Similar Species Research Articles

Complete characterization and comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Indian tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and phylogenetic implications

The Indian tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta (A. mylitta) is an economically important silkmoth and is native to tropical India. Our current research has deciphered the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. mylitta by recovering the complete genome sequence from the NCBI-SRA database and comparing it with other mitogenomes from the order Lepidoptera. The mitogenome is a double-stranded circular molecule spanning 15,354 bp with an A + T content of roughly 80.4%. It consists of a total of 37 genes, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), along with a 337 bp long control region. The arrangement of PCGs is similar to other Lepidoptera mitogenomes, with the exception of Cox1 and Cox2, which have different initiation codons. The control region of A. mylitta contains a conserved five bp ATAGA motif as seen in other Antheraea species. Phylogenetic analysis supports previous morphological hypotheses that Bombycoidea, Noctuoidea, Geometroidea, Papilionoidea, and Torticoidea are monophyletic. The divergence time analysis of 13 protein-coding genes reported that A. mylitta diverged from the last common ancestor ∼ 23 million years ago. As per our knowledge, this is the first documented record of the entire mitogenome of A. mylitta.

Comparison of the coexistence pattern of mangrove macrobenthos between natural and artificial reforestation.

The abandoned pond-to-mangrove restoration project provides greater advantages than tidal flats afforestation in restoring mangrove ecosystem services and will be the primary method for mangrove restoration in the future. The existing methods for abandoned pond-to-mangrove restoration include artificial restoration through 'dike-breaking, filling with imported soil and tree planting' and natural restoration through 'dike-breaking and natural succession'. However, little is known about which restoration strategy (natural or artificial restoration) provides more benefits to the biodiversity of mangrove macrobethos. Given a prevailing view suggested that artificial restoration should be the preferred approach for accelerating recovery of biodiversity and vegetation structure in tropical regions, we hypothesised higher macrobenthic biodiversity and more complex community structure in artificial restoration than in natural restoration. To test this hypothesis, macrobenthic biodiversity and ecological processes were monitored in a typical abandoned pond-to-mangrove area of Dongzhaigang Bay, China, where artificial and natural restoration methods were used concurrently. Differences in macrobenthic biodiversity, community structure and ecological processes were compared using diversity indices, complex network analysis and null models. Similar species composition and ecological niche overlap and width among macrobenthos were observed at artificial and natural restoration sites. The biotic heterogeneity and interaction among macrobenthos were higher at the natural restoration sites than at the artificial restoration sites. Macrobenthos community assembly at natural and artificial restoration sites was both determined by deterministic processes, with environmental filtering dominating, which explained 52% and 54% of the variations in macrobenthic community structures respectively. Although our findings did not validate the research hypothesis, higher biotic heterogeneity and species interaction among macrobenthos could support natural restoration as the primary method for abandoned pond-to-mangrove projects, because it is a nature-based solution for mangrove restoration.

Hiptage yangshuoensis (Malpighiaceae), a new species on karst hills close to Lijiang River, Guangxi, China, based on molecular and morphological data.

Hiptage yangshuoensis K.Tan & K.S.Nguyen, a new species of Hiptage collected from a karst cliff close to the Lijiang River, Northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological data. Hiptage yangshuoensis shares some morphological similarities with the H. multiflora F.N.Wei, but easily distinguished by its long pedicels with articulate at top, one large calyx gland, oblanceolate middle wing and lanceolate lateral wings of samara, and young branch covered rusty sericeous. The new species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), which showed distinct systematic distinctiveness from the most morphologically similar species, H. multiflora.

