Primitive Species Research Articles

A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Chiton Acanthochiton rubrolineatus (Chitonida, Polyplacophora, Mollusca).

(1) Background: Chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) are relatively primitive species in Mollusca that allow the study of biomineralization. Although mitochondrial genomes have been isolated from Polyplacophora, there is no genomic information at the chromosomal level; (2) Methods: Here we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for Acanthochiton rubrolineatus using PacBio (Pacific Biosciences, United States) reads and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data; (3) Results: The assembly spans 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 3.63 Mb and 99.97% of the genome assigned to eight chromosomes. Among the 32,291 predicted genes, 76.32% had functional predictions. The divergence time of Brachiopoda and Mollusca was ~550.8 Mya (million years ago), and that of A. rubrolineatus and other mollusks was ~548.5 Mya; (4) Conclusions: This study not only offers high-quality reference sequences for the Acanthochiton rubrolineatus genome, but also establishes groundwork for investigating the mechanisms of Polyplacophora biomineralization and its evolutionary history. This research will aid in uncovering the genetic foundations of molluscan adaptations across diverse environments.

Chondroitin sulfate in invertebrate development

AbstractChondroitin sulfate (CS) is one of the most evolutionarily conserved glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Although CS's function in skeletal development is well established in vertebrates, CS exists in more primitive animal species with no cartilage or bone, such as C. elegans and Drosophila, indicating that the original role of CS was not in the skeletal system. In this review, we focus on the roles of CS and the mechanisms of action during development of two genetically trackable model organisms, C. elegans and Drosophila.

Chromosome-level genome assembly and population genomic analysis provide insights into the genetic diversity and adaption of Schizopygopsis younghusbandi on the Tibetan Plateau.

The Yarlung Tsangpo River on the Tibetan Plateau provides a unique natural environment for studying fish evolution and ecology. However, the genomes and genetic diversity of plateau fish species have been rarely reported. Schizopygopsis younghusbandi, a highly specialized Schizothoracine species and economically important fish inhabiting the Yarlung Tsangpo River, is threatened by overfishing and biological invasion. Herein, we generated a chromosome-level genome of S. younghusbandi and whole-genome resequencing data for 59 individuals from six locations of the river. The results showed that the divergence time between S. younghusbandi and other primitive Schizothoracine species was ∼4.2 Mya, coinciding with the major phase of the Neogene Tibetan uplift. The expanded gene families enriched in DNA integration and replication, ion binding and transport, energy storage, and metabolism likely contribute to the adaption of this species. The S. younghusbandi may have diverged from other highly specialized Schizothoracine species in the Zanda basin during the Pliocene epoch, which underwent major population reduction possibly due to the drastic climate change during the last glacial period. Population analysis indicated that the ancient population might have originated upstream before gradually adapting to evolve into the populations inhabiting the mid-stream and downstream regions of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. In conclusion, the chromosome-level genome and population diversity of S. younghusbandi provide valuable genetic resources for the evolution, ecology, and conservation studies of endemic fishes on the Tibetan Plateau.

The regulatory roles of a plant neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, on growth, PSII photochemistry and antioxidant systems in wheat exposed to cadmium and/or mercury stress

Heavy metals increase in nature due to anthropogenic activities and negatively impact the growth, progress, and efficiency of plants. Among the toxic metal pollutants that can cause dangerous effects when accumulated by plants, mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were investigated in this study. These metals typically inhibit important enzymes and halt their functioning, thereby adversely affecting the capability of plants to achieve photosynthesis, respiration, and produce quality crops. Acetylcholine (ACh) serves as a potent neurotransmitter present in both primitive and advanced plant species. Its significant involvement in diverse metabolic processes, particularly in regulating growth and adaptation to stress, needs to be further elucidated. For this aim, effects of acetylcholine (ACh1, 10 μM; ACh2, 100 μM) were survey in Triticum aestivum under Hg and/or Cd stress (Hg, 50 μM; Cd, 100 μM). Wheat seedlings exhibited a growth retardation of about 24% under Hg or Cd stress. Combined stress conditions (Cd + Hg) resulted in a decrease in RWC by approximately 16%. Two different doses of ACh treatment to stressed plants positively affected growth parameters and regulated the water relations. Gas exchange was limited in stress groups, and the photochemical quantum competency of PSII (Fv/Fm) was suppressed. Cd + ACh1 and Cd + ACh2 treatments resulted in approximately 2-fold and 1.5-fold improvement in stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation rate, respectively. Similarly, improvement was observed with ACh treatments in wheat seedlings under Hg stress. Under Cd and/or Hg stress, high levels of H2O2 accumulated and lipid peroxidation occurred. According to our results, ACh treatment upon Cd and Hg stresses improved the activities of SOD, POX, and APX, thereby reducing oxidative damage. In conclusion, ACh treatment was found to ensure stress tolerance and limit the adverse effects caused by heavy metals.

