List Of Specimens Research Articles

A REVISION OF PHELLODENDRON (RUTACEAE)

The genus Phellodendron (Rutaceae) is revised. This work is based on herbarium collections and field observations in eastern Asia. Two species are recognized: Phellodendron amurense Rupr. and Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid. All other specific and infraspecific names published in the genus are reduced to synonymy or excluded from the genus. Detailed morphology, character variability, an identification key, a distribution map, line drawings, and taxonomic treatments and lists of specimens examined are provided.

CHIRONOMID TYPES AT MUSÉUM NATIONAL D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE, PARIS (Meigen collection not included)

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A reassessment of the distribution and taxonomy of the Endangered otter civet Cynogale bennettii (Carnivora: Viverridae) of South-east Asia

The otter civet Cynogale bennettii is a specialized, semi-aquatic viverrid found throughout the forests of South-east Asia. Although described over 160 years ago, little is known of the species' natural history, and questions remain regarding its taxonomy and distribution. We compiled an exhaustive list of museum specimens and observations to reassess the conservation status, taxonomy and distribution of this species. Data were collected from museums, literature, field surveys, and from other field scientists. Although two species of otter civet have been described, C. bennettii and C. lowei, our morphological examinations do not support specific differentiation. The presence of the otter civet was confirmed for peninsular Thailand, Malaysia and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. However, more northerly distributions were not confirmed, including the supposed origin of C. lowei from northern Vietnam. Based on the scarcity of recent observations or carcasses, otter civet populations are probably in decline. Recent increases in the number of wildlife surveys throughout the putative range of the otter civet have rarely documented the species. The reduction in primary forest habitat has probably reduced otter civet populations and threatens the persistence of this unique species.

Early hominid dental remains from Members 4 and 5 of the Sterkfontein Formation (1966–1996 excavations): Catalogue, individual associations, morphological descriptions and initial metrical analysis

The fossils recovered from the Sterkfontein Formation represent, without doubt, the largest collection of early hominid specimens from a single locality. Among the over 600 entries in the catalogue of fossil hominid specimens recovered since 1966, there are 242 dental remains (isolated teeth, jaws with two or more teeth, isolated teeth in association) for a total number of 495 teeth. The aim of this paper is to provide morphological descriptions of all hominid dental specimens recovered between 1968 and 1996 from areas presently known as Members 4 and 5 of the Sterkfontein site. Together with the descriptions, explanatory catalogue information is provided, along with basic measurements and summary statistics. This paper consists of six sections, with descriptive tables: (1) Catalogue of dental remains, arranged numerically. This includes isolated teeth, specimens with teeth still in position within their jaws, and specimens comprised of isolated teeth in association. (2) List of specimens with more complete dentition and the numbers of available teeth per tooth class. (3) List of specimens subdivided in tooth class, with an indication of their preservation, of the wear, if any, and with measurements (mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters) of the individual teeth. (4) List of associations of isolated teeth as individuals i.e. dental remains that can be associated with one another. Some remarks on the relative abundance of maxillary versus mandibular teeth, and on the numbers of available teeth are presented. (5) Morphological descriptions. (6) Summary statistics for the entire Sterkfontein sample (thus including specimens recovered both before and after 1966) and updated descriptive statistics for South African early hominids ( A. africanus, A. robustus, South African early Homo). We have compared the coefficients of variation for the MD and BL diameters of the permanent teeth of the Sterkfontein Member 4 hypodigm of A. africanus with the hypodigms of the early hominid taxa. The results show that the Sterkfontein Member 4 sample is not consistently more variable than the other fossil hominid samples analysed; it turned out to be generally less variable than H. habilis sensu lato and A. boisei; it shows overall similar levels of variability to A. afarensis and higher levels than A. robustus. These results, per se, do not provide evidence of the existence of multiple species in the Sterkfontein Member 4 sample.

The type specimens of Paradisaeidae, Cnemophilidae and Ptilonorhynchidae (Aves) in the Museum für Naturkunde of the Humboldt-University of Berlin

A comprehensive list of all type specimens of the manucodes and birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae), satin birds (Cnemophilidae) and bower birds (Ptilonorhynchidae) housed in the Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt-University of Berlin (ZMB) is given, including those specimens considered to be paralectotypes and paratypes. Each entry discusses the history of the specimen, its nomenclature and taxonomy. The introduction gives a brief overview on ZMB registration numbers and a short history of research into avian types at the ZMB.

