Taxonomic Characters Research Articles

Numerical Comparison of Anatomical Features of Lamiaceae Taxa Named After Spil Mountain

In this study, the anatomical features of some taxa (Origanum sipyleum, Satureja parnassica subsp. sipylea, Sideritis sipylea, Thymus sipyleus subsp. sipyleus var. sipyleus) belonging to the Lamiaceae distributed on the Spil Mountain of Turkey were compared statistically. Lamiaceae family to which the investigated taxa belong are of high importance for their antioxidant potential, multiple pharmaceuticaluses in folk medicine. The some anatomical features of the stem were selected and measurements were taken. The data obtained from the anatomical features were evaluated statistically. By this study it has been determined that cortex length and diameter of pith are the best character pairs which represent the variations in them. Thus, the cortex length and diameter of pith can be viewed as a taxonomic character for classification of species. The results showed that investigated taxa also could be distinguished from each other not only by their morphological features but numerical anatomical characters as well.

Diversity and Diagnostics of Sternorrhynchan Insect Pests Infesting Arecanut

Investigations were carried out in major arecanut growing districts of Karnataka during 2019-2020 to know the species composition of sternorrhynchan pests viz., mealybugs, scales and aphids. A total of 14 species of sternorrhynchan sucking insect pests were recorded in the arecanut growing districts. These belong to five families viz., Coccidae Stephens, Diaspididae Maskell, Pseudococcidae (Heymons) and Aphididae (Buckton). Among these, Coccidae was the species rich. Prococcus acutissimus (Green) was the most predominant species followed by Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), Ceroplastes sp. nr. rusci (L.), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Parasaissetia nigra (Neitner), Coccus viridis (Green), Coccus hesperidum L., Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Lepidosaphes gloveri (Packard), Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) and Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval). Diagnostics of these with descriptions of taxonomic characters and a key to genera is also provided herein.

A New Lichenicolous Fungus from Garhwal Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand, India

Sphinctrina pertusa Falswal A. is described as a new species of lichenicolous fungus from India. It is characterised by eight non-septate, broadly ellipsoidal, uniseriate, ascospores with olive green tint and irregular ridge like ornamentations. This fungus is growing on known lichen host Pertusaria but differs from five closely related species i.e., S. anglica, S. leucopoda, S. tubaeformis, S. turbinata, S. paramerae with different taxonomic characters. A detailed comparative analysis with non-septate closely related species is provided.

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON SOME SELECTED SPECIES OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

The Asteraceae is a large and widely spread family of vascular plants. The Plants of this family are known to have a variety of pharmacological activities. Verbesina alternifolia, Parthenium hysterophorus, Tridax procumbens is collected from Ajmer district and identified with taxonomical characters. Alkaloids (Wagner’s test, Mayer’s test, Hager’s test), Steroid (Libermann Burchard test, Salkowaski), Glycosides (Keller kilani test ), and Flavonoids (Lead Acetate test) are isolated from the Verbesina alternifolia,, Parthenium hysterophorus, Tridax procumbens plant material collected from Ajmer district.

Investigation on the Severity of Alternaria Blight of Pigeonpea and its Characterisation in Northern Karnataka

Background: The Alternaria blight of pigeonpea is considered as an important foliar disease and poses threat to the pigeonpea cultivation due to change in the climatic condition, cultivation practices and variation in pathogenic character. Though the disease is noticed in an alarming proportion after the post rainy season and causing economic yield, little is known about the severity of disease and its impact on crop production. The current study is aimed to study the disease severity and variability of the pathogen and which would helps us to understand the biology of the pathogen to develop suitable management strategies. Methods: In the field and laboratory investigations during 2015 and 2017, different localities of Northern Karnataka were surveyed. Twenty sampling localities were selected based on geographical situation. In the laboratory, collected diseased samples were isolated and determined morphologically and culturally based on taxonomic and molecular characters. Result: Our investigations revealed the varied disease severity in surveyed districts, Vijayapura district recorded the maximum disease severity with a range of 38.67 to 49.33 and this might be due to variation in pathogenic character, rainfall pattern and climatic conditions and also disease severity varied with varieties indicating the source of resistance. The present study contributed for identification of geographical distribution of the disease and its severity in different varieties and places of Northern Karnataka and their genetic and morphological variations.

