Morphological Evidence Research Articles

Three new Melanogaster species (Boletales, Paxillaceae) from southwestern China based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Three newly discovered Melanogaster species, namely M.cyaneus, M.diqingensis, and M.truncatisporus, are introduced and illustrated based on both morphological and molecular data from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in China. A multigene phylogenetic analysis (nrITS, nrLSU, and rpb2) was performed mainly to verify the placement of the new species in Melanogaster. A second, nrITS-only phylogenetic analysis comprising more Melanogaster species for which only ITS sequences were available, was used to infer the relationship between the new species and as many known Melanogaster species as possible. Specimens of M.cyaneus, M.diqingensis, and M.truncatisporus formed three independent clades in a phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS data set. The robust support from ITS for these clades and genetic similarity with other species being lower than 93.2% suggest that these three species are indeed distinct from the other Melanogaster species in the phylogeny. Morphologically, M.cyaneus is characterized by its blue or bluish gleba, light brown to yellowish brown peridium, and subglobose to globose basidiospores, 6.2-15 × 4.6-9.0 μm. Melanogasterdiqingensis is distinguished from other Melanogaster species by its pale yellow to brown-yellow peridium and obovate to subglobose basidiospores, 3.0-5.1 × 2.0-4.0 μm. Melanogastertruncatisporus is diagnosed by its subglobose to globose or irregularly elongate-pyriform basidiomata, pale yellow to deeply orange-yellow peridium, and subglobose to globose or pyriform, truncate basidiospores. Additionally, infrageneric classification based on the number of peridium layers, the average thickness of the peridium, and the average length and width of basidiospores was tested with M.cyaneus, M.diqingensis, and M.truncatisporus. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant (OPLS-DA) analysis placed the three new species within the Melanogaster, Rivulares, and Variegati sections, respectively. However, the morphologically circumscribed sections were not monophyletic in the phylogenetic tree. Therefore, the current infrageneric classification should be abandoned.

Three new ramarioid species of Phaeoclavulina (Gomphaceae, Gomphales) from China.

Three new species of Phaeoclavulina from China are described: Phaeoclavulinabicolor, P.echinoflava, and P.jilinensis. Recognition of the new species is supported by morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and nuclear large subunit sequences support the establishment of the new species and their placement within the Phaeoclavulina clade. A key to the known Phaeoclavulina species in China is provided.

Helminths of free-ranging dogs and cats in an urban natural reserve in Mexico City and their potential risk as zoonotic agents.

In the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal of San Ángel, located in the south of Mexico City, Mexico, free-roaming dogs and cats coexist with 148 bird, 33 of mammal, 23 of reptile and seven amphibian species, that represent a remnant of the original fauna of the Mexican Plateau. The negative impact that dogs and cats have on local fauna is unobjectionable, however, the role that these introduced vertebrates play as potential transmitters of infectious diseases for native fauna and humans, is much less understood. Information about parasitic infections in native and introduced animals in this location is scarce. In order to ameliorate this lack of information, the objective of this study is to characterize the helminth fauna of the free-ranging dogs and cats of the ecological reserve. Between 2018 and 2023, 36 Felis silvestris catus and 7 Canis lupus familiaris were studied from the helminthological perspective. Endoparasites were obtained from the digestive tract and were identified to the species level using morphological and molecular evidence. Hosts were parasitized by eight species of helminths: in cats the cestodes Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia rileyi and the nematode Toxocara cati were recorded, while in dogs, the cestode Taenia pisiformis and the nematodes Ancylostoma caninum, and Uncinaria stenocephala were found. The only species shared between cats and dogs was the cestode Dipylidium caninum. These free-ranging animals act as definitive hosts of 5 species known to have zoonotic potential; their presence in the area may generate a public and animal health problem if programs of dog and cat population control are not continued.

Morphological and genetic identification of Halophila species and a new distribution record of Halophila nipponica at the Tanjung Adang Laut shoal, Johor, Malaysia.

