Surface Ornamentation Research Articles

Microscopic Characterization of Achillea santolina L. Flower Through Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

This study is a comprehensive account of microscopic assessment of flower of Achillea santolina L., a medicinally important species of the genus Achillea from Pakistan. The study was aimed to provide data for the quality control and standardization of A. santolina L. flower. The microscopic characterization has been carried out through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Various characteristic histological features of phyllaries, ray floret, disc floret, anther wall, filament, stigma, style, and ovary were observed. The pollens were found as tricolporate, spheroidal while the surface ornamentation was echinate. Qualitative and quantitative palyno-anatomical assessment was carried out through scanning electron microscopy. The exine thickness and the width of spines were calculated. The P/E ratio characterized the shape of pollen as oblate-spheroidal and sub-oblate in polar and equatorial views respectively. The elemental analysis of the flower through SEM-EDX showed the presence of various elements. Phytochemical screening of flower showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, fixed oils, glycosides, phenols, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and coumarins. UV-vis spectra of the ethanol extract showed characteristics peaks in both ultraviolet and visible regions. This work will provide a standard reference for the correct identification of A. santolina L. an important aspect in the quality control. Additionally, the data produced by phytochemical, elemental and florescence analysis, and UV-visible spectroscopy will help in developing standards for this herb that will be useful for research and development and manufacturing of herbal products.

Palynological Investigation of Some Trifolium L. (Fabaceae) Species Distributed in Şanlıurfa

In this study, the pollen morphology of 5 species (Trifolium boissieri Guss. ex-Soy. -Will. & Godr., T. dasyurum C.Presl, T. pauciflorum d'Urv., T. scabrum L., and T. spumosum L.) belonging to the genus Trifolium L. from the Fabaceae family, distributed in Şanlıurfa province, was examined with light and electron microscopes. Within the framework of the palynological study, pollen shapes, ornamentations, pore and colpus lengths and widths were determined and their measurements were given. Pollen grains are generally monad in structure, have trizonocolporate aperture, and subprolate to prolate-spheroidal shape. Ornamentation generally shows significant differences in polar and equatorial regions. In the pollen grains examined, perforate, psilate-perforate, and reticulate ornamentation is seen in the polar region, while microreticulate and reticulate ornamentation is dominant in the equatorial region. While the polar axis lengths were determined to be between 38.67-29.19 μm on average, the equatorial axis length was determined to be between 33.79-23.45 μm on average. As a result of the study, it was determined that characters such as pollen shape, pollen size, and surface ornamentation differed among species and these were the characters that could have taxonomic value in the systematic distinction of species.

Redescription of Chrysosphaerella baikalensis (Chrysophyceae, Chromulinales) with new data on the ultrastructure of its stomatocysts

An amended description of the ultrastructure of plate and spine scales is provided, along with the first description of the stomatocyst Chrysosphaerella baikalensis from Lake Baikal. C. baikalensis exhibits four types of plate scales: small and large elliptical, large rounded, and large subcircular scales. The spines can grow up to 47 μm in length. The stomatocysts of C. baikalensis are spherical or slightly oblate, with a small, regular pore surrounded by a flat pseudoanulus, lacking a collar. Based on their surface ornamentation, two forms of stomatocysts are distinguished, Forma A covered with densely arranged short needle-like outgrowths and Forma B having a smooth to psilate surface. We associate the first form with the immature stage. In this article, we report the growth of C. baikalensis in Lake Baikal during June, in the open water period, at a water temperature of 3.9–4.5 °C. During this period, whole cells and stomatocysts covered with plate scales were observed. Individual spines and plate scales were found at temperatures up to 11.5 ℃.

Light Microscopic and Scanning Electron Microscopic Techniques to Characterize Nutlets of Some Indian Cyperoideae (Cyperaceae) and Their Taxonomic Significance.