Redescription of Acmella tersa (Benson, 1853), the type species of Acmella W.T. Blanford, 1869 (Gastropoda: Assimineidae), from Meghalaya, Northeast India

ABSTRACT The type species of the assimineid genus Acmella W.T. Blanford, 1869 is Cyclostoma tersum Benson, 1853, originally described from ‘Musmai’ [Mawsmai], Meghalaya, Northeast India. No specimens from Benson’s type series can be traced, and contemporary shells collected from the type locality in museum collections are extremely worn. It has therefore been impossible to examine shell microsculpture, an important taxonomic character in the diagnosis of species of Assimineidae, using museum specimens. In order to provide better diagnostic characters for the genus Acmella, we redescribe and illustrate Acmella tersa from newly collected specimens, one of which is designated as the neotype. We also provide a list of all known species attributed to Acmella.

Significance of wing interference patterns as taxonomic characters in Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Significance of wing interference patterns as taxonomic characters in Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Rediscovery of an endemic snail <i>Spiraculum beddomei</i> Blanford, 1866 (Mollusca: Cyclophoridae), with notes on its zoogeography and natural history

Spiraculum beddomei Blanford, 1866, a rare operculate land snail, was described in 1866 from Kimety (=Kimery) Hills, near Waltair (Vizagapatam), Madras Presidency in India has been reported nearly after 150 years from the adjoin Eastern Ghats landscape of Mahendragiri Hills in Gajapati district of Odisha in India. Here, we present new locality and detailed taxonomic characters of the species based on the direction of the sutural tube and flat spire along with a photomicrograph of the radula structure for the first time. A note on its zoogeography, habitat and natural history accounts are briefly discussed.

A numerical criterion for assessing the discriminatory/aggregative potential of a taxonomic character with a Fortran 90 program for calculations

A numerical criterion for assessing the discriminatory/aggregative potential of a taxonomic character with a Fortran 90 program for calculations

Hidden taxonomic characters in otoliths of blenniid fishes (Teleostei: Blenniidae) from the Iranian coasts of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea ecoregions: A scanning electron microscopy approach

AbstractIn the present work, the morphological characteristics of sagitta were described and analysed for 10 species of combtooth blennies (Blenniidae) inhabiting the intertidal region of the Persian Gulf and Makran zone of Oman Sea to see the taxonomic usefulness of otoliths, especially their hidden characters for species identification. Based on the obtained results, sagitta morphology could be considered as diagnostic characters distinguishing the genera Alticus, Antennablennius, Istiblennius, Omobranchus and Parablennius showing differences related to general shape, that is, elliptic/oval to triangular; shape of antirostrum and its degree of development; the degrees of convexity of ventral and dorsal margins, and shape of ostium. The common/general otolith characters shared in the all studied combtooth blennies, is the heterosulcoid condition, which is a shared character with Perciformes and Gobiiformes. The type of sulcus is ostial, and it can be considered as a plesiomorph character shared with a basal group of actinopterygian fishes. The obtained results could be useful in taxonomical, paleontological, ecological and food and feeding habits studies.

Morphological and palynological assessment of taxonomically problematic genus Paspalum based on light and scanning electron microscopy.

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5-7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5-9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3-5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5-9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20-30) to 37.5 (30-45) μm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5-1) to 1.35 (1.2-1.5) μm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification.

Overview of the Diversity, Phylogeny and Biogeography of Strombidiid Oligotrich Ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora), With a Brief Revision and a Key to the Known Genera.

Strombidiids are common free-living ciliates that have colonized coastal and open oceanic waters across the world. In recent years, numerous new taxa and gene sequences of strombidiids have been reported, revealing a large diversity of both their morphologic and genetic features. Here, we compare the taxonomic characters of all genera in the family Strombidiidae, provide a key to their identification, and investigate their molecular phylogeny. In addition, we analyze their regional distribution based on faunal data accumulated in China and attempt to infer their global distribution based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data. The current work revises the systematics of strombidiids based on morphologic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic evidence and provides a genus-level review of marine strombidiids.

Anatomical Studies of the Foliar Epidermis and Petiole of some Lannea Species in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aims: Leaf epidermal morphology and petiole anatomy of seven Lannea species namely; Lannea velutina, Lannea kerstingii, Lannea egregia, Lannea schimperii, Lannea acida, Lannea microcarpa, and Lannea edulis in Nigeria were investigated to provide new taxonomic characters that could help in proper identification and delimitation of the taxa.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos, Nigeria between August 2020 and March 2021.
 Methodology: Transverse sections of petioles were cut using a rotary microtome and epidermal peels were made. Staining was done using Safranin and slides observed using a light microscope.
 Results: Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic except for L. velutina and L. edulis with amphistomatic distribution. Three stomata types are found; paracytic occurring in L. velutina, L. edulis and L. egregia, cyclocytic in L. schimperii and L. microcarpa and anomocytic in L. kerstingii and L. acida. Stomata index vary among taxa with L. egregia and L. acida having the highest (22.43%) and lowest (12.17%) respectively. The epidermal cell shape was polygonal in all the species and anticlinal wall patterns were straight to slightly curved. Unicellular/multicellular uniseriate trichomes were observed in L. schimperii, L. egregia and L. kerstingii distinguishing them from other species. Petiole outlines were circular to oval, epidermis was uniseriate and vascular bundles are collateral. Presence of continuous sclerenchyma rings surrounding the vascular bundles in L. kerstingii and L. microcarpa serve as a distinguishing character. Other distinguishing characters are presence of crystals, druses and phenolic idioblasts. A taxonomic key was produced using the anatomical character as an aid to the identification of the species.
 Conclusion: Variations observed in the stomata types, petiole outline, petiole vasculature type, trichome type and stomata index could be employed for species identification and delimitation.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Phyllothelys Wood-Mason (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) from China

