Separate Subspecies Research Articles

Population genetic structure of the bottlenose dolphin in the Turkish waters based on mtDNA sequences with implications for the Black Sea subspecies Tursiops truncatus ponticus

The bottlenose dolphin is a widely distributed species found in temperate waters, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The Black Sea population is recognized as a distinct subspecies, Tursiops truncatus ponticus, due to genetic and morphological differences. This study analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of 73 bottlenose dolphin samples collected between 1999 and 2016 along the Turkish Black Sea coast, Turkish Straits System (TSS), Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas revealing 14 haplotypes, eight of which are reported here for the first time. The haplotype network shows two main nodes with star-like sub-networks, but no apparent geographic pattern. The lack of geographical groupings of haplotypes indicates the high mobility of the species within the sampled area. The northern Black Sea bottlenose dolphins (NBS) appear to be genetically differentiated from those in the southwestern Black Sea (SBS), Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean, but not from the TSS and Aegean Sea populations. Besides, SBS bottlenose dolphins were differentiated only from those in the western Mediterranean (WM) and the Atlantic. Therefore, NBS and SBS bottlenose dolphins should at least be categorized as different populations. However, contrary to some previous studies there was no evidence supporting the classification of Black Sea bottlenose dolphins as a separate subspecies. The TSS differs only from the Atlantic and the Aegean, and functions like a migratory ‘melting pot’ for surrounding populations. Despite the largest sample size, NBS bottlenose dolphins exhibited the lowest haplotype and nucleotide diversity. This low genetic diversity and potential isolation from adjacent populations highlight the need for prioritizing the conservation of NBS bottlenose dolphins.

Quantitative analysis of the morphological variation within the tiger beetle Calomera littoralis (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) in Mongolia

For the past couple of centuries, much of tiger beetle taxonomic work has been focused on explaining intraspecific variation. In the Northern Hemisphere, over a thousand subspecies have been described and many have since been relegated to synonymy. Generally, the phenotypic-based subspecies circumscription has been purely descriptive. More quantitative and integrative analyses of the color and pattern variation in tiger beetles would be valuable. The geographically wide-ranging species, Calomera littoralis (Fabricius, 1987) contains 11 currently recognized subspecies, including two described from Mongolia that have been of questionable status due to the paucity of material available when they were described. Here, we assess the distribution of phenotypic variation within C. l. peipingensis (Mandl, 1934) and C. l. mongolensis (Mandl, 1981) to determine whether it best fits a pattern of two subspecies with a contact zone or a gradual cline, based on 494 specimens from 34 populations. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses and modeling of the fit between longitude and black dorsal phenotypes both indicate that the variation is best explained by a gradual cline of phenotype along an east-west gradient, not the presence of separate subspecies. As a result, we synonymize C. littoralis mongolensis, syn, nov. with C. littoralis peipingensis.

Genetics, geography, and subspecies status of American mink in Florida, with an emphasis on Neogale vison evergladensis

Historical records of American mink (Neogale vison) in Florida suggest they occur in four populations, each currently recognized as a separate subspecies. The Everglades mink (N. v. evergladensis) is a state-listed threatened subspecies, and the Atlantic salt marsh mink (N. v. lutensis) and Gulf salt marsh mink (N. v. halilimnetes) are both Species of Greatest Conservation Need, but support for their taxonomic status is limited. We acquired 62 samples of mink for genetic analysis using mtDNA and microsatellite data with the objective of assessing the subspecies status of mink in Florida with an emphasis on evergladensis. We also compared historical and current range estimates of mink subspecies in Florida using museum specimens, public sightings, and detection records from scientific studies. All estimates of FST were significant when evergladensis was paired with other subspecies and both assignment tests and the Principal Coordinate Analysis separated evergladensis from other subspecies. The single mtDNA haplotype from evergladensis was not found elsewhere in Florida but was present in a subspecies outside of Florida (vulgivaga). Genetic diversity was lowest in evergladensis and highest for vulgivaga from Louisiana. We found support for lutensis as a separate taxonomic unit and assignment tests found some support for the genetic distinctiveness of halilimnetes. Sample sizes limited analyses in halilimnetes and prevented any conclusions about the subspecies status of mink in the Panhandle. Based on current range estimates, mink from evergladensis, lutensis, and halilimnetes are geographically isolated from one another and supports the genetic analysis. Using a more modern definition of subspecies that includes genetics, distribution, and ecology, we conclude that the data supports multiple subspecies of mink in Florida.

