Variation In Morphological Characters Research Articles

Habitat Stability Does Not Influence Size Variation in Morphological Features of Lizards

Habitat Stability Does Not Influence Size Variation in Morphological Features of Lizards

Genetic Diversity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Low Level of Nitrogen

Maize (Zea mays L.) is India's second most significant crop, behind rice. As a cross-pollinated crop, hybrid vigour is commonly used to achieve the best production potential. The selection of various genotypes is a primary goal in the maize hybrid breeding programme. Maize is a voracious feeder and requires a lot of fertiliser. The biggest limits on maize production in India are low soil nitrogen and high fertiliser costs. Jharkhand consumes only 82.5 kg of total fertiliser nutrients per acre. In order to discover genetically varied maize genotypes for nitrogen usage efficiency, the current study evaluated 121 maize genotypes in a randomised block design with two replications at low nitrogen levels. Plant height, days to 50% pollen shed, days to 50% silk, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), days to75% maturity, number of leaves per plant, root length, stover yield per plant, grain yield per plant, and harvest index were all recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the morphological trait data. Analysis of variance revealed substantial (p≤0.05) variations in morphological features between maize genotypes. For statistical analysis, a clustering method was used to locate various genotypes with greater genetic distance in order to develop good heterotic combinations. One hundred twenty one genotypes were divided into six clusters using the dendogram-by-ward minimum variance approach. Cluster III and V had the greatest inter-cluster distance (79.26), followed by cluster III and VI (74.77) and cluster II and III (73.80). The many heterotic combinations developed from these clusters can be employed in subsequent breeding programmes to produce low nitrogen-requiring hybrids with a low yield penalty.

Seasonal variation in morphological characteristics of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) germplasm accessions in coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh

Seasonal variation in morphological characteristics of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) germplasm accessions in coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh

Comparative Study on Morphological Features and Chemical Components of Wild and Cultivated Angelica sinensis Based on Bionic Technologies and Chemometrics.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis is primarily sourced from cultivated plants due to the significant decline in wild resources. This shift raises concerns about potential differences in efficacy resulting from variations in morphological features and chemical composition between wild (WA) and cultivated (CA) A. sinensis. In this study, a suite of advanced analytical techniques including electronic nose, electronic tongue, and electronic eye, alongside headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, was applied to compare the morphological features and chemical components of WA and CA. Furthermore, principal component analysis and partial least-squares discriminant were employed for data analysis. The morphological features and chemical components of WA and CA were compared and analyzed. The results showed that three bionic technologies can distinguish WA from CA well and that fusion signals can distinguish better. There were differences between WA and CA in odor, taste, color, and content of the indicator components. There were correlations between the morphological features and the content of indicator components.

New data on the polyphyletic Marionina genus (Annelida, Enchytraeidae): description of three new species from European shore habitats

Marionina (Michaelsen in Pfeffer, 1890) is a worldwide distributed genus of small enchytraeids living in mainly aquatic habitats. The genus is polyphyletic, including about 100 species with diverse morphological characters and cryptic lineages; therefore, taxonomic revisions were performed recently, and further actions are needed in the future. In our study, Marionina individuals were investigated from decaying seagrass debris collected from seashores in Croatia and Italy using morphological characters and molecular markers involving the COI and H3 genes and the ITS region. Descriptions of two new Marionina species, M. puntaalanensissp. nov. and M. orbiferasp. nov., are presented in this paper, and in addition, the description of a third new Marionina species, M. reichartisp. nov., from the shore of the freshwater Lake Balaton (Hungary) is provided here. All three new species are small (2–3.5 mm in vivo with less than 30 segments), their clitellum is saddle-shaped, the dorsal anterior blood vessel bifurcation is in III, and the spermatheca is attached to the oesophagus. The main diagnostic features of M. puntaalanensissp. nov. are: brain incised posteriorly; dorsal vessel from the clitellar region; two chaetae in all bundles; three pairs of preclitellar nephridia; small subneural glands in XIII–XIV; seminal vesicle absent or small; ectal duct of spermatheca surrounded along the length by glands and one larger. The main features of M. orbiferasp. nov. are: brain truncate posteriorly; dorsal vessel from the clitellar region; two chaetae in all bundles; two pairs of preclitellar nephridia; subneural glands in XIII–XIV; seminal vesicle well developed; the lumen of the spermathecal ampulla is characteristically full with many spherical sperm rolls. In M. reichartisp. nov.: brain incised posteriorly, dorsal vessel origin in XII, maximum five chaetae per bundle, often the middle chaetae slightly smaller than the ental ones, three pairs of preclitellar nephridia, subneural glands absent, spermathecal ampulla globular, ectal duct surrounded along the length by glands, and one large sessile gland at the orifice.