Summary The genus Phyllothelys Wood-Mason (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae: Phyllothelyinae) includes 18 species in the world, among which 12 species were recorded in China. However, most Phyllothelys species have been described only for a single sex, and previous taxonomic characters are mainly based on the vertex prolongation of head, which leads to taxonomic confusion within the genus. Here, after raising and observing large amounts of males and females Phyllothelys, collected in the same localities, we find that several species which were described based on a single male or female are conspecific, and that there are significant differences between the males and females for some species. Then, we propose other stable taxonomic characters within species and provide for the first time a systematic review of the Phyllothelys species in China. We propose that Phyllothelys Wood-Mason should be divided into four species groups. Seven new species, P. cancongi n. sp., P. tianfuense n. sp., P. tengchongense n. sp., P. xiezhi n. sp., P. jiazhii n. sp., P. dulongense n. sp. and P. chuangtsei n. sp., are described. Phyllothelys hepaticum (Zhang) and P. wuyiense (Yang & Wang) are proposed as synonyms of P. werneri Karny. Phyllothelys robustum (Niu & Liu) is transferred to P. sinense robustum (Niu & Liu) n. stat. Life history, necessary illustrations and ecological images of Phyllothelys species from China are presented. The distribution of the genus Phyllothelys species is discussed and mapped.

Quantitative morphometrics suggest that the widespread Neotropical Humiria balsamifera (Aubl.) St. Hil. is a species complex

Humiria balsamifera is an infraspecific complex of high phenotypic variation and widely distributed in northern South America. Leaf traits are traditionally considered the most relevant taxonomic characters for varietal level delimitation in the group. However, substantial phenotypic overlap among vegetative characters complicates taxonomic diagnoses in this complex. The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze phenotypic variation among individuals of the complex at a continental scale using uni- and multivariable analyses to assess whether morphometric analyses detect discontinuities. Secondarily, these quantitative data were used to test whether phenotypic similarity was related to geographic distance. Twenty- five quantitative and 27 qualitative character traits did not overtly reveal a topology corresponding to traditional varietal classification, nor to geographic structure. However, petiole length alone revealed a definitive separation of H. balsamifera var. guianensis (together with another recognized species Humiria wurdackii, and variety H. balsamifera var. laurina) from the rest of the taxa. Our results highlight substantial morphological overlap among vegetative and reproductive characters including those used in identification keys, and no morphological discontinuities suitable for clearly separating taxa within the complex were encountered demonstrating a future need to integrate multiple sources of information, including molecular data, to resolve this complex.

A juvenile specimen of Neusticemys neuquina (Testudinata: Thalassochelydia) from the Upper Jurassic of Neuquén Basin (Neuquén Province, Argentina)

ABSTRACT Cranial and postcranial remains of a juvenile specimen from the lower section of the Vaca Muerta Formation (Lower Tithonian) recovered at Cerro Lotena (Neuquén Province, Argentina) are identified as Neusticemys neuquina. We contextualised this juvenile specimen inside the taxonomic and phylogenetic background of N. neuquina. The new information provided by the juvenile specimen indicates that relevant key features such as: a strong constriction of the horizontal pterygoid plate at the level of the basis of the quadrate process of the pterygoid, a round depression basisphenoidal, a well-developed parasagittal crest developed on the dorsal surface of the squamosal, a medial keel on the posterior part of the carapace, hyo and hypoplastra contacting each other by a tight suture, do not change along ontogeny and as so they are reliable characters for taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis. We also comment on some ontogenetic changes between juvenile and adult specimens (e.g., increase of fossa infratemporalis and parietal horizontal plate in the skull, reduction in the height at the surangular region in the lower jaw, and the reduction of costo-peripheral fenestrae on the carapace) of N. neuquina. In addition, we compare this species with other early stage juvenile eurysternids from the European Upper Jurassic.