Identification of low levels of neutral and functional genetic diversity in South African bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus).

Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) and blesbok (D. p. phillipsi) are classified as separate sub-species. The blesbok has a widespread distribution throughout South Africa and is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Bontebok on the other hand is endemic within the Cape Floristic Region of the Western Cape in South Africa and has been listed as near-threatened species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Bontebok populations experienced a severe bottleneck and were brought back from the brink of extinction in the 1830s. Currently, the subspecies is threatened by hybridisation with blesbok resulting in fertile offspring. To date, molecular investigations using neutral markers have determined that genetic diversity in pure South African bontebok was significantly lower than in pure blesbok. Here, we investigated genetic diversity in bontebok, blesbok and hybrid individuals using microsatellites and an adaptive marker (toll-like receptor two (TLR2)). The study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed five mutations in TLR2 in different individuals and subspecies of D. pygargus. This included three non-synonymous and two synonymous mutations. The three amino acid substitution mutations were predicted to have no effect on protein function. Two of the five mutations, one of which resulted in an amino acid substitution, were not present in bontebok. The other three mutations were present to varying frequencies in the three groups. We confirm low adaptive and neutral diversity in bontebok. These mutations provide insights into the genetic diversity and relationships among the two sub-species of D. pygargus and may have implications for their conservation and management.

Communication of generations: Types of discourses and their essential features

The article concentrates on the communication of generations. It also seeks to identify and differentiate specific features of discourses related to and connected with the interactions of generations. These discourses include the discourse about generations, generational, intragenerational and intergenerational discourses. The main differentiating criterion is the verbalized generational identity of one or more participants of the communication process. Addressing generational issues in the process of communication without actualizing the generational identity of the communicants and the accentuation of the thematic choice is a criterion for distinguishing the discourse about the generation as a separate subspecies. The coinciding or differing generational affiliation of communicants acts as a differentiating feature of generational, intergenerational and intragenerational discourses. The verbalized generational belonging of the addresser is the marker of a generational discourse. It usually has no designated addressee. If the generational identity of both the addresser and the addressee is revealed, the generational discourse is divided into intragenerational and intergenerational. If communicants belong to the same generation, the discourse is intragenerational. If communicants belong to different generations, the discourse becomes intergenerational. The concept of “generation” can be considered from a biological and social point of view. If communicants belong to different generations and are relatives, the subspecies of the discourse is the intrafamilial discourse (personality-oriented). If the communicants belong to different generations but they are not relatives, the interfamilial discourse subspecies is distinguished, which can be both personalityoriented and institutional in nature (if the communicants emphasize the function of the generation as a social institution).

Investigations into the Melitaea ornata species complex in the Levant: M. telona and the newly erected species Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 was recently described from Israel as a species closely related to M. telona Fruhstorfer, 1908, but different in phenology, ecological preferences and with an allopatric distribution. Here, based on comparative examinations of mitochondrial DNA-barcodes, male genitalia and larval behaviour under laboratory conditions, we synonymize M. klili with M. telona. The COI barcodes of M. klili were found to be identical to those of M. telona. Analysis of 658 bp fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI demonstrated that the minimum uncorrected p-distance between M. ornata and M. telona was 1.98%. This value is remarkably less than the 3% threshold traditionally accepted as a species boundary in DNA barcoding studies. The morphological differences between these taxa are minimal. In fact, M. ornata and M. telona represent two phylogenetic lineages, the taxonomic status of which (separate species or subspecies of the same species) is intermediate and debatable.