Combating Soil Drought in Maize (Zea mays L.): Genetic-Engineering Strategies for Drought Tolerant Varieties

Drought is the global challenge of crop agriculture across the globe. The detrimental effect of drought hinders a significant growth and development impairment leading to devastating harvest losses. Maize, a vital staple for food faces future challenges with a rapidly expanding drought area. To address this challenge, scientists and breeders are urged to develop new varieties that are not only resistant or tolerant but also even potentially thrive under drought planting conditions. New breeding technologies involving molecular biology and biotechnology have been developed and implemented thus offering a promising solution. Genetic engineering has allowed humans to straightforwardly transfer beneficial genes across species and varieties, thus deliberating gene pool transfer of similar species and varieties. Furthermore, this technology has evolved to the level of creation, deletion, or modification of existing alleles with high precision through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. This review article delves into the morpho-physiology, biochemical, and molecular responses of maize varieties against drought stress. It subsequently explores how genetic engineering has been utilized to optimize the selected genes underlying those responses. By exploring the current progress of genetic engineering, this article aims to prepare the ground for future advancement in combating drought through drought-tolerant maize varieties. Thus, this review article has the potential to contribute to improving food security in the increasing drought challenges.

The genus Scilla (Hyacinthaceae) in Armenia (an updated review)

The genus Scilla is represented by eight species in Armenia: S. rosenii K. Koch, S. mischtschenkoana Grossh., S. hohenackeri Fisch. & C. A. Mey., S. winogradowii Sosn., S. monanthos K. Koch, S. armena Grossh., S. siberica Haw. and S. caucasica Miscz. There is a great deal of discussion surrounding species growing in Armenia. The scientific literature presents conflicting views on the independence of the species Scilla siberica, S. armena, S. caucasica, S. monanthos and S. winogradowii. The species S. siberica, S. armena, and S. caucasica exhibit morphological similarities that have led to differing interpretations by various authors. Other similar species are S. monanthos and S. winogradowii. The occurrence of S. hohenackeri on the territory of Armenia is uncertain. Consequently, an attempt has been made to clarify the species composition of the Scilla species growing in Armenia and to compile a key for identifying these species. A morphological study of specimens of representatives of the genus Scilla growing on the territory of Armenia revealed previously unnoticed, systematically significant characteristics, such as the colouring of staminal filaments and styles, irregularity of perianth colouring, and anther size. Refinements and additions were made to the morphological descriptions of species of the genus Scilla in the flora of Armenia. Consequently, the species composition of the genus within the territory of Armenia has been considerably updated. According to the results of the obtained data, the independence of the species S. winogradowii, is not accepted, it is considered a synonym of S. monanthos. The independent status of the controversial species S. caucasica and S. armena is maintained. A new population of S. armena has been identified from Mount Aragats, which exhibits morphological and karyological differences from specimens of S. armena from other habitats. The evidence about the presence of S. hohenackeri is considered to be unsubstantiated. It confirmed that six species of the genus Scilla are present in the flora of Armenia: S. armena, S. siberica, S. caucasica, S. monanthos, S. mischtschenkoana and S. rosenii. Additionally, the variety S. siberica var. alba was also identified. A new key for species identification in the Armenian flora was compiled based on the morphological characters.

Resource partitioning influences levels of toxic trace elements in sympatric tropical seabirds

Morphologically similar species that occupy resource-limited environments tend to differ in their ecological traits in order to coexist, which may result in differential exposure to environmental threats. For instance, partitioning of feeding resources may influence contaminant exposure and bioaccumulation in marine predators through different diets or foraging habitats. Here, we sampled three tropical seabird species breeding in sympatry in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean for blood and feather trace element concentrations (As, Hg, Cd, Pb), and assessed their foraging ecology with bio-logging (GPS tracks and time-depth recorders), analysis of regurgitated prey, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope mixing models. Red-billed tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus), brown (Sula leucogaster) and masked (S. dactylatra) boobies differed in their preferred foraging locations, the range of foraging trips, diving parameters and diets. In addition, interspecific differences were detected in blood or feathers for all trace elements analyzed, suggesting influence of the differences observed in diet and space use. Red-billed tropicbirds had the largest foraging range over the continental shelf and over the slope, suggesting lower exposure to continental sources of metals. Brown and masked boobies had higher Hg concentrations than tropicbirds, higher δ15N values (a proxy for trophic level), and δ15N correlated with Hg levels, suggesting biomagnification of Hg along the food chain. Nonetheless, red-billed tropicbirds showed comparable levels of As and Cd in blood or feathers, and higher levels of Pb in both tissues in comparison to boobies, which may suggest overall exposure of seabirds in the region, through their diets and foraging areas. Resource partitioning is critical for allowing coexistence of different seabird species in shared breeding sites where they act as central-place foragers. Nonetheless, in scenarios of environmental pollution, these species-specific strategies lead to differential bioaccumulation, and thus distinct effects of pollution on populations are expected.