In the present investigation, nutlet morphological and micro-morphological characters were analyzed using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in 38 taxa under 13 genera from the sub-family Cyperoideae of Cyperaceae to find out whether these characters are taxonomically important or not. Nutlet morphology and surface characters of the representative taxa from all the possible tribes under the sub-family Cyperoideae namely, Fuireneae, Cypereae, Cariceae, Abildgaardieae, Eleocharideae, Pseudoschoeneae, Schoenoplecteae, and Sclerieae were evaluated for their taxonomic significance. Cluster analysis was employed considering nutlet morphological characters to determine the overall similarity among the taxa based on 153 character states. Except in few specified cases, grouping of the taxa in the clusters is in accordance to the taxonomic treatments made by recent Cyperologists. Nutlets in the tribe Abildgaardieae showed maximum level of variability in size, shape, and surface ornamentation at the level of higher taxon, but showed specificity at the species level. Tuberculate, striate-reticulate, and transversely wavy ridged surface ornamentations were found in different species of Fimbristylis. Previously described cryptic variation, and effect of different ploidy level were not reflected in nutlet surface morphology and micromorphology in Fimbristylis dichotoma and F. ovata complexes which was previously made the taxa taxonomically very difficult. Serrulate anticlinal wall in F. bisumbellata was the most unique in Fimbristylis. Species under the megadiverse genus Carex representing the tribe Cariceae showed very unique type of surface ornamentation. Surface walls of all the studied species of Carex were characterized by polygonal epidermal cells with single conical silica body (2-3 per cell in C. speciosa) of variable length and sizes. Most interestingly, in C. nubigena, presence of the central silica body and peripheral satellites was not consistent. Based on the presence and absence, two different variants under the species were identified. In C. nubigena, when silica body was present, epidermal cells were characterized by central conical silica body surrounded by variable number of satellites. The present investigation first time reports this novel nutlet surface character in C. nubigena. Among the studied characters, length and height of conical, height of apex, and width of apex are variable among Carex species. On the other hand, exclusion of the genera Schoenoplectiella and Schoenoplectus from tribe Scirpeae s.l. and placement under the tribes Pseudoschoeneae and Schoenoplecteae (respectively) was also supported by the present investigation. The present study also confirms that nutlet morphological and micro-morphological characters are useful in identification and arrangement of different taxa under the subfamily Cyperoideae of Cyperaceae. Result of the present investigation was correlated and discussed in comparative manner with the treatments of the recent past.

Notes on the Morphology, Anatomy, Palynology, and Karyology of Onobrychis argaea (Fabaceae), Endemic to Turkey

Onobrychis argaea belonging to the Fabaceae family, is an endangered plant species endemic to Turkey, distributed only in Kayseri Erciyes Mountain. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation into the morphology, anatomy, pollen and seed micromorphology, and chromosome characteristics of O. argaea. The previous description of the species has been expanded and modified. The pith of the root is covered with xylem tissue. In the stem cross-section, the protective tissue is periderm in the woody part and epiderm in the herbaceous part. The leaflets are amphistomatic and equifacial. The pollen grains are radially symmetric, isopolar, tricolpate, with prolate shape and reticulate-microreticulate ornamentation. The seeds are reniform, yellowish-brown, suboblate, and exhibit rugulate surface ornamentation. The number of somatic chromosomes in O. argaea is 2n = 14. The karyotype formula of this species consists of seven median chromosomes.

Amaranthaceae Pollen Trends in the Air

Understanding the trends of airborne pollen allergens is of great importance given the high prevalence and socioeconomic impact of pollen-related allergic diseases globally. To study the morphological features of Amaranthaceae pollen, assess its contribution to the aerobiological situation in the city of Karakol and identify periods of increased concentration in order to improve the diagnosis and prevention of pollinosis symptoms in patients. Aerobiological sampling using a Lanzoni pollen trap was carried out from April to October over a three-year period (2015–2017) in Karakol city. Pollen identification and differential counting were performed according to current standard methodology and specially developed guides and atlases. Pollen characteristics of 4 Amaranthaceae species were visualized using scanning electron microscopy (Hitachi) to provide a detailed understanding of the surface structure and ornamentation of pollen grains. The decadal curve of Amaranthaceae pollen concentration in Karakol is unimodal, with often overlapping quantitative characteristics: 6615 (2nd decade of August 2015), 1326 (1st decade of 2016), 444 pollen grains / m3 (1st decade of 2017). At the same time, strong interannual variability of atmospheric pollen levels was observed, depending both on the pollen production of the plants themselves and on meteorological parameters, especially temperature and precipitation, changes in the traditional farming system. The response of summer-flowering Amaranthaceae weeds to climate change was demonstrated, which consists in a decrease in the annual pollen index, which corresponds to the global trend. Peak concentrations of Amaranthaceae pollen many times exceeded clinical threshold values in the air. On the surface of the Bassia scopariapollen exine, the ultrastructure study revealed the smallest (1.5-2.0 μm) granules of sporopollenin or orbicules (Ubisch bodies), which play a role in the spread of allergens. The obtained data are important in terms of increasing public awareness of the dominant pollen of the Amaranthaceae family, optimizing diagnostics, treatment and prevention of pollinosis.