Problems in the formation and implementation of the methodology for investigating homicides related to domestic violence

The theoretical foundations for building a separate forensic methodology for investigating homicides committed in connection with domestic violence have been developed. A scientific justification for the differentiation of the relevant type of homicide in the system of forensic classification of criminal offences related to domestic violence has been proposed. Certain elements of the methodology for investigating this type of homicide and their specificity in the context of developing forensic recommendations have been identified. Characteristics of the practical implementation of the methodology for investigating homicides committed in connection with domestic violence have been provided. A systematic analysis of the elements of the mechanism of domestic homicide and domestic violence, the activities of law enforcement agencies to prevent, detect and investigate this type of homicide, as well as scientific recommendations concerning the methodological and forensic support of pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings on homicide has been carried out. Legislation regulating social relations in the field of domestic violence prevention, as well as judicial and investigative practice in criminal proceedings on homicide related to domestic violence have been studied. On this basis, it has been determined that homicide committed in connection with domestic violence is a type of domestic (household) homicide, the investigation process of which is characterised by specific features which necessitate the formation of a corresponding separate subspecies forensic methodology. The main distinguishing feature of this homicide group is predicate domestic violence, i.e. violence that systematically occurs in the family before the actual event of the homicide. An important reason for differentiating the methodology of investigating such homicides is the forensic classification of domestic violence as a separate phenomenon and criminal offences related to it. These classifications also make it possible to detail individual elements of the methodology for investigating the category of homicide under study, including typical investigative situations, versions, tactical tasks of the investigation, algorithms of investigator's actions and tactical operations. A specific aspect of the formation and practical implementation of the methodology for investigating homicides committed in connection with domestic violence is to take into account the peculiarities of the behaviour and psychology of the offender, the victim and, in some cases, witnesses of domestic violence when choosing means of evidence (investigative actions) and tactics for their conduct. This significantly affects the specification of typical investigative situations of the initial and subsequent stages of the investigation, as well as determines the specific tactics of certain procedural actions, including inspection of the scene, interrogation, involvement of experts, etc.

Marine and freshwater centrohelid heliozoans (Haptista: Centroplasthelida) in Canada, including taxonomic revisions and descriptions of 22 new species and subspecies

Canadian coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean as well as inland freshwater habitats in Ontario were sampled for centrohelid heliozoans (free-living heterotrophic single-celled organisms) over a period of nearly five decades. More than 60 species and subspecies were revealed, including 1 Triangulopteris, 1 Raphidocystis, 2 Pseudoraphidocystis, 3 Raineriophrys, 4 Pseudoraphidiophrys, 12 Choanocystis, 15 Pterocystis, and 25 Acanthocystis taxa. Of these, 22 were officially named and described as new to science based primarily on the morphology of the siliceous scales that cover the cell. New species were compared with images and/or descriptions of close “relatives” to validate their new species assignments. New data on five species of Acanthocystis and one species of Choanocystis required revisions of their descriptive taxonomy that in some cases resulted in the splitting off of separate species or subspecies. Very little can be concluded about global distribution of centrohelid heliozoans, owing to the paucity of records. For many of the taxa reported here, previous records consist of just one or two findings from other parts of the world. One example is Choanocystis antarctica Tikhonenkov and Mylnikov, 2011 that was previously known only from Antarctic seawater, but is reported here from an Ontario softwater lake.

Revision of the Therates fruhstorferi complex (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae)

The taxonomic structure of the Therates fruhstorferi species complex (sensu lato) within the batesi-species group is revised. The lectotypes and paralectotypes of Therates fruhstorferi W. Horn, 1902 and Therates fruhstorferi sauteri W. Horn, 1912 are designated. Therates biserratus Tan, Mo, Liang, 1991 and T. vitalisi ida Mandl, 1954 are restored from the synonyms of T. vitalisi W. Horn, 1913 as the separate species and subspecies, respectively while T. sauteri is considered as a separate species, but not as a subspecies of T. fruhstorferi. Three species and two subspecies are described as new: T. fruhstorferi australis ssp. n.-from southern Vietnam; T. pseudovitalisi sp. n.-from northern Laos; T. pseudovitalisi tibetana ssp. n.-from eastern Tibet, China; T. hunanensis sp. n.-from the Chinese Province Hunan; T. ziyardamensis sp. n.-from northern Myanmar. An identification key and distribution map of the species of Therates fruhstorferi complex are provided.