Habitat quality drives the species–area relationship of plants and soil microbes in an ocean archipelago

While the positive species–area relationship on islands is frequently observed, the mechanisms underlying this pattern remain poorly studied. By analyzing insular community diversity across spatial scales and the soil properties within the islands, we were able to explore potential mechanisms leading to the island species–area relationship of plants, as well as associated soil bacteria and fungi, from a tropical archipelago. We found that both plant and soil microbial communities showed similar positive species–area relationships across scales and the greater taxonomic diversity on larger islands was mainly driven by the higher richness within samples. These patterns arose primarily due to shifting habitat quality with island area, rather than spatial processes generally attributed to species–area relationships. Specifically, for plants, changes in soil total phosphorus content with island area were most explanatory, while changes in soil pH appeared to play the most important role in shaping soil bacteria and fungi patterns. By contrast, we found little evidence for the role of spatial processes (i.e. dispersal limitation or soil heterogeneity) within the island. Overall, this study highlights the importance of dissecting potential mechanisms underlying multi‐trophic community dynamics to explain patterns of biodiversity and its variation on islands.

Resolution of cryptic mosquito species through wing morphometrics

Mosquitoes are medically important insects, and accurate species identification is crucial to understanding vector biology, forming the cornerstone of successful vector control programs. Identification is difficult owing to morphologically similar species. Wing morphometrics can provide a simple, fast, and accurate way to classify species, and using it as a method to differentiate vector species among its cryptic congeners has been underexplored. Using a total of 227 mosquitoes and 20 landmarks per specimen, we demonstrated the utility of wing morphometrics in differentiating species two groups occurring in sympatry – Culex (Culex) vishnui group and Culex (Lophoceraomyia) subgenus, as well as explored population-level variation in the wing shape of Aedes albopictus across habitats. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene region was sequenced to validate the morphological and morphometric identification. Procrustes ANOVA regression and CVA based on wing shape reflected that the wing landmarks across all species differed significantly, and leave-one-out cross validation revealed an overall high accuracy of >97% for the two Culex groups. Wing morphometrics uncovered population-level variation within Aedes albopictus, but cross validation accuracy was low. Overall, we show that wing geomorphometric analysis is able to resolve cryptic Culex species (including vectors) occurring sympatrically, and is a robust tool for identifying mosquitoes reliably.

A New Species of the Genus Tropidophorus Duméril, Bibron, 1839 (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) from China-Vietnam Border Region in Southeastern Yunnan Province, China

Based on morphological and genetic data, we describe a new species of Tropidophorus from the tropical karst landscape in southeastern Yunnan Province, China, close to the Vietnam border. Phylogenetically, the new species forms a clade with T. baviensis, T. murphyi, and T. hainanus, with p-distances ranging from 4.7–5.1% for the 16S gene and 3.9–6.8% for 12S gene. Morphologically, the new species shares the karst morphotype of Tropidophorus, particularly similar as T. murphyi and T. baviensis, in which all having a dorsally compressed head and body, smooth dorsal head scales, and distinctively keeled body scales. However, the new species can be distinguished from these similar species by numbers of supralabial scales, ventral scales, scales around the tail at the10th subcaudal, and a larger body size. We emphasize the urgency of conservation for the tropical karst landscape in northern Indochina.

