Variation In Morphometric Characters Research Articles

Variation in morphometric characters, germination and oil content of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. seeds collected from various provenances of Odisha, India

The wide distribution of Terminalia bellirica in natural forests of Odisha has a good opportunity to identify better genotypes with higher oil yielding potential. The study related to variation in oil content, morphometric characters and germination of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. seeds was carried out in nine provenances viz. Deogan, Bolangir Kasturi Bahal, Narada, Kantamal, Jeypore, Gunupur, Kuchinda and Ghatikia of Odisha (India) keeping in the importance of the seed oil for biodiesel production, soap industry and medicinal values. T. bellirica is widely distributed in Odisha with gregarious fruiting of which most of the fruits remain unused except used as myrobalan for medicinal purposes. It revealed that Kantamal provenance expressed highest fruits length (3.87cm) and 100 fruit weight (1340.17gm), 100 seed weight(649.05gm) and 100 kernel weight(99.43gm) with maximum oil yield which can be taken up for further improvement study. However, the progeny testing at nursey level was also found to have the same provenance performing best for germination and seedling characters.

Morphometric character variation of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758) population in western and eastern part of Java Sea

The blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758) inhabits coastal waters with sandy or muddy substrates of Southeast Asia. Aquatic environment and fishing intensity might influence the variation in morphometric characters of species as a form of adaptation and might characterize the stock unit as well. This study was aimed to analyze the morphometric variation of the blue swimming crab (BSC) population in western and eastern parts of Java Sea as part of Fisheries Management Area (FMA 712) of Indonesia. The representative crab sample for both males and females were taken randomly from three different locations, i.e. East Lampung, Rembang, and Southern Madura Island. Those samples were analyzed with a method called “conventional morphometric method”. Result of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that 10 characters were significantly different between male and female crabs. The cluster analysis also showed that the crabs in East Lampung and Rembang had high similarities which tended to be close population, while Southern Madura’s crabs were seemed to be dissimilar. In addition, discriminant analyses also showed that the BSC population in Southern Madura was different from the other two populations, indicating that the BSC population of Southern Madura is a different stock unit.

Variation in morphometric characteristics between cultured and wild striped snakehead (Channa striata) populations in the Mekong Delta

Variation in morphometric characteristics between cultured and wild striped snakehead (Channa striata) populations in the Mekong Delta

Features of Spatial Structure of Mikizha Parasalmo mykiss in the Kol River, Western Kamchatka: On the Problem of the Population Integration in the Complex River System

The features of within-river migrations, biological and morphological characteristics, and allozyme variation are studied in mikizha Parasalmo mykiss in the Kol River basin, Western Kamchatka. In this river system with a complex geomorphology, mikizha spawns in tundra-type tributaries, and each tributary is characterized by a certain combination of size, water content, hydrological, and thermic regime. Therefore, the spawning conditions, as well as spatial distribution and biological characteristics of the progeny, are variable. Based on the mark-recapture data, mikizha intensively migrates within the river system, and it does not show any fidelity to certain sites; the spawners can enter different tributaries in various years. Based on the variation of morphometric characters, the difference between the juveniles from various tributaries is absent. The results of allozyme variation show that, despite a mosaic structure of the habitats, mikizha of the Kol River is represented by a single population with a common genofond. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that mikizha of the Kol River is a single and highly integrated population despite the factors facilitating the diversity. A mechanism of a stable population unity is connected with the within-river migrations, and the spawners are redistributed in different tributaries of the river during each year. This redistribution is directed against the founder effect and gene drift.

Optimisation of morphometric parameters of Limbang river basin, Borneo in the equatorial tropics for terrain characterisation

Limbang River basin (LRB) in the equatorial tropics was characterised through the statistical optimisation of morphometric parameters of its 33 subwatersehds of various orders. Basic, linear, aerial and relief parameters which are capable of expressing the geological, structural and relief setup of the river basin were estimated. The present study will enhance the scientific understanding about geomorphometric setup of the Limbang river basin, since there is no previous information is available. The 8th order river basin shows spatial variation in estimated parameters suggest the differential influence of lithological, structural and relief characteristics over the present geomorphological condition of the river basin. Overall, the results of morphometric parameters analysed reveal that the area is geologically complex and poses high runoff, low permeability and infiltration along with high rate of erosion and flash flood proneness. Among the estimated variables few of them shows statistically significant interdependency (r ≥ ± 0.80). Spatial variation in morphometric characteristics facilitated the categorisation of river basin into different zones having varying structural complexity, runoff potential and erosion proneness. The findings of the present study will aid in planning further hydrological development activities in the river basin.