Genomic characterization of coexisting anatoxin-producing and non-toxigenic Microcoleus subspecies in benthic mats from the Wolastoq, New Brunswick, Canada

The presence of toxigenic benthic cyanobacteria in riverine ecosystems is an increasing concern around the world. In 2018, the death of three dogs along the Wolastoq (also known as the Saint John River) in New Brunswick, Canada, was attributed to anatoxin exposure after they ingested benthic microbial mats found along the shore. Here, we shotgun sequenced the DNA of 15 non-axenic cyanobacterial isolates derived from four anatoxin-containing benthic mat samples associated with the dog deaths. Anatoxins were produced by some of the isolates, but not all. We retrieved near-complete Microcoleus metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the isolates that are closely related to anatoxin-producing Microcoleus from the Cardrona River (New Zealand), although the Microcoleus MAGs from the Wolastoq varied in the presence/absence of the anatoxin-a biosynthesis cluster. Sequence similarity at the genomic level suggests that toxigenic and non-toxigenic Microcoleus MAGs from the Wolastoq belong to the same species but are separate subspecies. The toxigenic and nontoxic Wolastoq Microcoleus subspecies coexisted in the mat samples in similar relative abundance. Overall genomic comparisons revealed that toxigenic Microcoleus MAGs are longer and code for more accessory genes than their non-toxigenic relatives, suggesting a differential responsiveness to changing environments, stress conditions and nutrient availability.

Range-wide population genomics of the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar (Erebidae): Implications for biosurveillance, subspecies classification and phylogeography of a destructive moth.

The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar, is an irruptive forest pest native to Eurasia where its range extends from coast to coast and overspills into northern Africa. Accidentally introduced from Europe in Massachusetts in 1868-1869, it is now established in North America where it is considered a highly destructive invasive pest. A fine-scale characterization of its population genetic structure would facilitate identification of source populations for specimens intercepted during ship inspections in North America and would enable mapping of introduction pathways to help prevent future incursions into novel environments. In addition, detailed knowledge of L.dispar's global population structure would provide new insight into the adequacy of its current subspecies classification system and its phylogeographic history. To address these issues, we generated >2000 genotyping-by-sequencing-derived SNPs from 1445 contemporary specimens sampled at 65 locations in 25 countries/3 continents. Using multiple analytical approaches, we identified eight subpopulations that could be further partitioned into 28 groups, achieving unprecedented resolution for this species' population structure. Although reconciliation between these groupings and the three currently recognized subspecies proved to be challenging, our genetic data confirmed circumscription of the japonica subspecies to Japan. However, the genetic cline observed across continental Eurasia, from L.dispar asiatica in East Asia to L.d.dispar in Western Europe, points to the absence of a sharp geographical boundary (e.g., the Ural Mountains) between these two subspecies, as suggested earlier. Importantly, moths from North America and the Caucasus/Middle East displayed high enough genetic distances from other populations to warrant their consideration as separate subspecies of L.dispar. Finally, in contrast with earlier mtDNA-based investigations that identified the Caucasus as L.dispar's place of origin, our analyses suggest continental East Asia as its evolutionary cradle, from where it spread to Central Asia and Europe, and to Japan through Korea.

Taxonomic boundaries in Lesser Treeshrews (Scandentia, Tupaiidae: Tupaia minor)

Abstract The Lesser Treeshrew, Tupaia minorGünther, 1876, is a small mammal from Southeast Asia with four currently recognized subspecies: T. m. minor from Borneo; T. m. malaccana from the Malay Peninsula; T. m. humeralis from Sumatra; and T. m. sincepis from Singkep Island and Lingga Island. A fifth subspecies, T. m. caedis, was previously synonymized with T. m. minor; it was thought to occur in northern Borneo and on the nearby islands of Banggi and Balambangan. These subspecies were originally differentiated based on pelage color, a plastic feature that has proven to be an unreliable indicator of taxonomic boundaries in treeshrews and other mammals. To explore infraspecific variation among T. minor populations across the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and smaller islands, we conducted multivariate analyses of morphometric data collected from the hands and skulls of museum specimens. Principal component and discriminant function analyses reveal limited differentiation in manus and skull proportions among populations of T. minor from different islands. We find no morphometric support for the recognition of the four allopatric subspecies and no support for the recognition of T. m. caedis as a separate subspecies on Borneo.

