Quantitative Morphological Characters Research Articles

A new approach allows morphological recognition of cryptic diversity of the krill genus Hansarsia (formerly Nematoscelis)

Abstract Cryptic and pseudocryptic species are found on all major branches of the tree of life and probably represent a significant portion of undiscovered biodiversity, yet their identification is currently possible solely on the basis of molecular analyses. Here, we tested an alternative approach and hypothesized that all genetic clades might be identified on a morphological basis, and we analysed the morphology of nine previously detected genetic clades of Hansarsia. We made 169 sets of measurements (12 quantitative characters for each), ran multinomial logistic regression models, and showed a high ability of these models to generalize (i.e. to be able to classify correctly new specimens not included in our data matrix). The five to seven most ‘powerful’ characters provided a significant detection rate; these characters were shown to represent distinct evolutionary traits. Our findings cast some doubt on the presence of the ‘merely’ cryptic species; instead, we suggest that any genetic divergence found via traditional genetic markers is also mirrored in morphological divergence and can be detected using a combination of quantitative characters and appropriate mathematical tools. We provide a script key to genetic clades of the Atlantic Hansarsia based solely on morphological measurements and encourage other researchers to use quantitative morphological characters for detection of cryptic clades in other taxa.

Revision of the Chironius bicarinatus complex (Serpentes: Colubridae): Redefined species boundaries and description of a new species

Abstract Currently, the proposed diagnoses for the Chironius bicarinatus complex reflect a wide variation in color pattern and pholidosis. Herein, we review the Chironius bicarinatus complex based on morphological and molecular data from a sample of 485 specimens covering the species distribution. Our results corroborate the recognition of C. bicarinatus and C. gouveai, and diagnose a distinct lineage without an available name. Thus, here we describe this new species restricted to the Baturité Massif, a relictual rainforest isolated in the Caatinga xerophytic domain, in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by its unique combination of qualitative and quantitative morphological characters (scale counts, morphometric, color pattern), and is also supported by molecular and ecological evidence. Additionally, we rectify data on the distribution and morphological variability of C. gouveai to accurately infer the boundaries between this taxon and C. bicarinatus, which was not properly addressed. Finally, we discuss our results in the light of previous studies that suggest diversification hypotheses in the Atlantic Forest already detected for other taxa, highlighting the importance of conserving the areas of “Brejos de Altitude”, in northeastern Brazil, and the southern limit of Serra do Mar up to Serra do Tabuleiro, in southern Brazil.

Agromorphological evaluation of six varieties of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the Zinder region (Niger)

Cowpea is the main food leguminous plant grown in Niger. It is mainly cultivated for its protein-rich haulms and seeds and for its ability to improve soil fertility through its symbiosis with atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The present study evaluated genetic variability among six cowpea varieties for yield, yield related and phenology traits in the Zinder region. The experiment was conducted at the experimental area of André Salifou University in Zinder. An experimental device composed of three completely random blocks was used. The six varieties (four local and two improved) of cowpea were evaluated based on 24 quantitative agronomic and morphological characters according to IBPGR descriptors. The comparison of the means and the PCA revealed significant differences between the varieties in almost all the traits tested, with substantial phenotypic variations. IT98 was the most productive variety, with an average yield of 385.50 kg/ha. It also recorded the earliest flowering (38.41 days after sowing) and maturity (55 days after sowing) dates. BlAr gave the highest 100-Seed weight with an average value of 29.21g. CDSb and BTAr were the tallest plants at 40.44 and 40.26 cm respectively. The completed PCA indicates that the first two axes expressed 78,7% of the total variability whereby PC1 and PC2 highly contributed to the total variation at 54.76% and 23.94, respectively. Thus, IT98 may be a good candidate to be considered in Niger struggle to fight food shortage and face nutrition challenges, especially for the Zinder region due to abiotic constraints.  

Comparative morphometrics for species discrimination and analysis in the tabulate coral Catenipora from Baltoscandia

Transverse thin-section images of 12 species of Catenipora from the Ordovician and Silurian of Baltoscandia are analyzed in detail by a comparison of multivariate and two-dimensional geometric morphometrics. The corallites are described by 17 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters, and by 28 landmarks and centroid size. The statistical methods confirm that C. distans, C. elegans, C. exilis, C. maxima, C. obliqua, C. quadrata, C. rubraeformis, C. tapaensis, C. tractabilis, C. vespertina, and C. wrighti are valid species, and that C. monstruosa is a synonym of C. maxima. Geometric morphometrics is shown to be more effective than multivariate analysis in the discrimination of species. Relative warp analysis and thin-plate spline deformation grids are especially useful for characterizing corallite shape. Possible evolutionary relations and trends recognized among the species suggest that diversification in Catenipora may have involved niche partitioning with differences in the polyps size and shape. This study provides methods on evaluating the type specimens through individual corallites.