Catalogue of the tick collection (Acari, Ixodida) of the Museu de História Natural Capão da Imbuia, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

The tick collection of the Museu de Historia Natural Capão da Imbuia was first sorted in the end of the 80's, and a list of specimens was published in 1992. During the last ten years, the collection has grown substantially and became the depository collection for type-specimens. The collection is the most regional representative depository of ticks from the State of Paraná, and it is one of the four largest Brazilian collections in number of specimens. All material was revised, and the data were computerized and catalogued in cards. To date, the collection includes 504 vials, with 2,073 specimens, belonging to 25 species and six genera of the families Argasidae and Ixodidae. The ticks were collected in regional and state parks and in green areas from 60 municipalities distributed within eight Brazilian states. This catalogue corrects some of the records published in 1992 for the state of Paraná and records new host species for Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas, 1772), A. cajennense (Fabricius, 1787), A. longirostre (Koch, 1844), A. tigrinum Koch, 1844, Ixodes aragaoi Fonseca, 1935, I. auritulus Neumann, 1904, I. fuscipes Koch, 1844 and I. paranaensis Barros-Battesti, Arzua, Pichorim & Keirans, 2003. Amblyomma brasiliense Aragão, 1908, A. coelebs Neumann, 1899, A. nodosum Neumann, 1899 and I. fuscipes are recorded, for the first time, from the state of Paraná; A. longirostre from Rio Grande do Sul; I. fuscipes from Santa Catarina; I. schulzei Aragão & Fonseca, 1951 from Rondônia; and A. rotundatum Koch, 1844 from Bahia. In addition Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 and I. fuscipes are recorded for the first time, infesting birds.

Taxonomic revision of Geranium sections Andina and Chilensia (Geraniaceae)

The sections Andina and Chilensia of Geranium from South America, Australia and New Zealand are taxonomically revised. Fruits with ‘seed ejection-type’ dispersal have been found in all species, which confirms their classification within subgen. Geranium. Section Andina consist of four species, while sect. Chilensia comprises 11 taxa. In sect. Andina, G. brevicaule and G. parodii, previously considered as synonyms or recognized as infraspecific taxa, are accepted at species level. In contrast, G. tucumanum, G. sessiliflorum ssp. novaezelandiae and 17 other taxa have been reduced to synonyms. In sect. Chilensia, G. patagonicum, G. fiebrigianum and G. drumondii have been considered as synonyms of G. berteroanum, G. fallax and G. solanderi, respectively. Additionally, another 24 taxa have been reduced to synonyms. Diagnostic morphological features are analysed and compared within and between the sections. A multivariate morphometric study from 258 specimens was carried out to test the most significant characters. The chromosome number of six species (five never previously counted) was established. A key, species descriptions, a complete list of synonymy, a list of specimens examined and distribution maps are provided. Most species are illustrated for the first time. Thirty-seven lectotypes and one neotype are designated. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 149, 1–68.

The Cárdenas type specimens of Cactaceae names in the herbarium of the Instituto Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina (LIL)

Abstract Eggli, U. & Leuenberger, B. E.: The Cardenas type specimens of Cactaceae names in the herbarium of the Instituto Miguel Lillo, Tucuman, Argentina (LIL). — Willdenowia 35: 179–192.-ISSN 0511-9618; © 2005 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.35.35115 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) A list of type specimens of Cactaceae names in the collection of the Bolivian botanist Martin Cardenas (1899–1973) deposited in the herbarium of the Instituto Miguel Lillo in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina, is provided. Biographical data, unresolved questions concerning the fate of the Cardenas collections and incongruences concerning the collecting dates are briefly discussed. Of the 176 specific and 18 infraspecific names published from Cardenas's material of Cactaceae, a total of 73 type specimens was located at LIL. The fate of the missing specimens remains unknown.

Neotypification of Potamogeton ×fluitans Roth and the distribution of this hybrid

AbstractThe identity of the name Potamogeton fluitans Roth has for a long time been uncertain. An analysis of the history of the name and its use is presented and the identity of the extant material ascribed to Roth discussed. The name P. fluitans is neotypified with a specimen from a population of the hybrid P. lucens L. × P. natans L. recently studied morphologically, anatomically and electrophoretically. Nomenclature of the hybrid is summarized and lectotypes for a further four names designated. Distribution of the hybrid is described and a list of representative specimens given.

Institutional Review of Outside Papanicolaou SmearsBefore Definitive Treatment for Cervical SquamousEpithelial Lesions

Review of histopathologic material diagnosed at outside institutions is generally recognized as an important aspect of quality assurance and risk management. However, review of external cytology specimens is usually undertaken (if at all) only for fine-needle aspiration material. Because of anecdotal observations that colposcopic biopsies, loop electrosurgical excision procedures, and conizations often did not reflect the level of cervical disease predicted by Papanicolaou smears read at outside institutions, we decided to study the cyto/histopathologic correlation rates for outside and in-house Papanicolaou smears. Thirty-seven outside and 35 in-house control smear diagnoses were compared with subsequent tissue specimens at our hospital over a 22-month period. Cases diagnosed on outside smears as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) yielded tissue diagnoses of low-grade SIL or higher in 11 of 22 cases (50%), while in-house SIL smear diagnoses correlated with the tissue diagnosis in 11 of 16 cases (69%). Although the numbers are too small for statistical significance, the results suggest that larger studies might provide interesting answers and might suggest that Papanicolaou smears be added to the list of pathologic specimens to be reviewed at referral institutions before expensive diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers are undertaken.