Range-wide variation in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) skull morphology

The large interspecific variation in marine mammal skull and dental morphology reflects ecological specialisations to foraging and communication. At the intraspecific level, the drivers of skull shape variation are less well understood, having implications for identifying putative local foraging adaptations and delineating populations and subspecies for taxonomy, systematics, management and conservation. Here, we assess the range-wide intraspecific variation in 71 grey seal skulls by 3D surface scanning, collection of cranial landmarks and geometric morphometric analysis. We find that skull shape differs slightly between populations in the Northwest Atlantic, Northeast Atlantic and Baltic Sea. However, there was a large shape overlap between populations and variation was substantially larger among animals within populations than between. We hypothesize that this pattern of intraspecific variation in grey seal skull shape results from balancing selection or phenotypic plasticity allowing for a remarkably generalist foraging behaviour. Moreover, the large overlap in skull shape between populations implies that the separate subspecies status of Atlantic and Baltic Sea grey seals is questionable from a morphological point of view.

In vitro activity of rifabutin against Mycobacterium abscessus, clinical isolates.

The antibiotic options available for Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) infection are limited and no definitive therapeutic strategies have been formulated. The recent discovery that rifabutin is active against M. abscessus has raised interest in using rifabutin to treat this intractable disease. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro activity of rifabutin against 194 M. abscessus clinical isolates collected during 2012 January to 2017 December. As expected, rifabutin demonstrated considerably lower MICs against M. abscessus, with an MIC50 of 2 μg/mL and MIC90 of 4 μg/mL, respectively. Notably, the anti-M.abscessus activity was even stronger among clarithromycin-insusceptible strains. In addition, M. abscessus isolates with a rough morphotype were more sensitive to rifabutin compared with those forming smooth colonies when considered as a whole or in separate subspecies. Results from synergistic experiments revealed that the in vitro activity of rifabutin was significantly enhanced by the addition of amikacin, suggesting a promising strategy for M. abscessus infection combination treatment. Finally, five and three mutation patterns in rpoB and arr, respectively, were identified among the 194 strains through whole genome sequencing. However, none of them conferred rifabutin resistance. Our study is among the first to report the susceptibility of M. abscessus to rifabutin in vitro with a large amount of clinical isolates, suggesting that rifabutin is active, both alone and in combination, against M. abscessus and is worth considering as part of a combination treatment regimen for M. abscessus infections.

On the morphological variability of Limotettix (Limotettix) striola (Fallén, 1806) (Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Limotettigini) with notes on the taxonomic status and distribution of L. striola ferganensis Dubovskiy, 1966

Investigation of the male calling signals of Limotettix (Limotettix) striola (Fallén, 1806) in populations from central and southern European Russia, Northern Caucasus, and West Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated that they belong to the same species. Males of L. striola from West Tien Shan have a somewhat different penis shape and belong to a separate subspecies, L. striola ferganensis Dubovskiy, 1966. L. striola ferganensis from West Tien Shan differs from L. ferganensis sensu Hamilton (1983, 1994) from the Nearctic in the shape of penis in dorsal view. Apparently, L. ferganensis sensu Hamilton (1983, 1994) is a separate, possibly, undescribed Nearctic taxon.