Evolution of the Late Cretaceous orbitoidal foraminifera and implications for the taxonomy and biostratigraphy in the Eastern Neo-Tethys, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan: A biometric approach

In the eastern Neo-Tethys realm, the Late Cretaceous larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) Orbitoides and Omphalocyclus are poorly known. Herein, Orbitoides and Omphalocyclus populations from the Fort Munro Formation in Rakhi Nala Section, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan are investigated. This work documents the most primitive evolutionary stages of these genera in the eastern Neo-Tethys. In Orbitoides, the average values of the size of embryon (Li + li) for the 18 investigated samples range between 477 and 516 µm and the average E values range between 4.2 and 4.7. In Omphalocyclus, the embryons are always trilocular and their sizes range between 112 and 485 μm, with an average between 153 and 287 μm. The E values range between 2 and 3, with an average of 2.3. Based on the average values of E and size of the embryon (Li + li), the populations of Orbitoides and Omphalocyclus have been attributed to the O. media and O. omanensis species, respectively. A late Campanian age is assigned to the Fort Munro Formation based on the recognition of O. media and O. omanensis. The detailed biometric study reveals primitive species of Orbitoides and Omphalocyclus from Pakistan (a part of eastern Neo-Tethys) in the Asian biogeographic province (ASP) during the late Campanian.

Messenger RNA transcription levels of neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex components in the olfactory nerve system of the anadromous Pacific salmon, masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou.

Anadromous Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus) are known for homing behavior to their natal rivers based on olfactory imprinted memories during seaward migration. The SNARE complex is a regulator of vesicle exocytosis from the presynaptic membrane. Our previous study suggested that its component genes (Snap25, Stx1, and Vamp2) are more highly expressed in the olfactory nervous system (ONS) during the migration stages associated with olfactory imprinting in the evolutionary species of Pacific salmon, such as chum (O. keta) and pink (O. gorbuscha) salmon. Masu salmon (O. masou) has a significantly different life history from these species, living longer in rivers and being a more primitive Pacific salmon species. In this study, the transcription of snare mRNAs in the ONS was analyzed using mainly male wild masu salmon. Five cDNAs encoding masu salmon SNAREs, which are well conserved among vertebrates, were isolated and sequenced. Each snare mRNA was highly expressed in age 1+ (yearling) parr prior to smoltification, particularly in the olfactory bulb. Their transcription status was significantly different from that of chum and pink salmon, which showed high expression in earlier under-yearling juveniles. The present results and our previous studies indicate that snare mRNAs are highly transcripted until the seaward migration, reflecting neural development and neuroplasticity of the ONS for olfactory imprinting.

Patterns in Genome-Wide Codon Usage Bias in Representative Species of Lycophytes and Ferns.

The latest research shows that ferns and lycophytes have distinct evolutionary lineages. The codon usage patterns of lycophytes and ferns have not yet been documented. To investigate the gene expression profiles across various plant lineages with respect to codon usage, analyze the disparities and determinants of gene evolution in primitive plant species, and identify appropriate exogenous gene expression platforms, the whole-genome sequences of four distinct species were retrieved from the NCBI database. The findings indicated that Ceratopteris richardii, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Selaginella moellendorffii exhibited an elevated A/U content in their codon base composition and a tendency to end with A/U. Additionally, S. capillus-veneris had more C/G in its codons and a tendency to end with C/G. The ENC values derived from both ENC-plot and ENC-ratio analyses deviated significantly from the standard curves, suggesting that the codon usage preferences of these four species were primarily influenced by genetic mutations and natural selection, with natural selection exerting a more prominent influence. This finding was further supported by PR2-Plot, neutrality plot analysis, and COA. A combination of RSCU and ENC values was used as a reference criterion to rank the codons and further identify the optimal codons. The study identified 24 high-frequency codons in C. richardii, A. capillus-veneris, and Diphasiastrum complanatum, with no shared optimal codons among the four species. Arabidopsis thaliana and Ginkgo biloba exhibited similar codon preferences to the three species, except for S. moellendorffii. This research offers a theoretical framework at the genomic codon level for investigating the phylogenetic relationships between lycophytes and ferns, shedding light on gene codon optimization and its implications for genetic engineering in breeding.

