Venation Pattern Research Articles

Wing Tracheation in Chrysopidae and Other Neuropterida (Insecta): A Resolution of the Confusion about Vein Fusion

ABSTRACT The wings of insects are one of their most prominent features and embody numerous characters and modifications congruent with the variety of their lifestyles. However, despite their evolutionary relevance, homology statements and nomenclature of wing structures remain understudied and sometimes confusing. Early studies on wing venation homologies often assumed Neuropterida (the superorder comprising the orders Raphidioptera, Megaloptera, and Neuroptera: snakeflies, alderflies and dobsonflies, and lacewings) to be ancient among Pterygota, and therefore relied on their pattern of venation for determining groundplans for insect wing venation schemata and those assumptions reciprocally influenced the interpretation of lacewing wings. However, Neuropterida are in fact derived among flying insects and thus a reconsideration of their wings is crucial. The identification of the actual wing venation of Neuropterida is rendered difficult by fusions and losses, but these features provide systematic and taxo...

STUDIES ON LEAF VENATION IN SELECTED CLIMBERS

In this paper studies on leaf venation characterized for four species of climbers namely, Clitoria ternatea Linn, Daemia extensa R. Br., Aristolochia bracteata Retz, and Gloriosa superba Linn. To morphotype leaves, these were sorted out on the basis of serrated versus entire margins, primary and secondary vein patterns, etc. With some exceptions, these characters are usually stable within morphotypes. The leaf size and shape are the least reliable characters in identifying leaves. After the leaves are sorted into these broad categories, one can further divide them by looking at higher order venation patterns and tooth type. This paper illustrated with line drawings of prepared stained leaves, provides a framework of the leaves. This study will be very useful to a broad range of people who work with plants.

Developing an atlas based on frond venation patterns analysis of polypodiales in Tarakan

This study aims to identify and analysis of frond venation pattern of Polypodiales in Tarakan, which then developing an atlas based on the results obtained. The results of identify and analysis the frond venation pattern of Polypodiales showed that there were 14 species of Polypodiales. The venation pattern found in Polypodiales were reticulate and open forked. While in the development of an atlas, the assessment result of the content feasibility aspect by the content expert obtained 90.77% (valid), and assessment result of the presentation feasibility aspect obtained 100% (valid). The assessment result of the book size aspect by the media expert obtained 90% (valid), while assessment result of the book cover design aspect obtained 93.33% (valid), and assessment result of the content book design obtained 91.42% (valid). The assessment result of the language usage by language expert obtain 92% (valid), and assessment result of the language accuracy obtained 96% (valid). The field assessment result by lecturer for the easiness aspect obtained 92.31% (valid), the attractiveness aspect obtained 100% (valid), and the understandable aspect obtained 90% (valid). Meanwhile, the field assessment result by student for the easiness aspect obtained 97.43% (valid), the attractiveness aspect obtained 93.33% (valid), and the understandable aspect obtained 100% (valid).

Phaleria stevensiana: A Distinctive New Species of Thymelaeaceae Endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia

An undescribed species of Phaleria Jack from Sulawesi has been uncovered during ongoing herbarium studies of Thymelaeaceae and is still only known from the type. The species, P. stevensiana Z. S. Rogers, is endemic to a single limestone mountain in South Sulawesi and assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR). Morphologically, it is easily distinguished from the widespread P. octandra (L.) Baill. and P. capitata Jack by its linear-lanceolate leaves (length:width ratios ca. 11–20:1) and distinctive venation pattern, composed of ca. 29 to 35 pairs of secondary veins that diverge from the midrib of the blade at ± 90° angles; the contrasted species have much broader leaves with substantially fewer secondaries. Variation in other characters related to inflorescences, flowers, and fruits is also discussed, as is their taxonomic value. Moreover, all four species of Phaleria occurring in Sulawesi are allopatric, separated geographically and ecologically. The new species, overlooked in several herbaria since 1980, raises the number of Sulawesian Thymelaeaceae species to 10 and the total number of Phaleria species to ca. 25.

Morphological similarity of widely separated populations of two Euglossini (Hymenoptera; Apidae) species based on geometric morphometrics of wings

Euglossini bees are able to fly long distances, which could help to maintain gene flow among widely separated populations. In order to investigate if different environmental conditions affect morphological variation in Euglossa annectans and Euglossa truncata, we analyzed the patterns of venation of the forewings of 310 individuals, sampled in the same six locations for the two species. Populations from the two species clustered in a similar way, following the phytophysiognomy of the sampling sites. These populations also presented little or no population structure. Based on our results, we suggest that the forest fragmentation is not a problem for these species. The tendency of samples to group based on site phytophysiognomy can be explained by phenotypic plasticity or local adaptations.

Genome-wide scans between two honeybee populations reveal putative signatures of human-mediated selection.