Предкавказская кумжа (Salmo trutta ciscaucasicus), как необходимый компонент Каспийской ихтиофауны

Caspian trout is an arctic immigrant, endemic, and is a subspecies of bull-trout that lives in the northern waters of the Russian Federation. There are three fish populations in the Caspian: Kura, Terek and Samur. Kura is the most numerous population, in contrast to Terek and Samur. [6] separated the Terek and Samur populations of bull-trout into a separate subspecies, calling it the Ciscaucasian bull-trout (Salmo trutta ciscaucasicus). Consequently, two subspecies of the northern and Kura bull-trout Salmo trutta currently live in the Caspian basin. The third subspecies, described by Berg, lives in the alpine lake Eisenam, with an area of 160 hectares (Lake Andean). The lake was formed as a result of a landslide, with a maximum depth of 75m. The lake is drainless and its isolation from the numerous inflows of the Sulak River is stable. As a result of landslides, there are a lot of cases of lake formation. In 1905. as a result of a landslide in the upper reaches of the Samur River at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level, a lake was formed. Dzheneh, and the lake trout was a permanent inhabitant here, which was described by D.Z. Demin as Salmo trutta caspius Kessler morphalacustris. At the same time, it is important to consider the Ciscaucasian bull-trout, lake and river trout of Dagestan, as a unified reproduction fund of the Sulak River. Currently, the Samur population of Terek bull-trout is bred at the Primorsk Experimental Fish Hatchery, which has certain production capacities and about 50 thousand units of this fish juveniles with a piece weight of 3-5g were produced in 2020. It is impossible to catch breeders of the Ciscaucasian bull-trout in the required quantities, since this representative belongs to the first category of species in the Red Book of the Russian Federation - and the entire volume of reared and released larvae and juveniles comes from the factory broodstock. 
 Sulak is the second largest river in terms of water content, and there is no information in the historical literature on the visit and breeding of the Ciscaucasian bull-trout in this river, although brook and lake trout live in the upper reaches of all inflows and lakes in proportion to the feeding capacity of the reservoir, and here the obstruction in the middle reaches of the river can be explained. Hence, it follows that the stocks of the Ciscaucasian bull-trout in the Caspian decreased due to the lack of conditions for the migration of trout to the Caspian and contrariwise. Considering the Ciscaucasian trout, brook and lake trout, as a unified reproduction fund, there is no doubt that with the increase in the capacity of fish farms, it is necessary to intensify work on the commercial cultivation of trout with their subsequent release into the lower reaches of the Terek, Sulak, Samur rivers and other watercourses of the republic. Trout is considered to be plastic fish. There are known facts of transformation of brook trout, i.e. non-passable forms into anadromous form – bull-trout and vice versa.
 The migration of the Caspian Ciscaucasian bull-trout in various rivers takes place within wide temperature ranges and covers a significant period of time. So, the course of the bull-trout in the river Terek usually started in autumn (September) and lasted all winter. There are summer, spring, autumn and winter races of bull-trout in the Caspian sea. Ciscaucasian bull-trout of Samur River is locally called "samurbalyk".
 Ciscaucasian bull-trout is a predatory fish and by increasing fish-breeding processes there is an opportunity to achieve historically known indicators. The number of stocks of this fish should play the role of an ecological balancer of the Caspian ecosystem, being the fourth link in the food chain in this reservoir and at the same time developing commercial cultivation of brook trout with the subsequent release of its juveniles into the Caspian basin.

Corporate intelligence as a competitive fighting tool

All existing companies today want not only to remain in the service market, but also to gain a foothold in it, and methodically develop from year to year. And in the modern world, this is simply impossible to imagine without corporate intelligence. Those firms that did not realize this in time simply went bankrupt or their business does not develop, and economic indicators remain in one place from year to year. Today, there is a wide variety of ways of business intelligence in the world. All types of competitive intelligence can be divided into two large groups: direct and indirect business intelligence. Let’s look at each of them in more detail. A separate subspecies is business intelligence, which can relate to both indirect and direct intelligence, depending on the surrounding circumstances.