Characterization and Agronomic Evaluation of 25 Accessions of Chenopodium quinoa in the Peruvian Coastal Desert

Quinoa is a healthy food that possesses high levels of protein that is enriched for dietary essential amino acids. The crop is highly diverse and well-adapted to changing climatic conditions. In spite of being vulnerable to pests and diseases, the development of new resistant varieties is possible. Taking advantage of this genetic variability is crucial for breeding programs, especially to adapt quinoa to the shifting needs of producers. In this study, 25 Peruvian accessions and two commercial varieties were characterized and agronomically evaluated in the Peruvian Pacific desert. Specific methodologies and descriptors of existing crops were used, analyzing a total of 24 quantitative and 23 qualitative variables with 15 repetitions per accession. The data were processed using descriptive statistics and a multivariate analysis. The results showed a high variability in morphological characteristics, with an area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of the presence of mildew between 529 and 1725, highlighting ACC06 with a lower severity of mildew. The percentage of saponins varied between 0.04 and 0.21 percent, with ACC06 being the one with the lowest percentage. Regarding the crop yield, it ranged between 0.35 and 8.80 t ha−1, highlighting the high-yielding accessions ACC55 and ACC14. These results were promising for the improvement of quinoa yield in the production conditions of the Peruvian Pacific desert.

Morphological study of the sclerites of the species Renilla muelleri Kölliker, 1872 (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Pennatulacea)

Some octocorals (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) can produce a sub-millimeter to a millimeter-range skeleton of calcium carbonate, known as sclerites. Sclerites have diverse morphological characters, such as size, and shape features that give them relevance as taxonomic characters at different levels. Renilla Lamarck, 1816, is a genus of the order Pennatulacea (Octocorallia), in which colonies are characterized by two distinct zones: a peduncle, which anchors them to the substrate, and a rachis that supports the polyps. In the case of Renilla muelleri Kölliker, 1872, prior research established the presence of similar sclerites in both the peduncle and the rachis. Nevertheless, the potential morphological variations of these sclerites among colonies and within different colony regions have yet to be assessed to determine the stability of these characteristics at the species level. This study aimed to describe and compare the external microscopic morphology and biometry of the sclerites of Renilla muelleri, enhancing their identification and assessing their consistency within the species. Sclerite composition was examined across the entire colony, and we analyzed length variation among colonies using generalized linear models (GLM) and within colony zones using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). Additionally, the external microscopic morphology of all sclerites was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on size, two types of sclerites, namely large and small, were identified within the colonies. Both types exhibited significant size differences among colonies. Furthermore, the large sclerites displayed notable variations between zones, with those in the rachis being the largest and holding the highest rank within the colonies. In terms of external microscopic morphology, the sclerites exhibited considerable variability, making it challenging to establish clear groupings based on these characteristics. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that both the biometry and external microscopic morphology of sclerites do not exhibit consistency as characteristics in Renilla muelleri highlighting the ambiguity in defining Renilla species.