Taxonomic insights into medicinal plants pollen, using advanced microscopy techniques, from the Western Ghats, India

Pollen morphological study on 18 medicinal plants from the Western Ghats (India) was carried out using light microscopy (LM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The principal aim was to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional images and ultra-structure of the pollen grains of the studied taxa. The palyno-morphological characters, such as polar axis, equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, pollen shape, aperture type and number, exine thickness and surface ornamentation will be useful in the identification and taxonomic classification of the studied medicinal plants. Statistical analysis reveals grouping of the taxa in three different clusters and also isolated presence of taxa on the principal component analysis (PCA) biplot, irrespective of their families, showing similarities and/or variations among the studied taxa, belonging to the same and/or different families. The present study has taxonomic significance, providing high taxonomic resolution (identification of the taxa up to species level), and further aid in the identification and delimitation of the 18 studied plants.

Musical Instruments and Palimpsestic Identity

ABSTRACT Palimpsests are conventionally understood to be manuscripts that have been reused or recycled, with traces of earlier inscriptions identifiable under later writings. Metaphorically, the term connotes ideas about reading off meanings, references or signs that remain recorded below surface appearance. Here I consider the palimpsestic nature of musical instruments, drawing extensively on the literary typology set out by Gérard Genette in his 1997 work Palimpsests: Literature in the Second Degree. Ultimately, I consider how any musical instrument is shadowed by a past that may or may not be visible through its morphology and/or surface ornamentation.

Micromorphological study of some Salsola species (Amaranthaceae) in Iran and its systematic significance using scanning electron microscopy.

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), six Salsola species from Iran were examined for their epidermis, seed, and fruit micromorphology. Among them were S. brachiata from section Heterotricha, S dendroides, S. incanescens, and S. orientalis from section Caroxylon, S. kali from section Kali, and S. turcomanica from section Physurus. Epidermal cells are divided into three types. There were diamond, irregular, and polygonal cells, as well as straight and undulated walls. Studied species of Salsola have smooth or sculptured fruit surfaces, and there are three main types of fruit surface ornamentation. There is a significant difference between these species based on the type of hair and density of the fruit. Seed shape and color have little systematic significance. The seed epidermis is composed of polygonal, elongated polygonal, irregular, and diamond cells. Although polygonal and irregular testa cells are most common, their size and shape can provide additional information and useful diagnostic characteristics at both specific and infraspecific levels. For taxonomic separation, the current study provides novel insights at micromorphological levels. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This article reports halophyte are shown as models for adaptation to extreme habitats. These plants are placed among the ecological communities of xerophytes. Here, for the first time, the microstructural analysis of Salsola has been investigated. Additionally, it provides new insights into plant species' response to extreme conditions, as well as possible adaptation strategies at the micromorphological level.

SEM and LM insights: Spore morphology and its taxonomic significance in Sino Himalayan, Malesian, and European elements of Pteridaceae.