Morphological and mitochondrial DNA variation revealed an undescribed lineage under the genus Sperata (Bagridae) in Bangladesh

AbstractCatfishes Sperata are popular, known for its taste and nutritional value, and are found naturally in wide variety of freshwaters in South Asia. The taxonomy of Sperata spp., sampled from Hakaluki Haor in Bangladesh, was re‐evaluated based on morphological variation and DNA barcoding. The collective variation in morphometric characters and mitochondrial DNA revealed an undescribed old and well‐separated lineage under the genus Sperata along with two previously known Sperata aor and Sperata seenghala in Bangladesh. Analyses of morphological traits suggested significant differentiation among Sperata species. The variation in mitochondrial DNA supported the distinct lineage and taxonomical discrimination. Sperata aor diverged earlier from the new lineage and Sperata seenghala with a divergence of 5.39 (CI: 3.91–7.19) Mya (PP > 90). Sperata seenghala and the new lineage shared a most recent common ancestry, which diverged from each other around 3.41 (CI: 2.24–4.62) Mya (PP > 90). Thus, the newly identified lineage could be a subspecies of S. seenghala or even a species under the genus Sperata. The information of the study will be useful for conservation, sustainable management and selective breeding of the putative species, including previously reported S. aor and S. seenghala in Bangladesh.

Biometric sexual and ontogenetic dimorphism on the marine catfish Genidens genidens (Siluriformes, Ariidae) in a tropical estuary

This paper aims to study the ontogenetic sexual dimorphism of Genidens genidens in Guanabara Bay, southeastern coast of Brazil. Altogether 378 specimens were anayzed (233 females and 145 males) with total length ranging from 13.3 to 43.5 cm. Specimens were measured for 12 body measurements, sex was identified and maturity stages were recorded and classified. Pearson’s linear correlation reveled a significant positive correlation between total length and all other body measures, except for base adipose fin, mouth depth and eye depth for immature females. Analyses nested PERMANOVA desing showed significant differences between maturity stages for each sex, between sexes considering or not maturity stages, indicating a variation in morphometric characteristics driven by sexual dimorphism. Differences among all maturity stages were also found, indicating an ontogenetic morphological difference. But immature individuals didn’t differ between sexes indicating that differentiation patterns starts with sexual development. The most important measures differing males and females were related to head characteristics, which appears to be key parameters to evaluate sexual differences. Due to male incubation of fertilized eggs and juvenile individuals <59 mm in their oral cavity, head measures are proposed to be sex dimorphism not related to reproduction, but with post reproductive fase due to ecological and biological needs. [L1]Modificated as suggested by Reviewer E.

Variation in Morphometric Characters in Four Sand Crab (Albunea symmysta) Populations Collected from Sumatra and Java Island, Indonesia.

Variation in morphometric characters in four sand crab (Albunea symmysta) populations from four intertidal areas in Sumatra (Aceh and Bengkulu) and Java (Cilacap and Yogyakarta) were studied. Crabs collected from the four sites were measured to obtain 10 morphometric characters, i.e., carapace length (CL), carapace width (CW), ocular peduncle length and width (LOP and WOP), telson length and width (LT and WT), merus length (ML), carpus length (CaL), propodus length (PL), and dactylus length (DL). Allometric relationships were established among three morphometric characters (CW, PL, and DL) for each site, in which CL was fixed on the abscissa as a reference variable. The analysis of covariance showed that population from Yogyakarta had a greater carapace width and the Aceh population had a longer dactylus length. In terms of propodus length, the Aceh population had a longer dactylus length than the Bengkulu population. Two group populations were detected by cluster analysis with 10 morphometric characters, i.e., the Sumatra population and the Java population.