Resurrection of Leucobryumscalare Müll.Hal. ex M.Fleisch. (Bryophyta, Leucobryaceae) based on phylogenetic and morphometric evidence.

Leucobryumscalare was described in 1904 but its taxonomic status has been disputed, being reduced to a variety of Leucobryumaduncum or synonymized with Leucobryumaduncum. The taxonomic confusion of this taxon has remained unresolved. Hence, we revisited the taxonomic status of the taxon using phylogenetic and morphometric approaches. A total of 27 samples from Leucobryumaduncumvar.aduncum and Leucobryumaduncumvar.scalare were used to generate data from four markers, including ITS1, ITS2, atpB-rbcL spacer, and trnL-trnF. The concatenated dataset was used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree. Both qualitative and quantitative morphological characters were measured and analyzed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and PERMANOVA. The results showed that the two taxa are closely related but they are reciprocally monophyletic. Both qualitative and quantitative characters could also separate Leucobryumaduncumvar.scalare from Leucobryumaduncumvar.aduncum as shown with PCA and PERMANOVA. We propose the resurrection of the species rank for Leucobryumscalare as separate from Leucobryumaduncum. This work highlights the need for a more thorough revision of Leucobryum to clarify the actual level of diversity in this genus.

Unrecognized for centuries: distribution and sexual caste descriptions of the West European Aphaenogaster species of the subterranea group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

There are only two Aphaenogaster species from the subterranea group in the western Mediterranean: A.ichnusa Santschi, 1925, from south-western Europe, and A.subterranea (Latreille, 1798), also occurring in central and eastern Europe. Historically, the two species have been widely misunderstood: A.ichnusa was long considered a Sardinian endemic subspecies of A.subterranea, while its continental populations were misidentified as A.subterranea s. str. Recently, A.ichnusa was elevated to species rank and its worker caste was redescribed with that of A.subterranea, allowing for their correct identification. Yet their distribution was documented in detail only for France and Sardinia. Furthermore, no morphological characters were described to distinguish the males and queens of the two species. By investigating private and museum collections, 276 new records of A.ichnusa are provided here and 154 of A.subterranea from the western Mediterranean. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative morphological characters were combined to identify their males and queens. We present the new southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost distribution limits for A.ichnusa. Based on our results, this species is widely distributed in Italy and Catalonia (Spain), also occurring on several Mediterranean islands, avoiding areas with continental climate and high altitudes. Sicily is the only island to host the less thermophilous A.subterranea, which otherwise extends westward to Galicia (Spain). Sympatric occurrence is not rare along the contact zone. Additional natural history observations are reported regarding foraging habits, associated myrmecophiles, habitat preferences, and colony structure in the two species.

High genetic diversity in an endemic and vulnerable species: evidence from Astragalus cyclophyllon (Fabaceae) in Iran

The genus Astragalus L. with about 3000 species is the largest genus of flowering plants. It is also the largest genus in the flora of Iran with more than 850 taxa. Astragalus cyclophyllon Beck is an endemic taxon belonging to Astragalus sect. Incani DC. It occurs scattered in the steppe and semi-steppe areas of the western and central parts of Iran. This species is one of the most important forage taxa of Astragalus. According to IUCN criteria it has been classified as a vulnerable taxon in Iran, as it occurs in habitats intensely used by herders for their livestock. Here we evaluate the genetic diversity of the populations of this species in Iran to see whether genetic diversity is high or if reductions have already happened. For this purpose, sampling was done in all geographical areas with A. cyclophyllon populations in Iran. In total, 80 individuals representing 29 populations were studied using 33 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters and 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. ISSR revealed 240 bands which all were polymorphic. Neighbor-joining cluster analysis divided the individuals in four groups, Principal Coordinate Analysis and Bayesian population assignment analysis in Structure resulted in three genetic units. Morphological variation showed no correlation with the molecular data. The mean of Gst and Nm indices are 0.516 and 0.468, respectively, which indicate a very high genetic differentiation and low gene flow between the studied populations. According to these results, we conclude that genetic diversity is high in this species and that, therefore, the major threat for A. cyclophyllon is currently not related to inbreeding depression in populations, but might be due to livestock grazing that could change the population demographic structure by reducing regular establishment of new offspring.