A Brief Review on Pharmacological Potential of Allium porrum

Allium porrum is a major vegetable crop worldwide. Most of its production and consumption is in western Europe, with France and Belgium being the world's greatest producers. Dry leek is the most consumed vegetable after potato. Allium porrum is an herbaceous plant from the Liliaceae family and has been widely used in Persian foods as a flavour component. The Allium ampeloprasum is categorized into wild leek, cultivated leek, kurrat, pearl onion, tare and great-headed garlic based on their diverse cytogenetic and morphological characters. Leeks are known for their characteristic flavour and medicinal value. Leeks have excellent nutritional properties and are a rich source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals, Leaves contains lot of fibre, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin C. Consumption of leeks causes a reduction of the risk of hypercholesterolemia, blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and platelet aggregation which helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Besides these, the leeks have antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi and viruses. Keywords: Allium, Allium porrum, leek, gallic acid, organosulfur compounds, pharmacological activities.

A Review on Indigenous Goats of East Africa: A Case for Conservation and Management.

Indigenous goats are important in the livelihoods of rural households in East African countries. This is due to their ability to produce and reproduce in different environments and climatic conditions. Even though these indigenous goats are important, there is little available information on the genetic characterization of these breeds in Africa and at the international level. This paper reviews the status of indigenous goats, highlighting their production systems, phenotypic and genetic characteristics, and genetic diversity, and proposes potential ways for sustainable improvement and conservation in East African countries. Most households use traditional production systems with various uncharacterized goat breeds and ecotypes, which are hence named after the tribe or locality in which they are found. Most of these goats are classified as small East African breeds, with significant variability in morphological features. Some of the challenges to goat production in this region are indiscriminate crossbreeding, lack of pedigree records, parasites and disease incidences, low-quality pastures, and low levels of management. There is a need for a collaborative approach amongst the actors in goat breeding value chains as well as integrating modern genomic tools into breeding programs to enhance selection. This will ensure the resilience and sustainability of these unique indigenous goat populations in East Africa.

Comparative Analysis of Dry Market Sample of Acorus calamus Linn. Sample with Pharmacopoeial Standards

A comparative analysis of market-available dry Acorus calamus Rhizome samples with pharmacopoeial standards provides valuable insights into the quality and authenticity of these products. The study revealed significant variations in morphological features among the market samples, highlighting the need for stringent quality control measures. The sample was identified as Acorus calamus Linn. While the drug meets API standards, it lacks a few features. Most of the samples are of irregular shape rather than cylindrical, and triangular, transverse leaf scars were absent. These observations suggest potential variations or discrepancies in the market-available samples compared to pharmacopoeial standards. Further investigations and quality control measures are essential to ensure the consistency and efficacy of Acorus calamus products in traditional and modern medicinal practices.

Systematic revision of the eastern Queensland land snail genus Figuladra Köhler and Bouchet, 2020 based on mitochondrial phylogenetics and comparative morpho-anatomy (Eupulmonata, Camaenidae)

ABSTRACT The current study revises the systematic taxonomy of Figuladra, a genus of camaenid land snails endemic to eastern Queensland, based on the investigation of many recently collected ethanol-preserved samples as well as historic museum material, including types. We employed comparative analyses to investigate the variation in morphological features (shell, penial anatomy) and performed phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences to test species hypotheses. Phylogenetic analyses recovered three principal mitochondrial clades, one occurring in mid-east Queensland, one in south-east Queensland, and another in the upland areas of south-east Queensland. We recognise altogether 15 accepted species, including four that are newly described herein (i.e., Figuladra finlaysoni sp. nov., F. robertirwini sp. nov., F. bromileyorum sp. nov. and F. vidulus sp. nov.). The status of 11 previously described species has been assessed and revised diagnoses are provided for each of these. Species of the south-east Queensland clade revealed comparatively low levels of genetic and morphological differentiation and may represent examples of more recent, conceivably ongoing, speciation. Figuladra species have allopatric distributions with their ranges being separated by altitudinal or riverine barriers. Particularly the St Lawrence Gap dry corridor has been identified as a major biogeographic barrier separating two principal clades of Figuladra.