History, demography and genetic status of Balkan and Caucasian Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758) populations revealed by genome‐wide variation

AbstractAimGenome‐wide genetic data can provide key input for both taxonomy and conservation, but its use in this context remains limited. In this study, we performed the first genome‐wide assessment of genetic variation in two populations of the Eurasian lynx, the Balkan population, the most threatened, and the Caucasian population, a possible glacial refugium, with the aim to place them in the context of the species, investigate their demographic history and evaluate their genetic status.LocationThe Balkans and the Caucasus.MethodsWe obtained whole genome resequencing data from seven Balkan and 12 Caucasian lynx, and analysed them along with novel and existing data from other populations. Based on a total 105 whole genome and 114 mitogenome sequences, we reconstructed phylogenetic and historical relationships, ancient and recent demography, and patterns of genetic diversity and inbreeding.ResultsBoth the Balkan and the Caucasian lynx appear as distinct mitochondrial lineages that diverged from the rest of the Eurasian lynx lineages ca. 92.6 kya, and from each other ca. 46.4 kya. Autosomal data suggest, however, that the Balkan lynx is closely related with the Carpathian population, and revealing alarmingly low genetic diversity and high inbreeding. In contrast, the Caucasian lynx shows a longer history of relative isolation from the rest of lynx populations and high genetic diversity, consistent with its large long‐term effective population size.Main conclusionsThe taxonomic status of the Balkan lynx remains unresolved due to the evidence of long‐term isolation in the mitogenome, contrasting with extensive autosomal admixture and intense recent genetic drift in the nuclear genome. Our results alert on genetic risks and call for the consideration of genetic rescue from closely related Carpathian lynxes. In contrast, substantial mitogenomic and autosomal divergence with no signs of genetic drift supports the identification of the Caucasian lynx as a separate subspecies with good genetic health.

The Structure of the Endophallus Is a New Promising Feature and a Key to Study of Taxonomy of the Subgenus Metallotimarcha of the Genus Timarcha (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in the Caucasus.

Simple SummaryKnowing the correct names of animal species is especially important nowadays; information is posted on the internet, and is available by using keywords. To establish the valid species and subspecies names, it is necessary to research a large amount of material and literature. Of particular importance is the study of type specimens—that is, those specimens for which the names were first established. In the subgenus Metallotimarcha, of the leaf-beetle genus Timarcha, the external structure of beetles and the shape of the male aedeagus do not allow precise identification of the species. The search for new characters has led to the need to study the internal structure of the male aedeagus. As a result, clear species boundaries of T. metallica, T. corinthia, and T. hummelii have been found. It was established that T. armeniaca and T. hummelii starcki are the synonyms of T. hummelii hummelii.A comparative morphological study of the members of the subgenus Metallotimarcha revealed that Caucasian Timarcha hummelii is a separate species, which differs from European members of the subgenus (T. metallica, T. corinthia, T. gibba) by the internal structure of male aedeagus, namely, manubrium of the endophallus. Morphology of manubrium is described for all species of the subgenus. External characters and the shape of male aedeagus do not permit separating the members of the subgenus distinctly. Examination of both external characters and endophallus structure in the specimens from the Caucasus revealed that T. armeniaca and T. hummelii starcki are the synonyms of T. hummelii hummelii, but not separate species or subspecies. Neotypes of T. hummelii and T. armeniaca are designated. Syntypes of T. hummelii starcki are examined. The key to the species for the subgenus Metallotimarcha is compiled.

Genetic variability for phytochemical components in fennel genotypes

AbstractFennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is an important medicinal plant and has several subspecies and varieties. In this study, 20 fennel genotypes belonging to four important subspecies and/or varieties from 17 countries were evaluated for essential oil components, seed yield, and essential oil content during 2 yr (2015–2016). High genotypic variation was observed among and within subspecies and/or varieties for all the measured traits. Based on the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, transanethole (22.37–86.47%), estragole (2.47–25.86%), fenchone (4.96–19.79%), and limonene (0.53–11.87%) were detected as major essential oil components. Comparing the subspecies and/or varieties showed that the ssp. piperitum had the highest average of limonene and estragole, and the lowest average of transanethole and seed yield. Based on the principal component analysis, var. vulgare, var. dulce, and var. azoricum were categorized in one group, and ssp. piperitum was separately grouped, confirming two major separate subspecies. The highest essential oil content was observed in the second year in all the subspecies and varieties. However, the studied subspecies and/or varieties had different values of phytochemical traits across the years. The negative correlation between some essential oil components indicates that some components are isomers and it can limit the simultaneous selection of components. The high variation in the studied germplasm may be utilized to select useful samples for medicinal, industrial, and other purposes.