Phenotypic diversity of natural populations of an endemic Moroccan plant (Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg)

Abstract The Euphorbia resinifera is melliferous and medicinal plant and one of the endemic species of Moroccan Atlas Mountains. It is very well known for its honey of high nutritional and therapeutic quality. The objective of our study is to characterize and evaluate the phenotypic variation of this spontaneous species. Seventeen qualitative and quantitative morphological characters related to the bush, stem, spine, flower, and fruit of the plant were used to assess the morphological variability of twelve natural populations collected from its geographical range in Morocco. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant differences between the studied populations for the most examined traits reflecting the existence of a high phenotypic variability within this species. The principal component analysis showed that E. resinifera populations were clustered in three distinct groups not related to mountain range type. The results highlight a high phenotypic diversity within studied populations of this species in Morocco. This work aims to study the phenotypic variability of E. resinifera to delineate conservation strategies and also to establish forms of rational economic exploitation.

Improvement of morphology, biochemical characters, and molecular changes of local upland rice cv. Sidikalang M3 generation through induction of gamma-ray irradiation

Abstract. Naibaho D, Purba E, Hanafiah DS, Hasibuan S. 2023. Improvement of morphology, biochemical characters, and molecular changes of local upland rice cv. Sidikalang M3 generation through induction of gamma-ray irradiation. Biodiversitas 24: 200-207. Upland rice cultivar Sidikalang is one of the local upland red rice cultivars of North Sumatra, which has the potential to be developed. However, this rice has limited planting area due to factors such as its higher plant height and long duration compared to other rice cultivars. Plant characteristics can be improved through induced mutation using gamma-ray irradiation. This study aimed to determine gamma rays' effect on changes in morphological, biochemical, and molecular characters and to obtain a superior Sidikalang cultivar mutant plant M3 generation. Observations of morphological changes were carried out quantitatively and qualitatively, biochemical analysis (amino acid content) was done using a High Performant Liquid Chromatography analyzer, and molecular analysis was performed using Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA markers. The results showed that 600 Gy gamma-ray irradiation improved quantitative morphological characters (shorter plant height, higher number of tillers and panicles, faster panicle release age) and qualitative morphological characters (flag leaf angle in dwarf mutants became upright) compared to no irradiation. 400 Gy gamma-ray irradiation also increased almost all amino acid content compared to no irradiation. The presence of polymorphic bands in the M3 generation Sidikalang cultivar mutant plant evidenced changes in morphological and biochemical characters.

Morphological and environmental variability ofDianthus sylvestris(Caryophyllaceae) in the Balkan Peninsula

AbstractSpecies with wide ranges often exhibit morphological variability that is mostly shaped by ecological and evolutionary processes, and the resulting diversity is frequently reflected in intraspecific taxonomy. Dianthus sylvestris in the Balkan Peninsula encompasses six subspecies (D. sylvestris subspp. alboroseus, bertisceus, kozjakensis, nodosus, sylvestris and tergestinus), the identification of which is problematic due to a great morphological variability and complex patterns of environmental variation. To explore morphological variation of described subspecies and to investigate how their morphology varies in relation to environmental variations across their geographical distribution, we evaluated 97 populations of D. sylvestris for variability in 25 morphological characters and 20 environmental variables. Number and shape of epicalyx scales, calyx length and petal denticulation captured the greatest extent of morphological variability between populations. Morphometric analyses revealed a continuous variability in quantitative morphological characters and an absence of clear morphological differentiation between the investigated subspecies. However, two main morphologically distinct entities, the north-western Balkan populations and the south-eastern Balkan populations, were identified and they were split approximately along the Neretva River valley. In addition, our results indicate that environment, rather than geography, plays a potentially more important role in shaping the morphological variability of this taxon. Overall, our results do not support the recognition of the described subspecies or the currently accepted taxonomic concept, instead pointing to a continuous morphological variability of D. sylvestris in the Balkan Peninsula.