Genomic data reveals habitat partitioning in massive Porites on Guam, Micronesia

Corals in marginal reef habitats generally exhibit less bleaching and associated mortality compared to nearby corals in more pristine reef environments. It is unclear, however, if these differences are due to environmental differences, including turbidity, or genomic differences between the coral hosts in these different environments. One particularly interesting case is in the coral genus Porites, which contains numerous morphologically similar massive Porites species inhabiting a wide range of reef habitats, from turbid river deltas and stagnant back reefs to high-energy fore reefs. Here, we generate ddRAD data for 172 Porites corals from river delta and adjacent (<0.5 km) fore reef populations on Guam to assess the extent of genetic differentiation among massive Porites corals in these two contrasting environments and throughout the island. Phylogenetic and population genomic analyses consistently identify seven different clades of massive Porites, with the two largest clades predominantly inhabiting either river deltas or fore reefs, respectively. No population structure was detected in the two largest clades, and Cladocopium was the dominant symbiont genus in all clades and environments. The perceived bleaching resilience of corals in marginal reefs may therefore be attributed to interspecific differences between morphologically similar species, in addition to potentially mediating environmental differences. Marginal reef environments may therefore not provide a suitable refuge for many reef corals in a heating world, but instead host additional cryptic coral diversity.

Survival Strategy, Metabolic Potential and Taxonomic Reframe of Kocuria polaris

Antarctica is renowned as the most inhospitable environment where microorganisms are thriving in the frontiers of life. In the past few years, many novel bacterial species have been reported from the Antarctic environment. During taxonomic re-evaluation of novel bacterial species from Antarctica, it was noticed that Kocuria polaris shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Kocuria rosea. In the present study, the taxonomic position, metabolic potentials, and stress survival strategy of K. polaris were evaluated through genome analysis. K. polaris encodes genes for glycolysis, citrate cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, dissimilatory nitrate reduction, assimilatory sulfate reduction, etc. In addition, K. polaris also encodes genes for cold and salt stress. The 16S rRNA gene sequence extracted from K. polaris and K. rosea genomes showed 99.7% similarity. In the phylogenomic tree, K. polaris and K. rosea clustered together. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between K. polaris and K. rosea exceeded the threshold (95-96% for ANI and 70% for dDDH) value for distinguishing species, showing that they are similar species. The present study shed light on K. polaris survival strategy in extreme conditions. We further propose to reclassify Kocuria polaris as a later heterotypic synonym of Kocuria rosea.

Forecasting the potential distribution and niche of two similar gastropod species in South America: the intermediate host of schistosomiasis Biomphalaria glabrata and the invasive Melanoides tuberculata

Forecasting the potential distribution and niche of two similar gastropod species in South America: the intermediate host of schistosomiasis Biomphalaria glabrata and the invasive Melanoides tuberculata

Sulfonate Group Improves the Solubility and Electrocatalytic Performance of Ru‐Based bda‐ and pda‐Type Water Oxidation Catalysts under Neutral Conditions

AbstractFour ruthenium water oxidation catalysts that bear carboxylate and sulfonate groups in the active site have been synthesized and analyzed for their catalytic activity. The sulfonate‐containing catalysts show higher electrochemical activity in pH 7 phosphate buffer with 4 times larger catalytic current, improved durability with sacrificial oxidant, and increased solubility compared to similar species containing two carboxylate groups. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the sulfonate group provides a more favorable geometry for water nucleophilic attack, which is both the energetically most favorable mechanism calculated and the experimentally predicted mechanism under electrochemical conditions. Further experimental studies have been performed to show that under certain conditions catalysts can perform well electrochemically under pH conditions as low as 1.6 and that various structural components can greatly change solubility and catalytic operation.