The Halophila species exhibit complex characteristics due to their high degree of variation across different bioregions. This study delves into the intricate characteristics of Halophila species in the Tanjung Adang Laut shoal, Johor, Malaysia, and offers valuable insights through morphological and genetic evidence. Employing internal transcribed sequences (ITS), we investigated the phylogeny of Halophila species, revealing distinct clades for H. ovalis, H. major, H. spinulosa, and the newly recorded H. nipponica. Notably, H. nipponica from the Tanjung Adang Laut shoal formed a conspecific relationship with its counterparts from Japan and Korea (98.3-98.5% similarity; 5-11 bp differences). Morphologically, distinguishing features, including the ratio of the half-lamina width (1:4.76-6.13 mm) and cross-vein count (4-7 pairs), supported the identification of H. nipponica. Genetic distance analyses revealed differences between H. nipponica, H. ovalis, and H. major, indicating haplotype diversity. Geographical variations were evident, as H. nipponica presented unique haplotypes (H24) in its clade. The 47 haplotypes network identified significant mutation sites, providing a comprehensive understanding of genetic and morphological distinctions. In conclusion, this study highlights the intricate characteristics and phylogeny of Halophila species in the Tanjung Adang Laut shoal, Johor, and provides valuable insights into their genetic and morphological diversity.

Phylogeny of the Genera with Oromandibular Discs in the Subfamily Labeoninae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) with Descriptions of Two New Genera

The aim of this study was to understand the systematic relationships between certain fish genera with oromandibular discs in the Labeoninae. At the same time, this was an opportunity to clarify the taxonomic status of certain species in the genera Ageneiogarra, Garra, Placocheilus, and other taxa distributed in China. Morphological comparison and molecular analysis were used in the study. The results showed that the genera with oromandibular discs had no recent common ancestor and that their oromandibular discs were the result of convergent evolution in different evolutionary lineages. Due to the homogeneity of their habitats, these fish have evolved oromandibular discs with similar appearance and structure. Both morphological and molecular evidence suggests that (1) Placocheilus cryptonemus distributed in the Nu‐Jiang (the Upper Salween River Basin), Yunnan, China, represent a new genus, here described as Pseudoplacocheilus, and (2) Garra micropulvinus occurring in the Panlong‐He (the upper portion of the Lo River, a branch of the Red River Basin) from Wenshan, Yunnan, represents another new genus, here described as Supradiscus.

Distinctive color variation in Rhinolepadichthys geminus (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) from Alor Islands, Indonesia: morphological and molecular insights.

Rhinolepadichthys geminus, one of three recently described species in the genus Rhinolepadichthys (previously known as Lepadichthys lineatus complex), is characterized by several distinct diagnostic morphological and color features, including a pair of yellow stripes on the body ventral midline. However, one of three specimens recently collected from the Alor Islands, Indonesia, possessed a yellow circular line, instead of a pair of yellow stripes, indicating that the latter were not an invariable feature. Morphological and molecular evidence confirmed the identity of the specimen and intraspecific significance of the color variation.

Wing mechanics and acoustic communication of a new genus of sylvan katydid (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) from the Central Cordillera cloud forest of Colombia.

Stridulation is used by male katydids to produce sound via the rubbing together of their specialised forewings, either by sustained or interrupted sweeps of the file producing different tones and call structures. There are many species of Orthoptera that remain undescribed and their acoustic signals are unknown. This study aims to measure and quantify the mechanics of wing vibration, sound production and acoustic properties of the hearing system in a new genus of Pseudophyllinae with taxonomic descriptions of two new species. The calling behaviour and wing mechanics of males were measured using micro-scanning laser Doppler vibrometry, microscopy, and ultrasound sensitive equipment. The resonant properties of the acoustic pinnae of the ears were obtained via μ-CT scanning and 3D printed experimentation, and numerical modelling was used to validate the results. Analysis of sound recordings and wing vibrations revealed that the stridulatory areas of the right tegmen exhibit relatively narrow frequency responses and produce narrowband calls between 12 and 20 kHz. As in most Pseudophyllinae, only the right mirror is activated for sound production. The acoustic pinnae of all species were found to provide a broadband increased acoustic gain from ~40-120 kHz by up to 25 dB, peaking at almost 90 kHz which coincides with the echolocation frequency of sympatric bats. The new genus, named Satizabalus n. gen., is here derived as a new polytypic genus from the existing genus Gnathoclita, based on morphological and acoustic evidence from one described (S. sodalis n. comb.) and two new species (S. jorgevargasi n. sp. and S. hauca n. sp.). Unlike most Tettigoniidae, Satizabalus exhibits a particular form of sexual dimorphism whereby the heads and mandibles of the males are greatly enlarged compared to the females. We suggest that Satizabalus is related to the genus Trichotettix, also found in cloud forests in Colombia, and not to Gnathoclita.

Enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber phenolic resin composites using silicon carbide filler for thermal protection system applications

Thermal protection systems (TPS) are vital for re-entry vehicles for their safe passage into the atmosphere from space. Hence, researchers took a keen interest in improving the thermal and ablative properties of composites to be used in making thermal protection systems. Therefore, an attempt was made to improve the thermal and ablative properties of composites made of carbon fibers (Cf) and resorcinol formaldehyde phenolic (Ph) resin with the incorporation of silicon carbide (SiC) particles. The filler was added in various percentages (0 wt% - blank, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%), and the composites were tested for ablative, thermal and mechanical properties. The results demonstrate that the SiC-modified PAN-based carbon fiber reinforced phenolic (SiC-PANCf-Ph) composite with 3 wt% SiC enhancement exhibited ideal properties. The post-ablation phase composition and microstructure were examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The surface morphology evidences the formation of a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer on the composites. The SiC-PANCf-Ph composites demonstrated the lowest ablation rate, enhancing their potentiality for effective TPS applications.

Reappraisal of the systematics of two sympatric coral snakes (Reptilia: Elapidae) from Northeast India

Systematics of the Asian coral snake genus Sinomicrurus Slowinski et al., 2001, was recently reviewed; however, the lack of molecular data for S. macclellandi (Reinhardt, 1844), especially topotypical specimens, renders most taxonomic revisions mutable. This largely hinders the reappraisal of the putative synonyms of S. macclellandi which may be distinct and deserve recognition to highlight their evolutionary importance and eventual conservation. We reassessed the systematic status of Northeast Indian populations of S. macclellandi that also included topotypic material, based on the combination of morphology and genetic data (mitochondrial and nuclear genes). We uncovered morphological and genetic evidence for resurrecting S. gorei comb. nov., from the synonymy of S. macclellandi and elevating it to a full species rank, previously recognised as a colour variant of S. macclellandi. We redescribed the species based on a total of 36 adult specimens examined from Mizoram, along with the type material from Assam, as well as specimens from Bangladesh. Apart from the genetic distinction of S. gorei from the other congeners, it is also morphologically diagnosable from its closest sympatric species S. macclellandi var. typica, in bearing a suit of somatic and osteological features.

Morphological evidence for the physiological nature of follicular atresia in veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

Follicular atresia (FA) has been assumed to serve different functions in reptiles, e.g. helping to develop hierarchies, limiting clutch size, and regression of ovarian structures. Reproductive output is dependent on a balance between ovulations and FA. Excessive rates of FA may not only be detrimental for the survival of a population, but have also been associated with pathological conditions. In order to gain insights into the physiological and potentially pathological processes of FA, we performed a decriptive study on the morphological features of the ovaries in sexually mature female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus, VC). Of 60 clinically healthy female VC with continuous ovarian cycling and at least one confirmed cycle with FA over at least 1.5 years, 30 were selected for macroscopic evaluation of ovarian appearance and 7 were subjected to histology and immunohistology. While FA of previtellogenic follicles happened at a low rate, expected for a species with two germinal beds per ovary and polyautochronic reproductive pattern, atresia in the late vitellogenic stage affected entire generations of follicles, consequential to ovulatory failure. Histologically, no pathological processes were identified in any of the animals. Rather, three stages of FA (early, middle, late) were defined and vitellogenic follicles showed two distinct morphological types of FA: yolky and cystic. Yolky FA was found in 21/30 (70%) animals, while cystic FA co-occurred in 9/30 (30%) of the animals.