The Pteridaceae family, known for its taxonomic complexity, presents challenges in identification due to high variability among its species. This study investigates the spore morphology employing both SEM and LM techniques in 10 Pteridaceae taxa phytogeographicaly Sino-Himalayan, Malesian, and European elements in Pakistan. The taxa include Adiantum capillus-veneris, A. incisum, A. venustum, Aleuritopteris bicolor, Oeosporangium nitidulum, O. pteridioides, Onychium cryptogrammoides, O. vermae, Pteris cretica, and P. vittata. The objective is to assess their taxonomic relevance and develop a spore-based taxonomic key. Findings indicate differences in spore shape, sizes, exospore thickness, and in surface ornamentation highlighting the potential for taxonomic differentiation. Spores are trilete, and notable differences are observed in the dimension of spores in both distal and proximal sides. Equatorial dimensions vary between 35 and 50 μm, while the polar diameter ranges from 29 to 50 μm. SEM revealed different spore ornamentation types that show several useful characteristics establishing valuable taxonomic variations. The studied Adiantum taxa feature a perispore with tubercules and a micro-granulose surface. The spores of examined Oeosporangium and Aleuritopteris taxa shows cristate sculptures with variable ornamentations. Both species of Onychium have tuberculate-pleated tubercles with sinuous folds on both distal and proximal sides. The surface ornamentation among examined Pteris taxa show variability. PCA analysis indicated that spore quantitative data identified distinct groups, underscoring taxonomic significance. Nevertheless, there was variation observed in surface ornamentation and spore shape, indicating the potential for discrimination among taxa. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Spore morphology of 10 Pteridaceae taxa has been investigated through LM and SEM. Investigated species shows differences in spore shape, sizes, exospore thickness, and in surface ornamentation. Ornamentation on the perispore provides several valuable characteristics, establishing useful taxonomic distinctions. Spore morphological analysis is effective at the generic level, with minor distinctions discernible at the species level.

Scanning electron microscopic investigation on Chicory tribe (Compositae) botanical sources and their antimicrobial potential.

This study discusses the micro-level structural details of Cichorieae pollen sources elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and explains their symmetry and morphometry. The in-depth knowledge from the electron ultrastructure of Asteraceae pollen has provided insights into enhanced pollen morphology, and the antimicrobial significance of species under study presents novel avenues for their natural defense mechanisms in the development of antimicrobial agents. In this research, both quantitative and qualitative features of pollen were examined. The pollen grains are prolate-spheroidal and oblate-spheroidal in shape, characterized by a maximum polar diameter of 55.6-61.0 μm and a maximum equatorial distance of 68.3-74.4 μm. SEM reveals various configurations such as echinate perforate-tectate, psilate, and echino-lophate perforate. The Cichorieae species have significant antimicrobial efficacy and are promising sources for the development of novel antimicrobial drugs with potential implications in pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. SEM analysis of Cichorieae pollens has provided remarkable insights into their unique structures, revealing diverse shapes and surface ornamentations, which can be used for accurate Asteraceae species identification. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: SEM provides unique pollen surface structures and patterns of Chicory pollen grains. Chemical composition of Chicory botanical sources provides valuable information on their potential as antimicrobial agents. SEM imaging reveals specialized fenestrate grain structures of taxonomic importance.

Weeds of Asteraceae along the Agricultural tracts of Nizamabad District of Telangana State – A Palynological Observation

Of the ongoing work on weed pollen morphology and phytochemical analysis, the present paper deals with the pollen morphological studies of weed plants investigated by light microscopy (LM). A morpho-palynological study of ten species of weeds that belongs to the Asteraceae family was carried out to document distinguishable microscopic features. The main objective of the present study was to provide basic knowledge about pollen morphological features of weed species of Asteraceae that help delimit the weed flora of the agricultural tracts of the Nizamabad district of Telangana state. The results show diversity among the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of pollen shape, symmetry, apertural pattern, and exine surface ornamentation. The pollen grains are spheroidal, prolate, sub-prolate, oblate and sub-oblate. Almost all species possess tricolporate apertural pattern except Blumea lacera, which pollen is tetracolporate. The Exine ornamentation in most species is tectate, echinate. The variations found in the pollen shape, apertural pattern, thickness and ornamentation of the exine and other characters were helpful at the genus and species-specific levels. This study provides baseline information to distinguish the species of weeds.