Assessment of moss-associated biological nitrogen fixation of dominant moss species in mature black spruce forests in Eastern Canada

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by bryophytes is an essential source of new nitrogen in nitrogen-limited boreal ecosystems. This assessment is, however, primarily based on reports from northern Europe and, to a lesser extent, Western North America. A more systematic and extensive evaluation of nitrogen fixation by moss is required to close current gaps in records of moss BNF and better assess the importance of bryophytes on N input in boreal ecosystems. Here, we evaluated nitrogen fixation activity and contribution to N input of dominant bryophyte species in black spruce forests from Eastern Canada. We assessed the relative abundance, BNF activity, and relative contribution to nitrogen input on five sites along a 600 km transect. We report that several moss species contribute to nitrogen input but that Ptilium crista-castrensis is the main contributor. Estimated nitrogen input by mosses (≪ 1 kg·ha−1·year−1) is in the low range of N inputs reported in the literature and is consistent with activities reported elsewhere for similar species, N deposition, and forest age. Results show that atmospheric deposition, while low, remains a more significant source of exogenous N to mature black spruce forests than bryophytes.

Climatic fluctuations, geographic features, and evolutionary forces: Shaping high genomic diversity and local adaptation in Muntiacus reevesi

AbstractAimGenetic diversity is crucial for species adaptability. Understanding the mechanisms behind its formation and maintenance is essential for effective conservation. Recent studies have demonstrated that despite experiencing severe population bottlenecks, Muntiacus reevesi retains high genetic diversity and continues its northward migration, indicative of ongoing adaptive evolution. However, our comprehension of this phenomenon remains incomplete. The objective of this study is to explore the mechanisms underlying the formation of high genetic diversity and the genomic characteristics associated with local adaptation, using M. reevesi as a case study.LocationSouthern China.MethodsWe analysed resequencing data from 62 genomes and identified 29,124,081 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used population genetics, demographic history, population differentiation, gene flow analysis software, and genotype‐environment association (GEA) models to assess the factors that have contributed to high genetic diversity and environmental adaptability in the historical climate and geographical context.ResultsThe study identified that during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, M. reevesi diverged into eastern (DB and WJW populations) and western lineages (WL, BA, and QL populations), all displayed high genetic diversity. Historically, M. reevesi maintained large effective populations, but contemporary human‐induced threats have led to a significant decline. Population differentiation models suggest distinct expansion pathways for eastern and western lineages, resulting in population admixture, with mountain corridors facilitating gene flow and maintaining high genetic diversity. Additionally, environmental‐genotype analysis revealed local adaptation in the QL‐BA population, highlighting candidate adaptive genes (ME3 and PRKG1) potentially linked to cold adaptation and foraging behaviour.ConclusionThis study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms behind the high genetic diversity and environmental adaptability of M. reevesi, offering insights into how bottleneck populations maintain diversity, crucial for biogeographic research and conservation strategies for similar species.

A biosensor monitoring approach for toxic algae: Construction of calibration curves to infer cell numbers in field material

A variety of shellfish toxin-producing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) occur every year in coastal temperate waters worldwide. These toxic HABs may cause lengthy (months) harvesting bans of mussels and other suspension feeding bivalves exposed to their blooms. To safeguard public health and the shellfish industry, European Union regulations request periodic monitoring of potentially toxic microalgae in seawater and phycotoxins in live bivalve molluscs from shellfish production areas. Monitoring of other toxic microalgae, e.g., fish killers, is based solely on cell counts. Morphological identification and quantification of microalgal cells with light microscopy is time-consuming, requires a good expertise, and accurate identification to species level (e.g., Pseudo-nitzschia species) may require electron microscopy. Toxicity varies among morphologically similar species; there are toxic and non-toxic strains of the same species. Molecular techniques using ribosomal DNA sequences offer a possibility to identify and detect precisely the potentially toxic genus/species. In an earlier project (MIDTAL), specific probes against rRNA sequences of all HAB taxa, known at the time of the project, affecting shellfish areas worldwide were designed, and those affecting Europe were tested and calibrated against rRNA extracts of clonal cultures and field samples. Microarray technology was adopted to relate to cell numbers the fluorescence signal from the reaction of all target species probes spotted in the microarray slides with those present in a single sample extract. The EMERTOX project aimed to develop a more automatic “Lab on a chip” (LOC) technology, including a non- (cell) disruptive water concentration system and biosensors for HAB cells detection. Here, calibration curves are presented against toxic microalgae (cultures and field samples) causing endemic and emerging toxicity events in Galicia (NW Spain) and Portugal. Results here relating cell numbers to electrochemical signals will be used in an early warning biosensor for toxic algae.