Common Kyushu-Ryukyuan substratum in maritime vocabulary: A preliminary analysis

This paper constitutes a preliminary linguistic test of the hypothesis which postulates that shared Kyushu-Ryukyuan lexicon related to maritime knowledge provides evidence for a Kyushu-Ryukyuan subgrouping within the Japonic cladogram. The paper introduces Kyushu-Ryukyuan cognates and potential shared lexical innovations in seafaring vocabulary, cardinal directions and navigation, and marine fauna, all of which suggest a shared Kyushu-Ryukyuan navigation culture, as well as common maritime subsistence and lifestyle patterns. The case is reinforced by several promising cases of common morphological features between Kyushu and Ryukyuan. The overall conclusion is that the compared linguistic data does support the Kyushu-Ryukyuan clade. Finally, we identify a mismatch between lexical and morphological evidence concerning lower-unit classification of the South Japonic node. We observe that while shared innovative vocabulary allows to postulate Proto-Satsugū-Ryukyuan within Kyushu-Ryukyuan as the most direct mainland ancestor of Ryukyuan languages – the predecessor pre-Proto-Ryukyuan language that was still spoken in Kyushu in the first millennium AD – shared grammatical features do not suggest any particular subdivision of Kyushu-Ryukyuan.

Kahakuloa operculispora, a new Hawaiian simple thalloid liverwort in a new genus and family, Kahakuloaceae (Fossombroniales)

Kahakuloa operculispora, a new simple thalloid liverwort endemic to Hawaiʻi, so far only known from high elevation bogs in western Maui, is described and illustrated. The thallus has prominent reddish-purple rhizoids, uniseriate ventral slime papillae and lacks scales. The plants are dioicous; male plants have antheridia sunken in several rows of dorsal chambers, subtended by scales, while female plants have clustered archegonia enclosed by thick, barrel-shaped involucres that develop serially at the plant apex, before fertilization, and are arranged in a single dorsal row at maturity; perichaetial scales and pseudoperianths (defined as involucres developing after fertilization) are lacking. The capsules are spherical, 2−3 stratose, and dehisce irregularly; the spores are areolate and have a unique operculum-like disk on the proximal face. Molecular and morphological evidence supports placement of the plant in a new genus and family in the order Fossombroniales, suborder Fossombroniineae. Kahakuloa is the first liverwort genus endemic to Hawaiʻi, and Kahakuloaceae is the only known endemic Hawaiian land plant family.

What Is the True “Papa” Turtle? A Discussion About the Origin of The Clade Testudines from Both Morphological and Molecular Perspectives

Turtles, from the order Testudines has a debatable origin. The oldest defined species of the order was Proganochelys quenstedti from the late Triassic. However, the origin or the ancestor of this species has been a hot topic among scientists. This paper discussed the potential origin of the turtles using both the morphological and molecular perspectives. Based on the morphological evidence for the evolution of the defining features, one theory suggested that this order originated from the Eunotosaurus africanus which the dorsal ribs fused together first; other theories suggested that it originated from Odontocheyls semi Testacea which the ventral ribs fused first. The skull structure is another debatable topic as evolutionary evidence which the current turtles are classified as anapsid due to its lack of temporal fenestration. However, many of the potential ancestors showed defining two fenestrations of diapsids or at least some features indicating it was evolving into anapsid. The molecular evidence of mitochondrion cDNA showed that the Testudines clade diverged from the other Archosauri in Jurassic which completely overthrow all the hypothesis. Although morphological based theory has its flaw, it was a more convincing theory than the molecular based theory. As some studies suggested that the Odontotomy’s semi Testacea could lost its dorsal shell inherited from its ancestor, the hypothesized evolutionary route is E. africanus àPappocheyl. rosinae àO. semitestaceaàP. quenstedti.