Argentinean Myotis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), including the description of a new species from the Yungas

Myotis is the most speciose genus of mammals in the world and recent taxonomic revisions have revealed an impressive diversity of species in South America. Even so, the phenotypic conservatism of some taxa makes taxonomic delimitation difficult. We perform a taxonomic review of Myotis from Argentina based on qualitative and quantitative morphological characters. Our results confirm the occurrence of 12 species (M. albescens, M. chiloensis, M. dinellii, M. izecksohni, M. keaysi, M. lavali, M. levis, M. nigricans, M. oxyotus, M. riparius, M. ruber, and M. cf. simus) and revealed an additional new species for the Yungas Forest. The new species is small to medium (forearm length ~ 35 mm) and can be distinguished from its congeners by a set of characters that includes forearm length, cranial measurements, discrete craniodental characters, and fur color. This review does not exhaust the need for new systematic studies with Argentinean Myotis, considering the possibility of occurrence of new species and the great morphological variation found for some complex taxa.

A Morphometric and Karyological Study of the Anthemis macedonica Group (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) Reveals a New Species from Greece.

A recent study of the Anthemis collections in the Balkans indicated that the taxa of the Anthemis macedonica group (A. macedonica subsp. macedonica, A. macedonica subsp. thracica, A. meteorica, A. orbelica) exhibit noteworthy morphological patterns not evaluated before. We applied morphometric approaches (principal components analysis, PCA; factor analysis on mixed data, FAMD) by considering 19 qualitative and 20 quantitative morphological characters, together with three ratios, in 26 populations of this group. Furthermore, the chromosome numbers and karyotype morphology were investigated in eight populations of the group, covering the taxa participating in the study. Our results revealed that the southernmost populations of the group represent a hitherto unknown species confined to serpentine: it is described here as Anthemis serpentinica Goula & Constantinidis. The morphological evidence supports the proximity of A. macedonica and A. orbelica, which would be better considered as subspecific entities of the same species. On the contrary, A. meteorica and A. thracica are retained as independent entities at species level. All taxa share the same diploid chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 18 with similar but not identical karyotypes. A brief description of all taxa, based on recent new collections, and a dichotomous key are presented. Lectotypes are designated for Anthemis macedonica and A. meteorica.

Genetic diversity of chili pepper mutant (Capsicum frutescens L.) resulted from gamma-ray radiation

Genetic variation is an important source for plant breeding activities. Efforts to develop genetic variation are among others carried out by mutation techniques including mutation induction with gamma-ray radiation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of chili pepper as a result of mutation induced by gamma-ray radiation based on morphological characters, capsaicin content, and RAPD profile. Chili pepper seeds genotype G1 were irradiated with two doses of gamma-ray 200 and 400 Gy. Analysis of morphological characters refers to the descriptor Capsicum spp. The capsaicin content of the fruit was measured using a spectrophotometric method. Genetic diversity was analyzed through profiling and scoring of RAPD DNA bands represented in the form of a UPGMA dendrogram using the NTSYS 2.10e program. Statistical analysis of quantitative morphological characters and capsaicin content were conducted using SPSS 24.0 program. Gamma-ray radiation can induce variations in morphological characters. The radiation dose of 400 Gy was more effective in producing mutant variants with the highest characters of plant height, canopy width, stem diameter, fruit length, and number of fruits. Gamma-ray radiation did not significantly increase the capsaicin content of the fruit (P 0.05). Mutant G1 chili pepper showed morphological and molecular variations. The mutant group separated from the control showed that the mutants experienced a significant change in several characters.

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA profiling in detecting genetic variation in Malva L. species: edible and medicinal plants

Malva L. (mallow) is the genus within the Malvaceae Juss. family, which includes twenty- five-forty. species and several hybrids. This genus contains herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial species that are native to regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Malva species contain a lot of mucilage, malvin, flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and vitamin. No detailed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) studies were conducted to study Malva genetic diversity. Therefore, we collected and analyzed seven species from seven provinces of Iran regions. Overall, eighty-five plant specimens were collected. We showed significant differences in quantitative morphological characters in plant species. Malva verticillata L. depicted unbiased expected heterozygosity (UHe) in the range of 0.053. Shannon information was high (0.67) in Malva parviflora L. Malva vericillata showed the lowest value, 0.083. The observed number of alleles (Na) ranged from 1.16 to 2.33 in Malva vericillata and Malva parviflora. The effective number of alleles (Ne) was in the range of 1.078-1.922 for Malva vericillata and Malva parviflora.Gene flow (Nm) was relatively low (0.63) in Malva. The Mantel test showed correlation (r = 0.76, p=0.0001) between genetic and geographical distances. We reported high genetic diversity, which clearly shows the Malva species can adapt to changing environments since high genetic diversity is linked to species adaptability. Present results highlighted the utility of RAPD markers and morphometry methods to investigate genetic diversity in Malva species.Our aims were 1) to assess genetic diversity among Malva species 2) is there a correlation between species genetic and geographical distance? 3) Genetic structure of populations and taxa. 