Influence of Sayanogorsk Aluminum Plant emissions on morphological characteristics and phytopathology of Scots pine (<i>Pinus sylvestris</i> L., 1753)

This article presents data on the variability of morphological features and cytogenetic indicators in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) growing in areas affected by the industrial activity of the Sayanogorsk Aluminum Plant (SAP). We demonstrated that in polluted plots located at a distance of 1 and 5 km from the plant, the reproductive organ indicators of pine significantly decreased, germination energy and viability decreased, and needle necrosis frequency increased compared with the control. A significant increase in the frequency of class III needle necrosis in experimental plots by 7.2–8.6 times compared with the control, as well as a decrease in germination energy and seed germination in experimental plots by 1.1 and 1.3–1.5 times indicates the strong negative impact of SAP emissions on pine. Mitotic index and frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the apical meristem cells of Scots Pine seedlings were determined by cytogenetic analysis. A considerable reduction in mitotic activity by 1.35 to 0.8 times was observed in the meristem cells of Scots Pine growing in experimental plots, compared with the control plot. A tendency toward an increase in the frequency of abnormal mitoses of Scots Pine in the experimental areas was observed. Thus, the data obtained made it possible to assess the condition of Scots Pine in areas exposed to the influence of SAP.

Relationships between irregular pulsation and variations in morphological characteristics during the cardiac cycle in unruptured intracranial aneurysms by 4D-CTA.

Irregular pulsation of the aneurysmal wall has been suggested as a novel predictor for aneurysm rupture. Aneurysm volume variations during the cardiac cycle and the association between irregular pulsation and morphological features have been discussed, but the clinical significance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in morphological characteristics over the cardiac cycle and examine their correlation with irregular pulsation to facilitate comprehension of aneurysm dynamics. Fourteen unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) from 11 patients were included in this study, and each of them underwent 4D-CTA after diagnosis by DSA. The R-R intervals were divided into 20-time phases at 5% intervals to determine whether an aneurysm had irregular pulsation throughout the cardiac cycle. CT images from the 20-time phases were used to reconstruct 3D aneurysm models, measure 14 morphological parameters, and quantify each parameter's absolute change and relative rates of change during the cardiac cycle. Seven of 14 UIAs exhibited irregular pulsation over the cardiac cycle by 4D-CTA, 5 of which were small aneurysms ( 7 mm). The UIAs with irregular pulsation exhibited greater changes in morphological characteristics. As aneurysm size increased, the absolute change in aneurysm volume increased (p = 0.035), but the relative rates of change in aneurysm size (p = 0.013), height (p = 0.014), width (p = 0.008), height-to-width ratio (p = 0.009), dome-to-neck ratio (p = 0.019) and bottleneck factor (p = 0.012) decreased. Although the larger the aneurysm, the greater the amplitude of its volumetric variation, small aneurysms are prone to irregular pulsation during the cardiac cycle and have more pronounced and dramatic morphological changes during the cardiac cycle that may increase the risk of rupture. This proof-of-concept study could help to explain the importance of dynamic changes using 4D-CTA in assessing the rupture risk of UIAs.

Marine thraustochytrid: exploration from taxonomic challenges to biotechnological applications

Thraustochytrids, as a distinct group of heterotrophic protists, have garnered considerable attention owing to their remarkable adaptability in extreme marine environments, pronounced capacity for metabolic regulation and prolific production of high-value metabolites. The taxonomic classification of these microorganisms presents a substantial challenge due to the variability in morphological characteristics under different culture conditions. And this undermines the efficacy of traditional classification systems on physiological and biochemical traits. The establishment of a polyphasic taxonomic system integrating genomic characteristics in the future will provide new avenues for more accurate classification and identification. Thraustochytrids can effectively accumulate bioactive substances such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), squalene and carotenoids. Through fermentation optimization and genetic modification, scientists have significantly enhanced the production of these metabolites. Moreover, the application of thraustochytrids in aquaculture, poultry and livestock feed has significantly improved animal growth and physiological indicators meanwhile increasing their DHA content. Natural bioactive substances in thraustochytrids, such as terpenoid compounds with antioxidant properties, have been proposed for application in the cosmetics industry. In the field of pharmacology, thraustochytrids have shown certain anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities and provide potential for the development of new oral vaccines. Additionally, they can degrade various industrial and agricultural wastes for growth and fatty acid production, demonstrating their potential in environmental bioremediation. Therefore, thraustochytrids not only exhibit tremendous application potential in the field of biotechnology, but also hold significant value in environmental protection and commercialization.