Comparison of genetic and visual identification of cisco and lake whitefish larvae from Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario

Cisco (Coregonus artedi) are an important component of native food webs in the Great Lakes, and their restoration is instrumental to the recovery of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Difficulties with visual identification of larvae can confound early life history surveys, as cisco are often difficult to distinguish from lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). We compared traditional visual species identification methods with genetic identifications based on barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene for 726 coregonine larvae caught in Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario. We found little agreement between the visual characteristics of cisco identified by genetic barcoding and the most widely used dichotomous key, and the considerable overlap in ranges of traditionally utilized metrics suggests that visual identification of coregonine larvae from Chaumont Bay is impractical. Coregonines are highly variable and plastic species and often display wide variations in morphometric characteristics across their broad range. This study highlights the importance of developing accurate, geographically appropriate larval identification methods to best inform cisco restoration and management efforts.

Morfología valvar de Didymosphenia geminata (Bacillariophyceae) en la provincia de Chubut, Argentina.

Morfología valvar de Didymosphenia geminata (Bacillariophyceae) en la provincia de Chubut, Argentina. Recientemente se verificó que Didymosphenia forma proliferaciones masivas en Patagonia.En Argentina se ha esparcido a cinco provincias en un corto tiempo. En este trabajo, analizamos datos morfológicos y morfométricos de especímenes recolectados en la provincia del Chubut, Argentina y los comparamos con otras especies de este género de diferentes regiones del mundo. El material de estudio fue recolectado en dos cuencas durante 2010-2012. Las muestras, analizadas con MO y MEB, mostraron variación inter e intra-poblacional en las características morfométricas y en algunas estructuras valvares, como espinas. La morfología del material estudiado corresponde a la de D. geminata ssp geminata Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot. Nuestros materiales también se asemejan a las especies: D. clavaherculis,D. clavamagna, D. coronata y D. laticollis. Los materiales de Chubut pueden ser fácilmente confundidos con algunos ejemplares mencionados en la literatura como D. clavaherculis, pero difieren claramente del material tipo de esa especie. Por otro lado, la morfología de los materiales estudiados coincide con los hallados en Chile. Aunque recientemente se publicó una extensa revisión morfológica del género Didymosphenia, todavía hay dudas en torno al grupo de taxones estrechamente relacionados con D. geminata. Actualmente se están realizando análisis moleculares que ayudarían a establecer los límites específicos.

Age‐ and gender‐related variations in morphometric characteristics of thoracic spine pedicle

Transpedicular spinal fusion is the most commonly used fixation technique for the surgical treatment of vertebral disorders. However, the instrumentation of the thoracic spine using this technique continues to be controversial. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometric characteristics of the thoracic pedicle and to establish how these characteristics vary with gender and age. Two hundred thoracic spines (4800 thoracic pedicles) from individuals of known gender and age were analyzed (in accordance with the order of vertebrae). The spines were divided into six groups according to age and gender. The horizontal and vertical diameters of the thoracic pedicle were determined for each piece. The mean and standard deviation of each variable were determined, and differences between age groups for each gender were evaluated using parametric correlation tests. The pedicle diameters of men and women differed significantly for most groups (P < 0.05). The horizontal diameters decreased from T1 to T5 and increased up to T12. The vertical diameter followed a cephalocaudal pattern of development from T1-T12. The pedicle diameters decreased with increasing age in women, while the opposite trend was observed in men. In men, the dimensions of the thoracic spine pedicle increase with increasing age; in women, they decrease. These differences should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate pedicle screw.

The Finding of Mediorhynchus gallinarum (Acanthocephala: Gigantorhynchidae) in Chickens from Indonesia, with Expanded Description Using SEM

ABSTRACT: The original description of Mediorhynchus gallinarum (Bhalerao, 1937) and subsequent descriptions by other observers were riddled with errors and misinterpretations. The present collection of many specimens of M. gallinarum from chickens, Gallus gallus L., in Indonesia provided the opportunity to describe the Indonesian population, report the full range of variation in morphometric characteristics, especially proboscis armature, correct a few misconceptions, and obtain scanning electron microscopy documentation of previously unreported structures including features of the proboscis and hooks, the epidermis, sensory pores, bursa, and egg topography. Additionally, Indonesia is a new locality record for M. gallinarum.