Morphometric analysis provides evidence for two traditionally defined species of the Tillandsia erubescens complex (Bromeliaceae)

Background and aims – A linear morphometric analysis of three taxa of the Tillandsia erubescens complex, composed of T. erubescens var. arroyoensis, T. erubescens var. erubescens, and T. erubescens var. patentibracteata, is presented to evaluate their circumscription. Additionally, their taxonomic rank as varieties or species is discussed considering the obtained results. Geographic distribution, the influence of climate, elevation, and geographic distance on morphological differences between the taxonomic entities is explored.Material and methods – Of a total of 110 herbarium specimens reviewed, 44 were measured. These were previously identified as T. erubescens var. arroyoensis, T. erubescens var. erubescens, or T. erubescens var. patentibracteata. Factor and cluster analyses were performed using 16 quantitative morphological characters. The resulting groups were considered as taxonomic entities supported by morphometric characters, and species distributions were plotted against Mexican biogeographic provinces. A single Mantel test was performed to evaluate the correlation between morphology and climatic variables, elevation, and geographic distance.Key results – The specimens referred to as T. erubescens var. arroyoensis were separated morphometrically from the other two varieties. The most important characters to differentiate T. erubescens var. arroyoensis from T. erubescens var. erubescens were total size, width and length of the leaf sheath and leaf blade, and the number of flowers. The non-overlapping geographical distribution of T. erubescens var. arroyoensis and T. erubescens var. erubescens supports their recognition as independent taxonomic entities. Our study did not support the separation between T. erubescens var. erubescens and T. erubescens var. patentibracteata, which is also reflected by their overlapping geographic distributions. Both precipitation and geographic distance were correlated with the morphological differences among the species.Conclusion – Our morphometric and geographical distribution study supports the recognition of T. arroyoensis and T. erubescens as different species, while no evidence was found to maintain T. erubescens var. erubescens and T. erubescens var. patentibracteata as different taxonomic entities. We provide a set of morphological characters that can be used to distinguish between T. arroyoensis and T. erubescens, including the leaf sheath and leaf blade width, and the number of flowers. Morphological characters agree with the geographic distribution of the studied taxa.

The interacting effects of genetic variation in Geranium subg. Geranium (Geraniaceae) using scot molecular markers

One of the most crucial aspects of biological diversity for conservation strategies is genetic diversity, particularly in rare and narrow endemic species. Our study is the first attempt to utilize SCoT markers to check the genetic diversity in Iran. We used 115 plant samples. Our objectives were 1) to check genetic diversity among Geranium species 2) Genetic structure of the Geranium 3) Do the Geranium species exchange genes? 4) To detect isolation by distance among the Geranium species. We used traditional morphological and molecular methods to assess genetic diversity and genetic structure in the Geranium species. A total of 129 amplified polymorphic bands were generated across 13 Geranium species. The size of the amplified fragments ranged from 150 to 3000 bp. G. stepporum showed the highest values for the effective number of alleles (Ne = 1.30) and Shannon information index (I =0.35). Significant ANOVA results (P <0.01) showed differences in quantitative morphological characters in plant species. G. sylvaticum showed high genetic diversity. Mantel test showed a significant correlation (r = 0.17, p=0.0002) between genetic distance and geographical distance, so isolation by distance (IBD) occurred among the Geranium species. According to the SCoT markers analysis, G. kotschyi and G. dissectum had the lowest similarity, and the species of G. sylvaticum and G. pratense had the highest similarity. The present study revealed that a combination of morphological and SCoT methods could distinguish the species of Geranium.

A morphological and morphometric approach to study Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata): Size changes of Ophiocomella alexandri.