Seed and seedling morphology of Bauhinia scandens L.

Bauhinia scandens has potential importance as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Researchers have isolated and identified 1-O-alkylglycerol in the leaves of the B. scandens plant, and established antitumor properties using the Brine Shrimp toxicity test, an internationally accepted bioassay. Although this species has high potential, little is known about the viability of seedling production and the morphology of these plants, particularly in terms of seed characteristics and initial stages of germination. The objective of this study was to characterize the seed morphology, germination, and seedlings of B. scandens. Seed water content, weight, and coloration were evaluated. This study also included a description of seed biometrics, external and internal structures, germination, and seedling morphology. Internal seed morphology was evaluated by the anatomical sectioning and X-ray methods. The morphology data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and germination data were determined using Cramér’s V. B. scandens seeds have a coloration ranging from very dark grayish-red to dark reddish-brown, flat oblong shapes, and rounded bases and apexes with full or slightly undulating margins. Healthy seedlings are produced mainly by seeds with well-formed internal structures. The reddish petiole of the seedling leaves is a taxonomic character for B. scandens identification. The non-domestication and genetic variability of this species reflect on the seed and seedling color and size variation.

Histomorphology of the Malpighian Tubules and the Chemical Composition of the Spherocrystals in the Tubule Epithelial Cells of Adult Leptophyes albovittata (Kollar, 1833) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae).

In insects, the number, cytological and histological structures, and the spherocrystals of the Malpighian tubules (MTs) can vary considerably in different insect groups. These differences are considered important because they can be used as taxonomic characters. For this purpose, the ultrastructure of the MT epithelial cells in Leptophyes albovittata (Kollar, 1833) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) was examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The wall of each tubule consists of a single layer of cells. These cells have round-shaped nuclei. Two different cell types were demonstrated in the tubule cell. These are cells that have electron-dense cytoplasm and electron-lucent cytoplasm. It was observed that the cytoplasm of these cells has many spherocrystals. The chemical composition of the spherocrystals was found to be high in carbon, phosphorus, and manganese in tubule cells.

The use of taxonomic studies to the identification of wetlands weeds

Abstract Background Palyno-anatomy of wetland species belonging to 10 families was studied in the present research work through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to find valuable taxonomic characters. Objective This study aims to provide baseline information of the micro-morphological characters of 24 wetland species which will be helpful for further identification of wetlands weeds flora. Methods 24 weeds were collected from different wetlands of Azad Kashmir. Taxonomic tools like light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic techniques are used for the proper identification of wetland weeds. Results The results show diversity among the qualitative and quantitative characters of epidermal cells, stomata, trichomes, and stomatal pore on both leaf surfaces. In accordance with these variations, a taxonomic key was prepared by using these characters for the identification and differentiation of wetland plant species. In pollen evaluations, variations were observed among exine sculpturing, the number of pores, exine thickness, and diameter of pollens. Conclusions Based on our findings it will be helpful for the taxonomist to identify other wetland species by using these micro-morphological characters. This study also indicates that at different taxonomic levels, LM and SEM of pollen and epidermal morphology is explanatory and significant to identify plants up to the species level.

Phylogeny of Lantana, Lippia, and related genera (Lantaneae: Verbenaceae).

Lantana and Lippia (Verbenaceae) are two large Linnean genera whose classification has been based on associated fruit traits: fleshy vs. dry fruits and one vs. two seed-bearing units. We reconstruct evolutionary relationships and the evolution of the two fruit traits to test the validity of these traits for classification. Previous studies of plastid DNA sequences provided limited resolution for this group. Consequently, seven nuclear loci, including ITS, ETS, and five PPR loci, were sequenced for 88 accessions of the Lantana/Lippia clade and three outgroups. Neither Lantana nor Lippia is monophyletic. Burroughsia, Nashia, Phyla, and several Aloysia species are included within the clade comprising Lantana and Lippia. We provide a hypothesis for fruit evolution and biogeographic history in the group and their relevance for classification. Fleshy fruits evolved multiple times in the Lantana/Lippia clade and thus are not suitable taxonomic characters. Several sections of Lantana and Lippia and the small genera are monophyletic, but Lippia section Zappania is broadly paraphyletic, making circumscription of genera difficult. Lippia sect. Rhodolippia is a polyphyletic group characterized by convergence in showy bracts. Species of Lantana sect. Sarcolippia, previously transferred to Lippia, are not monophyletic. The clade originated and diversified in South America, with at least four expansions into both Central America and the Caribbean and two to Africa. The types species of Lantana and Lippia occur in small sister clades, rendering any taxonomy that retains either genus similar to its current circumscription impossible.