Palynological Investigation of Some Astragalus L. Species Distributed in Şanlıurfa

In this study, pollen morphologies of 5 species (Astragalus guttatus Banks & Sol., A. cretaceus Boiss., A. caprinus L., A. brachystachys DC. and A. ancistrocarpus Boiss. & Hausskn.) belonging to the Astragalus genus of the family Fabaceae, which are distributed in Şanlıurfa province, were exemined by light and electron microscope. As a result of the study, it was determined that the pollen of the taxa were monad, radial symmetrical and isopolar. Pollen of all studied species are trizonocolporate, colpus length (Clg) 16.5-27.62 µm, colpus width (Clt) 2.15-4.16 µm, pore length (Plg) 6.69-9.32 µm, pore width (Plt) was detected between 6.69-11.44 µm. Polar axis length was measured between 19.23-33.66 µm and equatorial axis diameter was measured as 14.95-28.61 µm. Ornamentation was determined as psilate, psilate-perforate, psilate-microreticulate, microreticulate in the polar region and aperture surround the while microreticulate in the equatorial region. As a result of the study, it was determined that the characters such as pollen shape, pollen size and surface ornamentation differ between species and these characters have taxonmic value in the systematic separation of species.

New Species of Eupelte (Crustacea, Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from the East Sea, with Notes on the Zoogeography of the Genus

A new species of the genus Eupelte Claus, 1860, was obtained from the algal bed bottom in Dokdo Island, East Sea of Korea, using a light trap. Specimens of both sexes of the Korean new species are described in detail and compared with its congeners. The present species, Eupelte dokdoensis sp. nov., is closely similar to E. aurulenta Wells and Rao, 1987, found in algal sands from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and E. setacauda Monk, 1941, collected from seaweeds in the Californian coast of the USA. These species share the body length (0.5–07 mm), the nine-segmented A1, the setation of the first and second endopodal segments of P1 (one and four setae), P4 exp-3 with three inner setae, and enp-3 of P2–P4 with five setae in both sexes. The new species can be readily discernable from the previous two species by the short rostrum with a serrate distal margin, the shape of the maxillipedal basis, the setation and surface ornamentation of P1 enp-2 (covered with long setules), the exp-3 of P3 and P4 with thicker middle inner seta, and the setation of female and male P5 exopod and baseoendopod (six and six, four and two setae, respectively). In addition, the zoogeography of the valid species of the genus Eupelte is briefly discussed, and a diagnostic key to the females of the species is provided. Eupelte dokdoensis sp. nov. described herein is the first report of the genus from Korean waters and is the fourteenth member of the genus.

Development of Skin and Dermal Bone of the Shell in <i>Pelodiscus maackii</i> (Testudines: Trionychidae)

The article is devoted to the study of the ontogenetic development of the skin and the structure of the skin-bone shell of the trionychid turtle Pelodiscus maackii (Brandt, 1858). The process of formation of the epidermis and dermis, as well as their derivatives (epidermal scales and dermal ossifications), is described. The development of epidermal scales in Pelodiscus maackii has been shown to be similar to the development of asymmetric scales in other reptiles. Five stages of formation of the definitive structure of the dermal bones have been identified. Structural differences between the internal and external parts of the bony plates (rod-shaped elements and bony callosities) are due to the previous stratification of the dermis into histologically distinct strata: hypodermal, fibrous and papillary. In particular, the fibrous stratum, consisting of several layers of orthogonally oriented collagen bundles, is a precursor to the plywood-like structure of the trionychid bony plates. The growth of bone tissue around the vascular network in the papillary layer is the reason for the formation of surface ornamentation of the trionychid callosities. Some questions of the evolutionary significance of the unique features of the trionychid shell are discussed.

Pollen Morphological Studies on Selected Species of Family Dilleniaceae in Sri Lanka