Studies on size changes of Ophiuroidea are limited, despite their importance and implications in taxonomy, phylogenetics, ecology, and distribution. These studies have traditionally been based on descriptive size series seldom integrating quantitative analyses to assess the morphological variability of species, despite their potential use to study size changes in brittle stars. To confirm the latter, size changes of Ophiocomella alexandri were studied here using this approach. The studied size series of O. alexandri included specimens from 1.64 to 23.64 mm disc diameter (DD). Quantitative and qualitative external morphological characters were examined on each specimen, and quantitative analyses (cluster, one-way permutational analysis of variance, and discriminant analysis) were employed to identify size groups within the species. The allometric relationship disc diameter-total arm length (DD-AL) was estimated for each size group and the combined size groups. Two size groups were identified: Group 1, subdivided into Subgroup 1.1 and Subgroup 1.2, and Group 2. Each size group presented particular characters which were described, discussed, and compared with relevant literature. The relationship DD-AL was positively allometric for Group 1 and combined size groups, and isometric for Group 2. The results highlight the potential of quantitative analyses to address size-related morphological changes in ophiuroids, and the importance of conducting this type of study to correctly identify species regardless of their size. This is the first study to describe size-related morphological changes of a brittle star from the Eastern Pacific, and the first one focused on a member of Ophiocomidae globally.

Identification of the genetic diversity of sweet potato germplasm based on quantitative morphological characters

Sweet potato is one of the prospective food crops to be used as an export commodity. Information on genetic diversity of sweet potato is needed as a consideration for the improvement of superior sweet potato varieties that have export quality. The research was conducted in Wringin Songo village, Tumpang, Malang Regency. The materials used were 150 sweetpotato accessions in total that consisting of: 19 superior varieties, 38 local clones, 1 introduced variety and 92 promising clones. This experiment was arranged in randomized block design (RBD) with two replications. The qquantitative morphological variables such as: potential yield, tuber weight, dry matter, stover weight, harvest index and number of tubers plot−1 were observed. The results showed that the genetic diversity was quite high in the sweet potato germplasm, there were 41 clones that had yield potential (≥ 30 t ha−1). Some of these clones were prospective to be used as parents for crossing due to their ability to flower. Two sweet potato clones (MSU 10001-18 and MSU 07030-64) with dark purple flesh colour, Kidal variety with yelow flesh color and above 30% tuber dry matter have the criteria required for export market.

Molecular techniques in the assessment of genetic relationships between populations of Consolida (Ranunculaceae)

Genetic diversity studies are essential to understand the conservation and management of plant resources in any environment. The genus Consolida (DC.) Gray (Ranuculaceae) belongs to tribe Delphinieae. It comprises approximately 52 species, including the members of the genus Aconitella Spach. No detailed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) studies were conducted to study Consolida genetic diversity. Therefore, we collected and analyzed 19 species from 12 provinces of regions. Overall, one hundred and twenty-seven plant specimens were collected. We showed significant differences in quantitative morphological characters in plant species. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and principal component analysis (PCA) divided Consolida species into two groups. All primers produced polymorphic amplicons though the extent of polymorphism varied with each primer. The primer OPA-06 was found to be most powerful and efficient as it generated a total of 24 bands of which 24 were polymorphic. The Mantel test showed correlation (r = 0.34, p=0.0002) between genetic and geographical distances. We reported high genetic diversity, which clearly shows the Consolida species can adapt to changing environments since high genetic diversity is linked to species adaptability. Present results highlighted the utility of RAPD markers and morphometry methods to investigate genetic diversity in Consolida species. Our aims were 1) to assess genetic diversity among Consolida species 2) is there a correlation between species genetic and geographical distance? 3) Genetic structure of populations and taxa.

Preliminary results of studying the genetic diversity of Malaxis monophyllos (Orchidaceae) in the Amur region

For research the plants of Malaxis monophyllos (L.) Sw. were sampled in the Amur region and takenfrom the herbarium collections of the same region (MW and MHA). The plants of M. monophyllos have a high degreeof vari-ability of quantitative morphological characters. First, we paid attention to the number of leaves, the height ofplants and peduncles, the number and size of leaves and the number of flowers. Therefore, the purpose of this workwas compara-tive molecular studies of individuals of the same species with different morphological characteristics.Internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the 18S–26S region of nuclear ribosomal DNA were chosen as amolecular marker. On the molecular phylogenetic tree, the analyzed M. monophyllos plants form clade with a highposterior probability (1.0). The ITS sequences of the analyzed samples are not identical. The level of geneticdifferentiation of nucleotide sequences was 0.12 %, which corresponds to the variability within the species, whichconfirms the belonging of the analyzed samples to the same species. Since the species has a large area, it is necessary toanalyze plant samples from other regions to obtain reliable results. The different regions of the nuclear and plastidgenomes should be added to the genetic analysis.