Effects of eutrophication on vendace, Coregonus albula (L.). III. Seasonal morphological variability of vendace from selected lakes in Wielkopolska

The aim of the study was to determine and compare the most important morphometric and meristic characters of vendace from four lakes located in the Wielkopolska region: lakes Dominickie, Gorzynskie, Lubikowskie, and Strzeszynskie. Biometric analyses were conducted based on the method developed by Prawdin. All morphometric characters are presented in relative values (%) of fork length (longitudo caudalis) according to the method developed by Smitt. Moreover, values of 14 meristic characters were also determined. The greatest differences in values of morphometric characters of vendace were recorded for measurements of head shape, including lateral head length, eye diameter, and postorbital distance, and adipose fin length. The smallest differences in the values of morphometric characters were observed in the largest linear body measurements, i.e., body length, predorsal distance, minimum body depth, and dorsal and anal fin lengths. Variation in morphometric characters in vendace from different lakes confirms the hypothesis that a specific form of vendace is found in each lake. Differences were found in the values of linear measurements of vendace caught in different seasons, which indicates that drawing conclusions on body conformation in vendace is justified only when they are caught in comparable periods of the year.

Morphometric variation in the Tunisian green frog, Rana saharica Anura: Ranidae)

Rana saharica is the most widely distributed anuran in Tunisia. We examined morphological variation in 124 specimens as a function of their geographical origin, using univariate and multivariate statistics with traditional morphometrics. Our results supported the existence of three morphotypes of this species, correctly classified 84.7% of specimens, and indicated significant degrees of variation in morphometric characteristics between regions. No significant differences were found between sexes among populations. We observed an increase in body size and a decrease in body mass as a function of latitude. Specimens from the southernmost region had the smallest bodysize and the greatest morphometric divergence. The pattern of morphometric variation probably results from phenotypic plasticity correlated with local environmental factors.

Morphometric Variation in the Tunisian Green Frog,Rana saharica(Anura: Ranidae)

Rana saharica is the most widely distributed anuran in Tunisia. We examined morphological variation in 124 specimens as a function of their geographical origin, using univariate and multivariate statistics with traditional morphometrics. Our results supported the existence of three morphotypes of this species, correctly classified 84.7% of specimens, and indicated significant degrees of variation in morphometric characteristics between regions. No significant differences were found between sexes among populations. We observed an increase in body size and a decrease in body mass as a function of latitude. Specimens from the southernmost region had the smallest body size and the greatest morphometric divergence. The pattern of morphometric variation probably results from phenotypic plasticity correlated with local environmental factors.

Does weather shape rodents? Climate related changes in morphology of two heteromyid species

Geographical variation in morphometric characters in heteromyid rodents has often correlated with climate gradients. Here, we used the long-term database of rodents trapped in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, USA to test whether significant annual changes in external morphometric characters are observed in a region with large variations in temperature and precipitation. We looked at the relationships between multiple temperature and precipitation variables and a number of morphological traits (body mass, body, tail, hind leg, and ear length) for two heteromyid rodents, Dipodomys merriami and Perognathus flavescens. Because these rodents can live multiple years in the wild, the climate variables for the year of the capture and the previous 2 years were included in the analyses. Using multiple linear regressions, we found that all of our morphometric traits, with the exception of tail length in D. merriami, had a significant relationship with one or more of the climate variables used. Our results demonstrate that effects of climate change on morphological traits occur over short periods, even in noninsular mammal populations. It is unclear, though, whether these changes are the result of morphological plasticity or natural selection.

The morphological differentiation of two horseshoe crab species, Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Xiphosura), in Hong Kong with a regional Asian comparison

Two horseshoe crab species, namely Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, have been identified from Hong Kong. This paper describes the morphological characteristics of the two species and the morphometrics employed to help distinguish them. Comparisons were also made between adults from local waters and those from other Asian geographic regions. Intra-specific variations were also investigated by comparing morphological data obtained for local T. tridentatus juveniles and individuals of comparable sizes from Fujian Province, China. Morphological differences between the species and sexes and significantly different morphometric ratios were identified for the two horseshoe crab species. Intra-specific variations in morphometric characteristics were also demonstrated between juveniles from local beaches and those from Fujian.