Dilleniaceae is an angiosperm family including 11 genera and about 500 known species with a pantropical distribution extending into Australia. In Sri Lanka, four genera and 16 species including one introduced species have been reported in the family Dilleniaceae. Most of these species are endemic or native, while Schumacheria is an endemic genus. Morphological characters of the pollen grains are a significant taxonomic identification tool in the systematics of higher plants. The aim of the study is to provide detailed palynological descriptions of selected pollen species and maintain pollen reference collection. Four plant species, Dillenia retusa, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia triquetra, and Schumacheria castaneifolia of the family Dilleniaceae (Genus Dillenia and Schumacheria) were collected from different localities in the wet zone including Nugegoda and Baduraliya during the period from September 2022 to November 2022. The voucher specimens were authenticated using revised handbook to the flora of Ceylon and deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Fresh flowers or dried flowers were taken to collect pollen. Pollen grains were acetolysed and observed under Optika microscope (BG-Italy) after mounting on a clean glass slide using glycerin jelly with Basic fuchsin. Thirty pollen grains were used to determine the pollen size for each selected species. All measurements were taken within seven days of pollen preparation using OptikalSview (3.9.0.604) software. The shape, size, and surface features of pollen grains, as well as the length and width of the pollen and apertures and Polar/Equatorial ratios, were observed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Minitab 18 software for the quantitative variables related to measurements of pollen obtained with light microscope. The ranges of variation were 15-22 μm for polar axis, 16-26 μm for equatorial axis, 0.8-3.5 μm for colpus width and 5.0-12.5 μm for colpus length. The pollen grains of all the species are monad, isopolar, and radially symmetrical. Pollen grains were identified as suboblate to oblate spheroidal, small or medium-sized, tricolpate (Dillenia spp.) or tetra-colpate (Schumacheria castaneifolia), with the surface ornamentation punctate to reticulate. The longest and widest pollen grains were reported in Dillenia suffruticosa (22.0×26.4 μm), while the smallest were observed in Schumacheria castaneifolia (15.2×16.4 μm). Based on the length of the longest spore axis, except D. suffruticosa all other species are categorized into small-size pollen. According to the results, the distinction between species can be determined using palynological features such as shape, size, and aperture type. 
 Keywords: Pollen morphology, Dilleniaceae, Palynology, Reference collection

Taxonomic significance of morphological and elemental characteristics of achenes of Artemisia genus from Turkey.

In the study, the achene macromorphological and micromorphological characters of the genus Artemisia distributed in Turkey have been researched with the target of knowing systematically important carpological structures for the examined species. Macro-morphological structures of the achenes including color, shape, dimension, and carpopodium diameter were studied with 100 achenes of 10 specimens per taxa with a Light Microscope. Micro-morphological features of the achenes containing surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells, and the presence of secondary structures were examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope. EDS analyses were performed with a SEM. EDS analyses were carried out by selecting the same spot on the sample surface at 80 sec under 30 μm aperture size, with 20 kV acceleration voltage, 8 mm operating distance, high current, and processing time conditions. The color, shape, and dimension of achene have macro-morphologically shown variations. The examined achenes are separated into four shapes; fusiform-oblong, oblong, oblong-ovate, and ovate. Oblong-ovate is the most common type. Achene dimensions range from 0.62 to 2.48 mm in length, and from 0.30 to 1.21 mm in width. Also, carpopodium diameter varies between 0.10 and 0.19 mm. Achene surfaces of the examined taxa are micro-morphologically assessed, and substantial differences are noticeably detected on behalf of the surface structures for instance, surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells, and the presence of secondary structures of the achenes. Surface ornamentation is separated into 10 types: irregularly sulcate, regularly sulcate, ruminate, sulcate-scalariform, rugose, favulariate, slightly sulcate, alveolate, tuberculate, and reticulate. A percentage comparison of the elements in the achene pericarp of the studied taxa has been performed with SEM-EDS. Accordingly, pericarps in taxa include C, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, Si, Na, and S elements. In the taxonomy of the genus Artemisia, the achene morphological characters are very significant characteristics that disclose inter-specific relations among the examined taxa. Moreover, a dichotomous key is offered for the identification of the studied taxa based on achene characters. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The achenes of Turkish Artemisia taxa have been examined in depth. The morphological characteristics of achenes of Turkish Artemisia taxa have been studied using SEM and LM for the first time and debated the systematic practice of these characters. The elemental content of the achene pericarp has been systematically evaluated for the first time.

Phylogeny, biogeography, and character evolution of Anaphalis (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae).