SummaryHuman‐mediated selection has left signatures in the genomes of many domesticated animals, including the European dark honeybee, Apis mellifera mellifera, which has been selected by apiculturists for centuries. Using whole‐genome sequence information, we investigated selection signatures in spatially separated honeybee subpopulations (Switzerland, n = 39 and France, n = 17). Three different test statistics were calculated in windows of 2 kb (fixation index, cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity and cross‐population composite likelihood ratio) and combined into a recently developed composite selection score. Applying a stringent false discovery rate of 0.01, we identified six significant selective sweeps distributed across five chromosomes covering eight genes. These genes are associated with multiple molecular and biological functions, including regulation of transcription, receptor binding and signal transduction. Of particular interest is a selection signature on chromosome 1, which corresponds to the WNT4 gene, the family of which is conserved across the animal kingdom with a variety of functions. In Drosophila melanogaster, WNT4 alleles have been associated with differential wing, cross vein and abdominal phenotypes. Defining phenotypic characteristics of different Apis mellifera ssp., which are typically used as selection criteria, include colour and wing venation pattern. This signal is therefore likely to be a good candidate for human mediated‐selection arising from different applied breeding practices in the two managed populations.

ANÁLISIS MORFOANATOMÍCO FOLIAR EN GRUPOS HORTÍCOLAS DE AGUACATE (Persea americana) DEPOSITADOS EN LA COLECCIÓN DEL INIA-CENIAP, VENEZUELA

<p>The avocado (<em>Persea americana</em> Mill.) is the most important species of Lauraceae in America due to its exploitation as food for pre-Columbian and modern cultures. It is a very important seasonal crop in Venezuela based on a perennial fruit tree management. From a selection of 76 accessions (45 cultivars) of avocados cultivated at the Germplasm Bank of INIA-CENIAP, a morphoanatomical analysis was performed to identify attributes of taxonomic resolution (diagnostic characters) which allow to characterize sets and / or <em>culta</em>. Morphological study was carried out from each accession herborized sample. Information was obtained by freehand transverse leaf sections (epidermis, mesophyll and midvein) as well as paradermic preparations, and observed data was recorded in DELTA System. New morphoanatomical characters and discriminating attributes between cultivars were identified and described, especially to discriminate the Mexican group, and a close relationship within West Indian and Guatemalan cultivars was observed due to the variability identified from the latter group. Indument- related attributes were highly informative to discriminate among cultivars, along with the outline, apical angle and projections at the base of the leaf blades, stem cross section and presence of anise odor, progress and joining of the secondary nerve branches, tertiary venation pattern, abaxial contour and thickness of the sclerenchymatous sheath and compaction of the phloem in the vascular bundle, adaxial contour of the median nerve, and thickness, outline and uniformity of the anticlinal walls of adaxial and abaxial epidermal cells. </p>

Computer software for identification of honey bee subspecies and evolutionary lineages

Within the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), there are more than 20 recognised subspecies. It is well known that these subspecies differ in their wing venation patterns. However, there is a demand for efficient tools to identify honey bee subspecies, ecotypes, populations or hybrids. The aim of this study was to develop a fast and easy identification method based on analysing forewing vein patterns of honey bees by geometric morphometrics. Reference samples for the subspecies were obtained from the Morphometric Bee Data Bank in Oberursel, Germany. These contained 187 honey bee colonies allocated into 25 subspecies from four evolutionary lineages. The identification of evolutionary lineages of honey bees based on forewing venations proved to be highly reliable, which confirms earlier studies. The accuracy of honey bee subspecies identification was less consistent and ranged from 100 to 50% and was particularly low in African honey bees. The obtained identification data were exported to the IdentiFly computer software, which is freely available.

Phylogenetic relationships among tribes of the green lacewing subfamily Chrysopinae recovered based on mitochondrial phylogenomics

Chrysopidae (green lacewings) is the second largest family in Neuroptera, and it includes medium-size lacewings largely recognized by the presence of golden-colored eyes, bright green bodies and delicate wings with dense venation patterns. The subfamily Chrysopinae includes 97% of the species diversity in the family and it is currently divided into four tribes: Ankylopterygini, Belonopterygini, Chrysopini and Leucochrysini. Here we sequenced and annotated the nearly complete mitochondrial genomes of four species of each these tribes: Abachrysa eureka, Italochrysa insignis, Leucochrysa pretiosa, Parankyloteryx sp. We then reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships with estimated divergence times among tribes of Chrysopinae based on the mt genomic data. Our results suggest that Chrysopinae sans Nothancyla verreauxi evolved as two reciprocally monophyletic lineages formed by stem members of the tribes Leucochrysini plus Belonopterygini on one hand, and the stem members of Ankylopterygini plus Chrysopini on the other. Our estimations of divergence times place the diversification of stem Chrysopinae into the extant tribes during the Middle Jurassic to Late Cretaceous. The relatively young ages previously estimated for the green lacewing divergences were probably underestimated due to false inferences of homology between non-sister taxa that are later correctly identified as homoplasy after more taxa are added.