Voloshinoides simplex sp. nov. and Cribellopsis? kharaibensis sp. nov. (Foraminifera): new constraints for Lower Cretaceous (upper Barremian–lowermost Aptian) stratigraphy of the Arabian Plate (Kharaib Formation, Hawar Member, UAE)

Larger benthic foraminifera such as orbitolinids are particularly important in Lower and mid-Cretaceous biostratigraphy of neritic deposits of the Arabian Plate. These data are supplemented by a few non-orbitolinid taxa. Among these, two new species are described herein as Voloshinoides simplex and Cribellopsis? kharaibensis from upper Barremian–lowermost Aptian inner platform limestones of the Kharaib Formation and the Hawar Member cropping out in Wadi Rahabah, United Arabian Emirates. V. simplex sp. nov. represents the oldest and most primitive species of the genus Voloshinoides Barnard and Banner, exhibiting a simple and poorly developed exoskeleton. C.? kharaibensis represents a rather small species exhibiting a primitive marginal zone that lacks intercalary beams. The assignment of the taxonomic status is provisional awaiting some structural clarifications. While C.? kharaibensis is restricted to the upper Barremian Kharaib Formation, V. simplex reaches into the lower part of the lowermost Aptian Hawar Member.

Ancestry and genetic diversity studies among primitive and modern wheat species based on phenotypic data pool

Ancestry and genetic diversity studies among primitive and modern wheat species based on phenotypic data pool

In silico search for and analysis of R gene variation in primitive cultivated potato species.

Pathogen recognition receptors encoded by R genes play a key role in plant protection. Nowadays, R genes are a basis for breeding many crops, including potato. Many potato R genes have been discovered and found suitable for breeding thanks to the studies of a wide variety of wild potato species. The use of primitive cultivated potato species (PCPS) as representatives of the primary gene pool can also be promising in this respect. PCPS are the closest to the early domesticated forms of potato; therefore, their investigation could help understand the evolution of R genes. The present study was aimed at identifying and analyzing R genes in PCPS listed in the open database of NCBI and Solomics DB. In total, the study involved 27 accessions belonging to three species: Solanum phureja Juz. & Bukasov, S. stenotomum Juz. & Bukasov and S. goniocalyx Juz. & Bukasov Materials for the analysis were the sequencing data for the said three species from the PRJNA394943 and PRJCA006011 projects. An in silico search was carried out for sequences homologous to 26 R genes identified in potato species differing in phylogenetic distance from PCPS, namely nightshade (S. americanum), North- (S. bulbocastanum, S. demissum) and South-American (S. venturii, S. berthaultii) wild potato species, as well as the cultivated potato species S. tuberosum and S. andigenum. Homologs of all investigated protein-coding sequences were discovered in PCPS with a relatively high degree of similarity (85-100 %). Homologs of the Rpi-R3b, Rpi-amr3 and Rpi-ber1 genes have been identified in PCPS for the first time. An analysis of polymorphism of nucleotide and amino acid sequences has been carried out for 15 R genes. The differences in frequencies of substitutions in PCPS have been demonstrated by analysis of R genes, the reference sequences of which have been identified in different species. For all the studied NBS-LRR genes, the proportion of substituted amino acids in the LRR domain exceeds this figure for the NBS domain. The potential prospects of using PCPS as sources of resistance to Verticillium wilt have been shown.