Tripogon nicorae, a New Species and Synopsis of Tripogon (Poaceae: Chloridoideae) in America

Abstract Tripogon nicorae Rugolo & A. S. Vega, a new species from South America, is described and illustrated. A key for the identification of Tripogon species in America is included and a comparative table based on morphology, leaf anatomy, micromorphological features of the spikelets, and ecology. The taxonomic synopsis includes synonymy, geographical distribution and ecology, iconography, vernacular names, and a list of representative specimens examined. Tripogon ekmanii Nicora & Rugolo is reported for the first time in Uruguay.

Significance of Specimen Databases from Taxonomic Revisions for Estimating and Mapping the Global Species Diversity of Invertebrates and Repatriating Reliable Specimen Data

Abstract: We argue that the millions of specimen‐label records published over the past decades in thousands of taxonomic revisions are a cost‐effective source of information of critical importance for incorporating invertebrates into biodiversity research and conservation decisions. More specifically, we demonstrate for a specimen database assembled during a revision of the robber‐fly genus Euscelidia (Asilidae, Diptera) how nonparametric species richness estimators (Chao1, incidence‐based coverage estimator, second‐order jackknife) can be used to (1) estimate global species diversity, (2) direct future collecting to areas that are undersampled and/or likely to be rich in new species, and (3) assess whether the plant‐based global biodiversity hotspots of Myers et al. (2000) contain a significant proportion of invertebrates. During the revision of Euscelidia, the number of known species more than doubled, but estimation of species richness revealed that the true diversity of the genus was likely twice as high. The same techniques applied to subsamples of the data indicated that much of the unknown diversity will be found in the Oriental region. Assessing the validity of biodiversity hotspots for invertebrates is a formidable challenge because it is difficult to decide whether species are hotspot endemics, and lists of observed species dramatically underestimate true diversity. Lastly, conservation biologists need a specimen database analogous to GenBank for collecting specimen records. Such a database has a three‐fold advantage over information obtained from digitized museum collections: (1) it is shown for Euscelidia that a large proportion of unrevised museum specimens are misidentified; (2) only the specimen lists in revisionary studies cover a wide variety of private and public collections; and (3) obtaining specimen records from revisions is cost‐effective.

Catálogo de ejemplares tipo de la División Invertebrados del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales. II. Mollusca

Catalog of type specimens in the Division of Invertebrates, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales. II. Mollusca. The aim of this catalog is to present the complete list of type specimens of Mollusca housed in the National Invertebrate Collection at the Division of Invertebrates, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales. All the type specimens presently housed in the collection and their labels were compared with the data reported by the authors in the original species or subspecies descriptions. The National Invertebrate Collection houses 2399 type specimens which correspond to 204 nominal species or subspecies of Pelecypoda and Gastropoda, distributed in 299 lots; and of which 131 are name-bearing types. In a few cases, 6 lots corresponding to 4 species or subspecies, the type material originally reported as deposited in this collection was not found. Key words: type specimens, Pelecypoda, Gastropoda, museum collection.

Catalogue of the Cephalopoda Specimens in the Zoology Department of Tokyo University Museum

A catalogue of the extant specimens of recent Cephalopoda in the Museum of Tokyo University is here presented including 50 lots of recently designated type material, mostly from species described by Sasaki. Also identified are the specimens of many other species described by Sasaki in his monograph of 1929. An Appendix provides an English summary of a largely ignored nineteenth century list of the oldest specimens in the ZUMT collection, published in Japanese, for comparison with the present collection.

A Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Amaracarpus (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae)

A taxonomic revision of Amaracarpus Blume (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae) is presented. The salient characteristics of Amaracarpus are given, with particular attention to the differences between Amaracarpus, Dolianthus and Psychotria. The taxonomic account includes a key to species, an informal (artificial) subgeneric classification, full descriptions, and a list of specimens examined. Amaracarpus comprises 22 species: six new combinations are proposed, one new species is described, eight species are moved to other genera, the transfer of 12 species to Psychotria is confirmed, and numerous taxa are placed into synonymy. A checklist of all Amaracarpus names is provided.

Darwin's Mentor: John Stevens Henslow, 1796-1861. S. M. Walters and E. A. Stow.Charles Darwin's "Beagle" Diary. Edited by R. D. Keynes.Charles Darwin's Zoology Notes & Specimen Lists from H. M. S. Beagle. Edited by R. D. Keynes.

