species and many distinct plumages and races * Authoritative text on facing pages highlights key identification features, including status, voice, and habitat * Up-to-date color maps for every species * Important introductory sections introduce the land and its birds

Strongly Colored Pink CVD Lab-Grown Diamonds

modifying the occurrence or arrangements of particular lattice defects, either during growth or with post-growth treatments. In this study, we describe a group of strongly colored pink CVD lab-grown diamonds (e.g., figure 1) provided for examination by Apollo Diamond Inc. Standard gemological properties and spectroscopic data are presented, as well as key identification features that help separate these new products from natural, treated-natural, and HPHT-grown synthetic pink diamonds.

Definite records of Sperm Whale Physeter catodon (Linnaeus), Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris (Gray) and Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu) (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla) in the Arabian Sea

Definite records of five Sperm Whales Physeter catodon (Liinaeus), 58 Spinner Dolphins Stenella longirostris (Gray) and 12 Bottlenose Dolphins Tursiops truncatus (Montagu) in the Arabian Sea, encountered during Ela Foundation’s Pelagic Birds Survey and ornithological expedition to Lakshadweep Archipelago from 12 to 16 March 2006, are presented along with notes on behaviour, key identification features, four photographs and the conservation status of each species.

A guide to the mammals of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is home to more than 500 mammal species. This richly illustrated field guide is the most comprehensive reference to all mammals currently known to exist in mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore. Every species is covered in full, from elephants and rhinos to dolphins, monkeys, carnivores, bats, mice, and shrews. The detailed text describes key identification features, ecology, habitat, distribution, and status. Seventy-two high-quality color plates depict most of the species covered, and there are distribution maps for easy reference. Charles Francis gives practical guidance on how to find and study mammals and covers important topics such as conservation. A Guide to the Mammals of Southeast Asia is a one-of-a-kind resource for naturalists and researchers and ideal for general readers. * The most up-to-date and complete guide to the mammals of Southeast Asia * Generously illustrated with 72 full-color plates * Comprehensive text aids identification * Line drawings illustrate footprints and technical details * Distribution maps

Wavelet network-based classification of transients using dominant frequency signature

This paper presents a novel approach of classification of transients resulting from changes in circuit topology in a radial distribution system. The analysed data are obtained from experiments as well as simulated model based on Simulink in Matlab environment. Continuous wavelet transform-based dominant frequency signature (DFS) has been used as the key features for identification of circuit topological changes. Conclusions have been drawn after classification of the transients based on DFS using wavelet network.

Description of Paeon asymboli n. sp. (Copepoda: Sphyriidae), parasitic on Asymbolus spp. (catsharks) and a new host record for P. australis Kabata, 1993.

Paeon asymboli n. sp. (Copepoda: Sphyriidae) is described and illustrated from two female specimens taken from the gills of a grey spotted catshark Asymbolus analis (Ogilby) and an orange spotted catshark A. rubiginosus (Last, Gomon & Gledhill) (Scyliorhinidae) from off southeastern Queensland, Australia. The key features for identification are: a pear-shaped trunk, longer than it is wide, along with a cephalothorax characterised by two large ventral papillae, projecting laterally and supporting a number of secondary lobes; a single mid-line, sub-conical papilla located antero-dorsal to the ventral papillae; an anterior surface bearing two prominent stalked papillae; and an absence of posterolateral lobular processes. P. australis Kabata, 1993 is recorded for the first time from the eastern shovelnose ray Aptychotrema rostrata (Shaw & Nodder) (Rhinobatidae).

Terns of Europe and North America

Covering 22 species found in the Western Paleartic and North America, this guide lists each species under the sections of: field identification; moult; description; geographical variation; measurements; and weight. It includes a quick reference section summarizing the key identification features.