Effect of growing regions on morphological characteristics, protein subfractions, rumen degradation and molecular structures of various whole-plant silage corn cultivars.

Little information exists on the variation in morphological characteristics, nutritional value, ruminal degradability, and molecular structural makeup of diverse whole-plant silage corn (WPSC) cultivars among different growing regions. This study investigated the between-regions (Beijing, Urumchi, Cangzhou, Liaoyuan, Tianjin) discrepancies in five widely used WPSC cultivars in China (FKBN, YQ889, YQ23, DK301 and ZD958), in terms of 1) morphological characteristics; 2) crude protein (CP) chemical profile; 3) Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) CP subfractions; 4) in situ CP degradation kinetics; and 5) CP molecular structures. Our results revealed significant growing region and WPSC cultivar interaction for all estimated morphological characteristics (P < 0.001), CP chemical profile (P < 0.001), CNCPS subfractions (P < 0.001) and CP molecular structural features (P < 0.05). Except ear weight (P = 0.18), all measured morphological characteristics varied among different growing regions (P < 0.001). Besides, WPSC cultivars planted in different areas had remarkably different CP chemical profiles and CNCPS subfractions (P < 0.001). All spectral parameters of protein primary structure of WPSC differed (P < 0.05) due to the growing regions, except amide II area (P = 0.28). Finally, the area ratio of amide I to II was negatively correlated with the contents of soluble CP (δ = -0.66; P = 0.002), CP (δ = -0.61; P = 0.006), non-protein nitrogen (δ = -0.56; P = 0.004) and acid detergent insoluble CP (δ = -0.43; P = 0.008), in conjunction with a positive correlation with moderately degradable CP (PB1; δ = 0.58; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the cultivar of DK301 exhibited high and stable CP content. The WPSC planted in Beijing showed high CP, SCP and NPN. The low rumen degradable protein of WPSC was observed in Urumchi. Meanwhile, above changes in protein profiles and digestibility were strongly connected with the ratio of amide I and amide II.

Morphometric analysis of spiny lobster (Panulirus penicillatus) and bamboo lobster (Panulirus versicolor) in Sabang Waters

This research aims to analyze morphometrics of (P. penicillatus) and (P. versicolor) in waters of Sabang. A total of 50 samples from each species of P. penicillatus and P. versicolor were used for morphometric analysis using Traditional Morphometric and Truss Morphometric approaches. Morphological analysis indicated that both lobster species are categorized into two distinct groups. Traditional morphometric character testing using ANOVA showed that species differences significantly influence the variation in morphological characters (P&lt;0.05) in both lobsters. Further Duncan post hoc tests revealed that four characters (HL), (CHW), and (CHL)) differed significantly between the species. P. penicillatus shared three characters similar to P. versicolor, namely (HL), (CHW), and (CHL). This similarity is based on the shape of HL, CHW, and CHL in both lobsters. In the Truss Morphometric character testing with ANOVA, it was found that species differences affect the characters significantly (P&lt;0.05). The Duncan post hoc test revealed that five characters ([A1, A3], [B1, B3], [C5, C6], D4, [D5, D6]) differed significantly between species. DFA resulted in 1 function, with an eigenvalue of 27.595, indicating that it explains 100% of the total variance. The morphological characters that significantly contribute to the differentiation between species are A1, B1, C5, A5, and D5.