Through the green mosaic: Different tropical vegetation types have complementary effects on parasitoid diversity and biological control in organic agroecosystems

Land use change threaten global biodiversity, impacting ecosystem services, especially in diverse tropical regions. Yet, biodiversity conservation does not guarantee ecosystem services provision, given species' variable responses to local and landscape factors. Here, we evaluate how the landscape and local resources affect parasitoid diversity and aphid biological control in a tropical organic crop. Locally, we compared parasitoid communities within the crops and on adjacent non-crop plant strips and evaluated the effect of flower resource abundance on parasitoid diversity. At the landscape scale, we analyzed the effect of natural areas and their specific vegetational types on parasitoid diversity and the scale of these effects. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between biodiversity and biological control. Non-crop plant strips had higher parasitoid species richness and abundance than the crops, but similar species composition. Flower resource abundance in the non-crop strips negatively affected parasitoid richness. Natural areas in the landscape benefited parasitoid richness at a close range (0.42 km) and reduced parasitoid abundance at a wider scale (1.75 km). Forests and savannas increased parasitoid richness and reduced abundance, while grasslands drive parasitoid abundance and may disrupt species richness. Savannah areas, where trees and grasses coexist boosted the positive effects of forests on species richness and of grasslands on abundance. Parasitoid species richness benefited biological control exclusively in communities with intermediate and high number of parasitoid species. Our findings show that natural vegetation types with different wood densities have complementary effects in parasitoid diversity in tropical agroecosystems and represent a useful baseline for development of management and zoning plans.

New discoveries for the genus Miconia (Melastomataceae): a new species for the brazilian Atlantic Forest

We describe Miconia leonorae, a new species exclusive to eastern Brazil, mainly from the evergreen forests of the Atlantic Forest Domain. This species can be distinguished from a wider circumscription of Miconia lepidota. It is classified as Miconia supersect. Discolores sect. Multispicatae and can be distinguished from similar species by features such as an acute leaf base and apex, light brown to gray abaxial leaf blade indumentum with lepidote-stellate trichomes (becoming glabrescent on mature leaves), cylindrical, scorpioid inflorescences with basal branches only bifid or trifid, and an androecium with isomorphic stamens.

FIRST RECORD OF HESPERINUS CUSPIDISTYLUS HARDY ET TAKAHASHI, 1960 (DIPTERA: HESPERINIDAE) FROM RUSSIA

The species Hesperinus cuspidistylus Hardy et Takahashi, 1960 is recorded from Russia for the first time. Diagnostic characters of three similar species, H. cuspidistylus, H. rohdendorfi Krivosheina et Mamaev, 1967 and H. nigratus Okada, 1934, are discussed. These species differ in the structure of male terite 9 and form of gonostyli. A key to the species from the Russian Far East and Japan is given.

A new species of Ramaria subg. Laeticolora from Meghalaya, India

A new species of coralloid fungus from Meghalaya, India, Ramaria pseudovinosimaculans, belonging to the genus Ramaria subg. Laeticolora, is proposed based on taxonomy and phylogenetic studies of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal DNA (nrITS) region. The morphological characteristics, together with molecular studies, confirmed that the species is a novel species. The species is characterized by a small to medium-sized, radially branched, white to yellowish white basidiomata with a base colour of light brown to violet red and greyish yellow elsewhere that turns brownish orange when bruised, a cylindrical to bacilliform basidiospore, basally clamped four-spored basidia, and clamped hyphae. An inclusive description, illustration, and comparison with morphologically similar and related species are provided.