Morphological characteristics, genetic diversity, and ethnobotanical uses of Citrus hongheensis (Rutaceae), an endangered species

The species Citrus hongheensis is an endangered species and the most primitive Citrus species with the most developed winged leaves. It is endemic to south Yunnan Province, southwest China, and only distributed in a very narrow area along the south bank of the Honghe river (the Yuanjiang river). By combining ISSR and morphological data from 11 populations, it shows that the species has rich genetic diversity among and within populations although the population is declining gradually. According to field and market surveys, the local Hani people have traditionally used C. hongheensis for a long time, such as the dried young fruits of the species as Chinese traditional medicine, leaves as food spice, as well as other organs. By collecting all existing knowledge of traditional and present uses, as well as further potential uses, we demonstrate that the species has good development prospects. Based on rich diversity, ethnobotanical uses, and a positive cultural environment, it was decided to choose four populations (YJNNDM, LCDX, HHDYJ, and YJYJYJ) of C. hongheensis for in situ conservation and artificial sexual reproduction. This will allow to develop new uses of the species, while providing indications for the conservation of other endangered species.

CGAS-STING-mediated novel nonclassic antiviral activities.

Stimulatorof interferon genes (STING) is an intracellular sensor of cyclic dinucleotides involved in the innate immune response against pathogen- or self-derived DNA. For years, interferon (IFN) induction of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING has been considered as a canonical pattern defending the host from viral invasion. The mechanism of the cGAS-STING-IFN pathway has been well-illustrated. However, other signalling cascades driven by cGAS-STING have emerged in recent years and some of them have been found to possess antiviral ability independent of IFN. Here, we summarize the current progress on cGAS-STING-mediated nonclassic antiviral activities with an emphasis on the nuclear factor-κB and autophagy pathways, which are the most-studied pathways. In addition, we briefly present the primordial function of the cGAS-STING pathway in primitive species to show the importance of IFN-unrelated antiviral activity from an evolutionary angle. Finally, we discuss open questions that need to be solved for further exploitation of this field.

Comparative chloroplast genome analyses provide new insights into phylogeny of Taraxacum and molecular markers for distinguishing rubber producing dandelions from their weedy relatives in China

Taraxacum species are utilized as traditional herbal medicine or as industrial crops to producing natural rubber. However, the classification of Taraxacum species has long been a challenge, thereby limiting their industrial application. To facilitate the correct screening rubber-producing dandelions from the weedy relatives, 38 chloroplast (Cp) genomes of Taraxacum spp. mainly gathered in Xinjiang, China, were assembled, including both rubber- and non-rubber-producing ones, and were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Taraxacum. The results reveal that T. mongolicum and T. dealbatum are the primitive species in Taraxacum studied here, while T. erythrospermum and T. compactum are the closest relatives to the rubber-producing dandelion T. kok-saghyz. The discrepancies among the phylogenetic relationships inferred from Cp genomes, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and morphology traits reflect chloroplast capture events due to putative ancient cross-species hybridization within Taraxacum. Comparative genomic analysis showed that, although highly conserved for most areas, some regions exhibit relatively high levels of variation in Cp genomes among different Taraxacum species, such as ndhD-ccsA and trnL-trnF regions. A total of 37 loci in Taraxacum Cp genomes were identified as novel putative molecular markers that might assist to distinguish rubber producing dandelions from their weedy relatives in their distribution center. Our results provide new insights into the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Taraxacum. In addition, the Cp genomic resources reported in this study provide genetic foundation for distinguishing rubber producing dandelions from their weedy relatives and future exploration of these industrial important species.

Gill structure and respiratory ability of Euchiloglanis kishinouyei (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes: Sisoridae).

Glyptosternoid fishes are distributed in the torrent environment of alpine canyons, where they often leave the water to climb rocky cliffs. As one of the most primitive species of glyptosternoid fishes, Euchiloglanis kishinouyei was examined in the current study to analyse its gill microstructure and respiratory ability. We first found that the oxygen consumption rate was relatively high and negatively correlated with body mass and that the average oxygen consumption at night was higher than during the day. The asphyxiation point of E. kishinouyei (5.05 ± 0.22 g) was c. 1.93 mg/L. Subsequently, the surface morphology, gross gill tissue structure, and ultra-microstructure of gill lamellae were investigated using optical microscopy and SEM. The gills showed an overall trend of regression, with five pairs of gill arches in each gill cavity. The adjacent gill filaments had large gaps, and the gill lamellae were thick. The gill filaments were closely arranged on the gill arches, their folded respiratory surface was highly vascularized with no tiny crest, and there were obvious tiny crests, grooves, pits, and pores on the nonrespiratory surface. The gill lamellae were closely embedded on both sides of gill filaments, which were composed of flat epithelial cells, basement membrane, pillar cells, and mucous cells. The gill total respiratory area correlated positively with body mass and length, whereas the gill relative respiratory area correlated negatively with body mass. We comprehensively analysed the gill microstructure and respiratory capacity of E. kishinouyei to provide fundamental data for the adaptive evolution of the gill structures of bimodally respiring fishes and offer insights into further study on the accessory air-breathing function of skin.