A new species of Brassica (Brassicaceae) from Bolkar Mountains (Türkiye) with morphological and molecular evidence

Brassica huseyin-duralii from Niğde province in the Central Anatolian region of Türkiye is described and illustrated here as a new species of the tribe Brassiceae. It resembles B. repanda but differs from that species by its combination of woody caudex, leaf structure, and rosette and stem leaf shapes. It is also similar to B. elongata, from which it differs by its stem length, basal and stem leaf shapes and hair types, number of flowers, siliqua position and its width. This classification is also supported by phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal ITS data with B. huseyin-duralii and B. elongata constituting a monophyletic clade. The diagnosis, description, distribution and habitat of a new species, its distribution map and diagnostic key to Turkish Brassica species, are given; a Turkish name and IUCN Red List category are suggested.

Genetic and morphological evidence of a single species of bronze featherback (Notopterus notopterus) in Sundaland

The bronze featherback (Notopterus notopterus) is an iconic species of freshwater fish commonly found in South-East Asia and of great commercial and patrimonial importance. At present, the genus Notopterus comprises of two distinct species, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769) and Notopterus synurus (Bloch & Schneider 1801). On the Indonesian archipelago, genetic diversity and morphology of the bronze featherback were investigated for conservation purposes. The use of DNA-based species delimitation methods, applied to 165 Cytochrome oxidase I sequences of Notopteridae (121 belonging to N. notopterus), evidence a concordance between species and Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit (MOTU) and the two species of Notopterus are recognized. In N. notopterus, 9 haplotypes are detected among the 121 sequences analyzed, and three are restricted to Sundaland. These three haplotypes had distinct geographic distribution with a haplotype observed in Java, Sumatra and Borneo, another haplotype restricted to South Sumatra and a third haplotype only found in Northern Sumatra. The analyze of 21 morphometric and 9 meristic variables revealed two groups within N. notopterus, which were only supported by subtle differences in measurements with overlapping distributions between groups. The present study supports the validity of Notopterus notopterus in Sundaland and the remarkable genetic continuity among populations across its range distribution.

Drainage rearrangement in semi-arid intermountain depressions: a case study in South America

River captures are drainage rearrangements commonly reported in divides of high topographic gradient, triggered by headward erosion. Captures also occur in divides of low topographic gradient through differential fluvial incision between rivers, however, in a smaller proportion of reports, mainly in dry regions. Thus, this research contributes to the theme by investigating possible river captures in the semi-arid equatorial margin of South America related to the Jaguaribe River, which flows over intermountain depressions. This study used morphological and sedimentary evidence obtained in field expeditions and by application of morphometrics (local relief, paleotopographic modelling and χ variable). Among the results, the following stand out: depressions drained by radial tributaries upstream of water gaps; opposing headwaters with relative extension that drain low-relief divides, damming fluvial-lacustrine sediments and transfers signatures of upstream areas. These data suggest drainage rearrangements and a possible endorheic phase during the study area evolution. Continuous incision of the Jaguaribe River conditioned river captures by rupture of paleodivides supported by structural ridges (shear zones). In this context, the drainage rearrangements were effective for the configuration of the Jaguaribe River, even in a region of low topographic gradient and water flow instability.

Morphological and molecular evidence for natural hybridization between Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. discolor (Rosaceae)

In overlapping distribution areas of Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. discolor in North China (Mount Tuoliang, Mount Xiling and Mount Baihua), Sorbus individuals were found with pink fruit, which have never been recorded for the flora of China. Fourteen morphological characters combined with four chloroplast DNA markers and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were used to analyze the origin of the Sorbus individuals with pink fruits and their relationship to S. pohuashanensis and S. discolor. PCA, SDA and one-way (taxon) ANOVA of morphological characters provided convincing evidence of the hybrid origin of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits based on a novel morphological character and many intermediate characters. Haplotype analysis based on four cpDNA markers showed that either S. pohuashanensis or S. discolor were maternal parents of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits. Incongruence of the position of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits between cpDNA and ITS in cluster trees supported by DNA sequence comparative analysis, implying former hybridization events between S. pohuashanensis and S. discolor. Multiple hybridization events between S. pohuashanensis and S. discolor might have contributed to the generation of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits. This study has provided insights into hybridization between species of the same genus in sympatric areas, which is of great significance for the study of interspecific hybridization.