The HAP clade, mainly including Helichrysum Mill, Anaphalis DC., and Pseudognaphalium Kirp., is a major component of tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae). In this clade, Anaphalis represents the largest genus of Asian Gnaphalieae. The intergeneric relationships among Anaphalis and its related genera and the infrageneric taxonomy of this genus are complex and remain controversial. However, there are few studies that have focused on these issues. Herein, based on the current most comprehensive sampling of the HAP clade, especially Anaphalis, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast (cp) genome and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) to evaluate the relationships within HAP clade, test the monophyly of Anaphalis, and examine the infrageneric taxonomy of this genus. Meanwhile, the morphological characters were verified to determine the circumscription and infrageneric taxonomy system of Anaphalis. Additionally, the biogeographical history, diversification processes, and evolution of crucial morphological characters were estimated and inferred. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that Anaphalis is polyphyletic because it nested with Helichrysum and Pseudognaphalium. Two and four main clades of Anaphalis were identified in cp genome and nrDNA trees, respectively. Compared with nrDNA trees, the cp genome trees were more effective for phylogenetic resolution. After comprehensively analyzing morphological and phylogenetic evidence, it was concluded that the achene surface ornamentation and leaf base showed less homoplasy and supported the two Anaphalis lineages that were inferred from cp genome. Our biogeographical analyses based on cp genome indicated that HAP clade underwent rapid diversification from late Miocene to Pliocene. The two Anaphalis lineages appeared to have originated in Africa, then spread to Western and Southern Asia, and subsequently moved into Southwestern China forming a diversity center. The dispersal patterns of the two Anaphalis lineages were different. One dispersed around the world, except in Africa and South America. The other one dispersed to Eastern and Southeastern Asia from the ancestral origin region.

Reassessment of Archaeooides based on new material from the Fortunian (early Cambrian) of China infers algal affinity

Archaeooides originally refers to a group of early Cambrian globular microfossils with regularly arranged nodular surface ornaments, and of a diameter ranging from less than 400 μm to more than 2 mm. The traditional taxonomy assigns all Archaeooides-like microfossils to a single morphotaxon, Archaeooides granulatus, irrespective of their differences in size and surface ornamentation. Archaeooides has been interpreted as a possible diapause embryo because of its inferred palintomical cell division and thick wall with vesicular structures. However, this interpretation needs further testing based on an updated taxonomy and differentiation of taphonomic artifacts from biological structures. Here, we report new, three-dimensionally phosphatized, Archaeooides-like microfossils from the Fortunian of China. In addition to A. granulatus with nodular ornaments, we recognized three new taxa, i.e., Shaanisphaera spinosa gen. et sp. nov. with spine-like ornaments, Qinlingisphaera conica gen. et sp. nov. with cone-like ornaments, and Dahisphaera plana gen. et sp. nov. with oblate ornaments. Each taxon has a wide size interval, ranging continuously from several hundred micrometers to one or two millimeters, which is different from animal eggs that generally have a narrow and conservative size interval. Micro-CT analyses and thin sections reveal that the vesicular structures may be taphonomic in nature, and that the wall thickness is specimen-dependent. Collectively, the evidence at hand does not support an embryo interpretation for Archaeooides. Instead, the wide size interval probably represents ontogenetic variations that are common in many fossil and modern algae, and thus further suggests an algal affinity for Archaeooides as well as the other Archaeooides-like microfossils.

Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) Cinsinin Değiştirilmiş Diyagnozu ve Yeni Bir Türünün Deskripsiyonu

A new species of the monotypic genus Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) was discovered among the interstitial samples collected from the Kumada Coast in the Sea of Marmara. The new species can be distinguished from the type species T. spelaea (Chappuis, 1938) by the following characters: (i) female 6-segmented antennule, (ii) P3 exp terminal segment with 7 setae, (iii) female P5 exopodal lobe with 5 setae, (iv) female P5 baseoendopod with 3 setae on endopodal lobe, (v) surface ornamentation of swimming legs, (vi) male P5 baseoendopod distal seta ornamentation, and (vii) male P5 exopod setal ornamentation. The type material of T. spelaea does no longer exist and its diagnosis is concise. Therefore, the generic diagnosis has been updated to include the characters displayed by the new species. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis including other genera related to the Troglophonte was conducted using parsimony. The results obtained from the phylogenetic analysis were generally consistent with the previous studies.