Gamete Collection, Artificial Fertilization and Captive-Rearing of Eggs in a Terrestrial-Breeding Anuran with Parental Care: Alytes obstetricans.

The genus Alytes consists of six primitive terrestrial-breeding species (five of them endangered or present in restricted distributions) with unique male parental care. Alytes obstetricans was used as a model for the development of assisted reproductive technologies for gamete collection, artificial fertilization and captive-rearing of embryos. Sperm collection was achieved with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), but only 17 to 50% of males responded to the hormone. In addition, an effect of captivity on sperm quality was observed. A combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and hCG was tested for induction of ovulation, and 100% of females responded to the treatment. Recently collected sperm was used in artificial fertilization, and 10% of eggs showed complete embryo development. To design a method for captive-rearing of embryos, natural clutches (n = 13) were removed from males and divided into two sub-clutches. One was kept with all eggs together and in the other, the egg string was cut and eggs were split individually. All sub-clutches with eggs kept separated presented embryo survival (ranging from 27 to 61%) that hatched normally, while only one sub-clutch with embryos maintained together had some embryo survival (36%). These results may contribute to the management of this and related species.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Salt Tolerance Mechanism in Semi-Wild Cotton (Gossypium purpurascens).

Elevated salinity significantly threatens cotton growth, particularly during the germination and seedling stages. The utilization of primitive species of Gossypium hirsutum, specifically Gossypium purpurascens, has the potential to facilitate the restoration of genetic diversity that has been depleted due to selective breeding in modern cultivars. This investigation evaluated 45 G. purpurascens varieties and a salt-tolerant cotton variety based on 34 morphological, physiological, and biochemical indicators and comprehensive salt tolerance index values. This study effectively identified a total of 19 salt-tolerant and two salt-resistant varieties. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing of a salt-tolerant genotype (Nayanmian-2; NY2) and a salt-sensitive genotype (Sanshagaopao-2; GP2) revealed 2776, 6680, 4660, and 4174 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under 0.5, 3, 12, and 24 h of salt stress. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs exhibited significant enrichment in biological processes like metabolic (GO:0008152) and cellular (GO:0009987) processes. MAPK signaling, plant-pathogen interaction, starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signaling, photosynthesis, and fatty acid metabolism were identified as key KEGG pathways involved in salinity stress. Among the DEGs, including NAC, MYB, WRKY, ERF, bHLH, and bZIP, transcription factors, receptor-like kinases, and carbohydrate-active enzymes were crucial in salinity tolerance. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) unveiled associations of salt-tolerant genotypes with flavonoid metabolism, carbon metabolism, and MAPK signaling pathways. Identifying nine hub genes (MYB4, MYB105, MYB36, bZIP19, bZIP43, FRS2 SMARCAL1, BBX21, F-box) across various intervals offered insights into the transcriptional regulation mechanism of salt tolerance in G. purpurascens. This study lays the groundwork for understanding the important pathways and gene networks in response to salt stress, thereby providing a foundation for enhancing salt tolerance in upland cotton.

On the Description of the Larval Stages of Myrmica inezae Forel, 1902 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae), an Endemic Himalayan Species, with Notes on its Natural History

Of the known species groups in Myrmica, the M. inezae belong to the inezae-group which is restricted between an altitude range of 1900-3000m in Himalayas. The species in question is a relic of old fauna and closely resembles the primitive ritae-group species. Herein, a detailed description of larval instars of Myrmica inezae Forel, 1902 is provided. Three larval instars are reported in this species. The larvae exhibit pheidoloid body profile which otherwise is pogonomyrmecoid in the larval stages of genus Myrmica Latreille, 1804 reported hitherto. M. inezae differs from the earlier described larval stages of M. rugosa and M. rupestris (rugosa-group) based on number of occipital hairs (six in M. inezae while these are eight in M. hecate and M. rupestris); mandibular teeth (two in M. inezae as compared to one in M. hecate and M. rupestris) and shape of maxilla (conoidal in M. inezae whereas paraboloidal in M. hecate and M. rupestris).