Distribution, size, and bacterial colonization of pico‐ and nano‐detrital organic particles (DOP) in two lakes of different trophic status

Abundance, size spectra, and bacterial colonization of three types of freshwater pico‐ and nano‐detrital organic particles (DOP), namely transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP), Coomassie‐stained proteinaceous particles (CSP), and 4',6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) yellow particles (DYP), were examined by epifluorescence microscope equipped with a color camera and a video recorder. The study was conducted during spring in the oligomesotrophic Lake Pavin and the eutrophic Lake Aydat, France. Pico‐ and nano‐DOP were abundant (105–108 particles L−1) and exhibited significant variations in morphometric characteristics and numerical density within and among lakes, which is consistent with comparable studies known mostly from marine systems. Surface area and abundance of pico‐ and nano‐DYP and nano‐TEP were significantly higher in Lake Aydat than in Lake Pavin. Both these variables significantly increased with chlorophyll a concentration and the abundance of total heterotrophic bacteria. Bacterial colonization of DOP was highly related to the nature of the particle. Attached bacterial counts were on the order of 107–108 bacteria L−1, representing 1–17% of the total bacterial counts. Overall, we conclude that nonliving particulate organic matter are ubiquitous and abundantly occurring components in lakes where, at least, they serve as support for the attachment and as substrate for the metabolism of bacteria, the latter role being likely dependent on the composition of the particles and the trophic status of the milieu.

Variation patterns of bilateral characters: variation among characters and among populations in the White Sea herring,Clupea pallasi marisalbi (Berg) (Clupeidae, Teleosti)

Phenotypic variation in two populations of the White Sea herring Clupea pallasi marisalbi (Berg) (spring spawners and summer spawners), based on 21 meristic and 21 morphometric bilateral characters, has been studied. Total phenotypic variance was partitioned into a within-individual or stochastic component (fluctuating asymmetry) and an among-individual or factorial component, reflecting heterogeneity among individuals and resulting from the diversity of genotypes and environments. Both standardized stochastic and factorial components show clear negative correlations with means across characters. Negative correlation of the factorial components with means is in contradiction to the commonly accepted explanation of negative means-standardized variances association. Slopes of regression of standardized stochastic variances on means in meristic characters was significantly higher in summer spawners than in spring spawners, and results in discordance of stochastic variance across characters: it is higher in spring spawners for low and average variability characters and does not differ for both populations for high variability characters. The populations do not show notable differences in variation of morphometric characters. Consideration of other available data on these populations, such as spawning behaviour and salinity resistance of larvae, suggests that the lower slope of regression of stochastic variances on means is associated with the reduced viability of spring spawners.

Variation patterns of bilateral characters: variation among characters and among populations in the White Sea herring, Clupea pallasi marisalbi (Berg) (Clupeidae, Teleosti)

Phenotypic variation in two populations of the White Sea herring Clupea pallasi marisalbi (Berg) (spring spawners and summer spawners), based on 21 meristic and 21 morphometric bilateral characters, has been studied. Total phenotypic variance was partitioned into a within-individual or stochastic component (fluctuating asymmetry) and an among-individual or factorial component, reflecting heterogeneity among individuals and resulting from the diversity of genotypes and environments. Both standardized stochastic and factorial components show clear negative correlations with means across characters. Negative correlation of the factorial components with means is in contradiction to the commonly accepted explanation of negative means-standardized variances association. Slopes of regression of standardized stochastic variances on means in meristic characters was significantly higher in summer spawners than in spring spawners, and results in discordance of stochastic variance across characters: it is higher in spring spawners for low and average variability characters and does not differ for both populations for high variability characters. The populations do not show notable differences in variation of morphometric characters. Consideration of other available data on these populations, such as spawning behaviour and salinity resistance of larvae, suggests that the lower slope of regression of stochastic variances on means is associated with the reduced viability of spring spawners.