<i>Darwin's Mentor: John Stevens Henslow, 1796-1861</i>. S. M. Walters and E. A. Stow.<i>Charles Darwin's "Beagle" Diary</i>. Edited by R. D. Keynes.<i>Charles Darwin's Zoology Notes &amp; Specimen Lists from H. M. S. <i>Beagle</i></i>. Edited by R. D. Keynes.

REVISION OF PLATHYMENIA (LEGUMINOSAE–MIMOSOIDEAE)

Plathymenia (Leguminosae–Mimosoideae) has been variously regarded as comprising one to three species and one variety. The genus is here considered to be monospecific, containing only Plathymenia reticulata. This is in agreement with the conclusion of Ducke in 1925. A full description is given of P. reticulata in its emended sense, with notes on ecology, uses, vernacular names and a list of herbarium specimens examined.

Reavaliação taxonômica de algumas espécies dos gêneros Coussarea Aubl. e Faramea Aubl. (Rubiaceae, tribo Coussareae)

Os caracteres morfológicos de alguns táxons dos gêneros Coussarea Aubl. e Faramea Aubl., vinculados à tribo Coussareae, são reavaliados. A falta de melhor caracterização das espécies aqui incluídas tem gerado dúvidas sobre a sua verdadeira denominação, o que objetivou a elaboração deste trabalho. A análise dos caracteres resultou em melhor delimitação para os seguintes táxons: Coussarea hoehnei (K. Krause) Standl. e C. virens Müll. Arg., colocadas como sinônimos de C. contracta var. panicularis Müll. Arg.; C. cornifolia (Benth.) Müll. Arg. é relacionada a C. hydrangeifolia (Benth.) Müll. Arg. e C. porophylla (Vell.) Müll. Arg. é incluída como variedade de C. meridionalis (Vell.) Müll. Arg. Uma nova variedade de C. nodosa (Benth.) Müll. Arg. é apresentada. Para as espécies de Faramea foram feitas sinonimizações, que são: F. cyanea Müll. Arg. para F. hyacinthina Mart.; F. warmingiana Müll. Arg. e F. marginata Cham. para F. latifolia (Cham. &amp; Schltdl.) DC. e F. paulensis Zahlbr. para F. tetragona Müll. Arg. Inclui-se aqui também F. montevidensis (Cham. &amp; Schltdl.) DC., por ser comumente identificada como F. marginata Cham. Os táxons tratados neste trabalho contam com descrições mais detalhadas que as originais e chaves para as variedades, com suas principais características diagnósticas. Épocas de floração e de frutificação, distribuição geográfica, habitats, comentários gerais, material examinado como referência e a localização dos tipos completam as informações sobre os táxons.

Euphorbia nocens, anteriormente una variedad de Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiaceae)

Euphorbia hirta es una especie ampliamente distribuida a través de las regiones tropicales y subtropicales del mundo. Anteriormente fueron reconocidas cuatro variedades de este taxon, aunque muchos autores prefieren tratar una de ellas, Euphorbia hirta var. procumbens, a nivel de especie como E. ophthalmica. En este artículo se presentan evidencias que apoyan la decisión de que las variedades de E. hirta deberían de ser tratadas como especies. Por consiguiente, se eleva E. hirta var. nocens a E. nocens, que difiere de E. hirta por tener semillas más grandes y más obscuras y por formar glomérulos de ciatios solamente en posición terminal. Es endémica de México, prosperando principalmente en bosques de pino-encino y su vegetación secundaria en altidudes de 1500 a 2400 m. Se incluye una descripción morfológica y una lista de especímenes examinados. También se proporciona una clave para separar esta especie de E. hirta, E. lineata y E. ophthalmica.

Book reviews

Nine book reviews in the May 2002 issue of Notes and Records : Voyages of discovery: three centuries of natural history exploration , by T. Rice, reviewed by G. E. Fogg. Charles Darwin's Zoology Notes &amp; specimen lists from H.M.S. Beagle , R. Keynes (ed.), reviewed by P. R. Grant. Enlightenment: Britain and the creation of the modern world , by R. Porter, reviewed by P. Fara. Ice blink: the tragic fate of Sir John Franklin's lost polar expedition , by S. Cookman, reviewed by G. F. Hattersley-Smith. The cogwheel brain: Charles Babbage and the quest to build the first computer , by D. Swade, reviewed by M. Campbell-Kelly. The symbolic species: the co-evolution of language and the human brain , by T. Deacon, reviewed by T. Briscoe. Defining features: scientific and medical portraits, 1660-2000 , by L. Jordanova, reviewed by J. Rowlinson. Against the tide: an autobiographical account of a professional outsider , by L. C. Woods, reviewed by J. T. Stuart. A passion for DNA , by J. D. Watson, reviewed by J. Postgate.