Origin and evolution of the Early Ordovician conodont genus Prioniodus Pander, 1856 — New evidence from South China

A conodont fauna of late Tremadocian to early Floian age (Early Ordovician) is documented from the Yinchufu Formation of Zhejiang Province, South China. It is characterized by the occurrence of two species of Prioniodontidae, a new species of Prioniodus and Acodus triangularis. Prioniodus antiquus sp. nov. may represent the most primitive species of Prioniodus, which is one of the earliest conodont genera with a ramiform—pectiniform apparatus. Based on the review of nearly 200 species originally assigned to Prioniodus, six multielement species are confirmed to belong to this genus. Morphological changes of these six species shows that they form an evolutionary lineage directly evolved from an adentate species, likely Acodus triangularis which has been reported from South China, Australia and from the Precordillera of western Argentina. Origination of the ramiform—pectiniform apparatuses as represented by the appearances of Prioniodus through late Tremadocian to Floian of the Early Ordovician might be a major response of the 'conodont animals' to occupy and adapt to the increasingly diversified environments in the shelf and slope settings. The biofacies distribution of the six Prioniodus species indicates that Prioniodus might have originated in deep-water slope settings and progressively spread into distal and then interior shelves in the late Tremadocian and diversified in the Floian, with Prioniodus amadeus possibly representing a relict species that survived into the Middle Ordovician and was restricted to shallow water environments.

Molecular Characterization of Maturase K Gene and Protein Prediction of Vanda spathulata (L.) - An Ayurinformatics Approaches

Vanda spathulata (L.) Spreng. is an important plant of the orchid family of botanical and horticultural importance in the Ayurvedic medicinal system. The Maturase K (matK) gene of plant chloroplast is a strong marker in studying plant molecular systematics, evolution, and genetic polymorphism and is considered as the standard DNA barcode for plants. The gene has an important role in the phylogenetic reconstruction of terrestrial plants. The present study investigated the phylogenetic characterization of matK gene obtained from the plant species V. spathulata (L.) through extraction, purification, PCR amplification, and gel elution. The nucleotide BLAST search revealed similarity with 103 sequences in various closely and distantly related orchid taxa. Mega software and a real-time divergence tree discovered Apostasia odorata has the primitive species for all the sequences, including the V. spathulata which diverged about 114 million years ago. Limited gene flow was observed among the vanda and related taxa and the Tajima neutrality test was negative, indicating the purifying selection in the matK gene sequence, that evolutionary selection had played a major role rather than the neutral evolution. The species and related other species exhibited higher polymorphism at the nucleotide level. Secondary structure was predicted for the single-stranded matK gene of V. spathulata and the ancestor plant species A. odorata using the Zucker MFold web server and translated through a comparison of ORF with NCBI and BLASTN. The protein was modeled in SWISS MODELLER and compared between the two species. The sequence had high similarity with its ancestor gene sequence and the protein modeled showed a complex structure than the ancestor protein due to significant evolutionary changes.

Distribution, Morphometrics and DNA barcoding of Archotermopsis wroughtoni Desneux (Termopsidae: Blattodea) in District Mansehra, Pakistan

Archotermopsis wroughtoni is a primitive termite species with distinct biological and behavioral features. Despite its presence in temperate regions worldwide, including the Oriental region, there is a lack of data on the current distribution of this species in the Mansehra district of Pakistan. Samples were collected from forested areas, including the Kaghan, Naran, Mahandri, and Shogran valleys. The distribution of A. wroughtoni was determined by observing decayed and fallen wooden logs, and host plants were identified to assess the species’ host preference. Morphometric identification was performed following relevant literature, and the barcoding technique of mtDNA COII was used to authenticate the species. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods. The study revealed the presence of A. wroughtoni in the forests of northern Mansehra, where it preferred tree species such as Cedrus deodara and Pinus excelsa for nest construction and foraging. The findings of this research will contribute to future studies on the biology and ecology of A. wroughtoni and aid in developing conservation strategies for this species and other social insects.