Three Newly Described Species of Ziziphus from Maharashtra, India Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

Abstract— Three new species of Ziziphus (Rhamnaceae) from Maharashtra, India, Z. bhandarii, Z. naikii, and Z. bhansalii are described here. These species occur in isolated fragments of the Deccan thorn scrub forest ecoregion on the Deccan plateau. Their placement in Ziziphus is confirmed by molecular analyses combining nrITS and trnL-F spacer regions. Given this phylogeny is the most robust to date of Ziziphus, a previously proposed intrageneric classification was tested, and the classification was not supported suggesting a need for additional investigations in this genus. The new species are most closely related to three Indian species, Z. horrida, Z. xylopyrus, and Z. caracutta, respectively, which are morphologically similar and sympatric, and are distinguishable from known species based on several vegetative and reproductive characteristics presented here. A diagnostic key to the Ziziphus species known to occur in Maharashtra is provided.

Updated checklist of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Mexico.

Based on historical and recent records, an updated list of 244 nominal species and three undescribed mosquitoes from Mexico is presented. Since 1990, 15 species have been recorded for the first time in Mexico: Aedes guatemala, Ae. brelandi, Ae. insolitus, Ae. melanimon, Ae. albopictus, Culex daumastocampa, Cx. metempsytus, Cx. erethyzonfer, Culiseta melanura, Limatus asulleptus, Sabethes gymnothorax, Trichoprosopon pallidiventer, Toxorhynchites moctezuma, Uranotaenia socialis, and Wyeomyia chalcocephala. Five species were discovered and described: Ae. amaterui, Ae. lewnielseni, Cx. diamphidius, Shannoniana huasteca, and Tr. mixtli. Three species were discovered without yet describing or naming them: Ae. (Protomacleaya) sp. 1, Ae. (Ochlerotatus) sp. 2, and Wyeomyia sp. 3. Five species had been removed from the Mexican mosquito fauna: Ae. stigmaticus, Cx. imitator, Onirion personatum, Sa. tarsopus, and Tx. theobaldi. With the intention of updating the checklist of the mosquito species in Mexico, historical and recent species records were reviewed, as well as the review of entomological collections, resulting in the confirmation of the presence in Mexico of Ae. thelcter, Cs. impatiens, and Orthopodomyia alba. Morphological and molecular evidence confirms the presence of Wy. jocosa, while Anopheles atropos, Psorophora confinnis, Cx. jenningsi, Mansonia indubitans, Tr. pallidiventer, and Tr. soaresi are removed from the Mexican mosquito fauna.

Molecular and morphological evidence of hybridization between two dimorphic sympatric species of Fuchsia (Onagraceae).

Hybridization is commonly reported in angiosperms, generally based on morphology, and in few cases confirmed by molecular markers. Fuchsia has a long tradition of ornamental cultivars with different hybrids produced by artificial crosses, so natural hybridization between sympatric Fuchsia species could be common. Natural hybridization between F. microphylla and F. thymifolia was tested using six newly developed microsatellites for F. microphylla in addition to other molecular markers with codominant and maternal inheritance. Geometric morphometrics of leaves and floral structures were also used to identify putative hybrids. Hybrids showed a different degree of genetic admixture between both parental species. Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences indicated that hybridization occurs in both directions, in fact, some of the hybrids showed new haplotypes for cpDNA and ITS (internal transcriber spacer of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes) sequences. The morphology of hybrid individuals varied between the two parental species, but they could be better identified by their leaves and floral tubes. Our study is the first to confirm the hybridization in natural populations of Fuchsia species and suggests that hybridization has probably occurred repeatedly throughout the entire distribution of the species. Phylogeographic analysis of both species will be essential to understanding the impact of hybridization throughout their complete distribution.