MINT DIVERSITY UNVEILED: MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS AND FLOWERING SHOOT YIELDS ACROSS IRANIAN MINT SPECIES

This study delves into the fascinating world of mint diversity in Iran, unraveling the variations in morphological characteristics and flowering shoot yields across different mint species. Through a comprehensive investigation, we explore the intricate nuances of these aromatic plants, shedding light on their unique features and productivity. The findings contribute valuable insights into the horticultural and agricultural aspects of mint cultivation in the diverse landscapes of Iran.

Characterization of essential oil profiles, triterpenic acids, and biological assay in aerial parts of various Thymus persicus Jalas (Ronniger ex Rech.f.) populations

Thymus persicus is a valuable natural source of anticancer triterpenic acids (TAs) such as betulinic acid (BA), oleanolic acid (OA), and ursolic acid (UA), which is growing wild in the northwest of Iran. In the present study, variability in morphological characteristics, phytochemical composition, and biological activity among T. persicus populations (TPPs) were investigated. The plants were phenotypically different with the highest variations in some morphological traits. In total, sixty-seven compounds representing 97.2‒99.9% of the essential oils were identified. Thymol (8.1‒43.9%), α-terpineol (1.8‒34.2%), and p-cymene (0.4‒13.4%) were the major components of the studied oils. The content of BA, OA, and UA was ranged as 530.55 ± 13.04‒856.89 ± 6.76, 419.35 ± 11.44‒584.43 ± 12.67, and 941.66 ± 11.49‒1070.82 ± 10.14 mg 100 g‒1 DW in the studied TPPs, respectively. The highest total phenol content (87.26 ± 4.35 mg GAE g–1 DW), total flavonoid content (72.34 ± 2.63 mg QE g–1 DW), and antioxidant property (IC50 = 64.28 ± 4.57 μg ml–1 and 61.68 ± 1.10 μmol Fe+2 g–1 DW) were recorded in TPP1 (Baderlu). The essential oil of the TPP3 (Angooran) showed the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the bacteria (0.005‒0.080 mg ml–1) and fungi (0.077‒0.100 mg ml–1) among the studied TPPs. Multiple regression analysis showed an associated correlation among morphological, phytochemical characteristics, and biological activities. Canonical correspondence analysis also determined relationship between phytochemical traits and environmental factors. These findings contain valuable data for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of this valuable medicinal plant.Graphical

Barkodlama Bölgesi Olarak Potentilla L. Cinsinde psbA-trnH IGS Sekanslarının Değerlendirmesi

Barkodlama Bölgesi Olarak Potentilla L. Cinsinde psbA-trnH IGS Sekanslarının Değerlendirmesi

Identification Morphology of Bamboo, and Traditional Use in Gorontalo

Bamboo is a versatile plant that has many benefits in the lives of the people of Gorontalo. This research aims to provide taxonomic information on bamboo species in Gorontalo Province, including variations in morphological characters and phenetic relationships of bamboo, as well as information on the traditional use of bamboo. The method used in this research is exploration and interviews. Exploration was carried out to collect information on bamboo taxonomy, while interviews were conducted to find out the use of bamboo by the Gorontalo Community. The research data obtained was then analyzed descriptively to describe and interpret data on morphological variations, phenetic relationships and traditional benefits of the various types of bamboo obtained. Based on the research results, it was obtained that 13 types of bamboo are distributed in Gorontalo which show the unique morphological variations of the varieties which are divided into four genera, namely the genus Gigantochloa has distinctive morphological characteristics on the waxy surface of the stem, the Bambusa genus with characteristic shiny, smooth stems, the Dendrocalamus genus has the largest diameter and stem wall thickness, the genus Schizostachyum has the same morphological characteristics of stem segments and branch lengths. Based on the analysis of phenetic relationships, two main clusters were formed with a similarity value of 61.2%. In terms of traditional uses, it was recorded in this research that most bamboo is used as building construction materials, food sources, traditional medicine, materials for traditional ceremonies, handicrafts, and ornamental plants, as a tool designedto help people's livelihoods and ecological functions. This research also provides the first record of the morphological characteristics and use of each type of bamboo in Gorontalo which can be used for future bamboo breeding and conservation projects.