Pinna Growth and Development in Relation to Venation in Nephrolepis Species

Growth and development of the pinna in three species N. cordifolia, N. exalta(i), N. exalta(ii) and N. furcans were viewed in the department of botany of Obafemi Awolowo University, IIe-Ife campus. The results showed that all the venation of the pinnae of the species consist of a mid-vein and 2 lateral series of dichotomous vein all of which terminate freely near the lamina margins. Because it seems their venation patterns are similar, this might be one of the reasons for grouping them into one genus called Nephrolepis Schott. The development and growth pattern of N. cordifolia and N. furcans was uniform and consistent, while that of N. exalta gave two forms as the young was represented N. exalta (i) and the matured as N. exalta (ii). The growth patterns showing variations in the mid-rib, fertile and sterile pinnae provided useful specific distinctions.

Pouteria samborae, a New Species of Sapotaceae (Chrysophylloideae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract A new species assigned to the genus Pouteria is described and illustrated. Pouteria samborae is morphologically similar to Pouteria glomerata subsp. glomerata and Pouteria macrocarpa, but differs from them by its eucampto-brochidodromous venation pattern, well developed intersecondary veins, tertiary veins with a loose reticulum, and fimbriate inner sepal margins. Environmental, geographic distribution and conservation information for the new species is provided. In addition, a key to the four-lobed corolla species of Pouteria with ciliate margins from the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil is presented.

Comprehensive analysis of in vitro to field transition of micromorphology and leaf architecture in Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa Deg.

This study elucidate the micromorphological changes and leaf architectural developments of in vitro (multiplication phase) and in vivo transferred (acclimatized plants in the field) micropropagated plantlets of Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa Deg. The in vitro leaves were small, ovate and pale green in color; but glossy, bright green colored leaves with conspicuous midrib were observed in field transferred plants. Constantly opened stomata throughout the culture period were found under in vitro conditions, these were fully functional after field transfer of the plantlets. In vitro environment favoured increased stomatal density (80.5), stomatal index (28.8), under-developed trichomes, reduced vein islet density (7.0) and irregular venation pattern. Reduced stomatal density (63.4) and index (25.3), well developed trichomes, increased vein islet density (22.0) and regular venation pattern were observed in field acclimatized plantlets. Crystals were absent in the in vitro grown leaves but well developed rhombohedral and sphaerocrystals were observed throughout the major and minor veins in the cells of field plants. The foliar micromorphological study revealed that the in vitro environmental conditions favoured the development of abnormal features. These anomalies have been adjusted and plants developed structural and morphological changes needed for successful adaptation in the field conditions.

Foliar Micromorphological Evaluation of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. – An Important Medicinal Climber

Background:Due to non-availability or short supply of original medicinal plants the crude drugs from the plants are adulterated by similarly resembling plants. Micromorphological studies of leaves could help in the identification and authentication of the original medicinal plant from the crude drug materials.Objective:To investigate the qualitative and quantitative micromorphological parameters of the leaves ofCardiospermum halicacabum.Method:The foliar micromorphological parameters such as orientation, stomatal types and morphology; density, distribution of trichomes and stomata; stomatal index and trichome types, paradermal sections were obtained manually by the standard method. The leaves were excised and fixed primarily in formalin, acetic acid and ethyl alcohol solution; cleared in 70% ethanol, bleached with 5% NaOH and rinsed in distilled water. The cleared leaves were used for the study of venation pattern, vein-islets, veinlet terminations and arrangement of crystals.Results:The microscopic examinations revealed the presence of anomocytic and anisocytic types of stomata with the abaxial epidermis of leaves. The stomatal density was 72 and stomatal index reported as 33.1. Glandular trichomes were few with uniseriate stalk, capitate multiseriate and multicellular head. Non-glandular trichomes frequent which were unicellular, uniseriate and bristle in nature. The density of vein islets and veinlet termination was observed as 18 and 13 respectively.Conclusion:The foliar micromorphological (stomata, vein clearing etc.) findings could be used in the proper identification and authentication ofC. halicacabumfrom the crude plant materials which is essential in quality control measures.

Cultivar identification and diversity analysis based on morphological descriptors and image analysis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Thirty three genotypes of chickpea including 9 kabuli and 24 desi types were evaluated for distinctiveness based on 13 qualitative and 7 quantitative morphological DUS descriptors. In desi type, only 4 traits were polymorphic whereas, in kabuli type, only 3 were polymorphic. Identification profiles were generated on the basis of grouping and essential characters prescribed by DUS Guidelines of PPV and FR Authority. However, out of twenty four desi genotypes, distinct profiles could be created only for sixteen varieties and in kabuli type, only three out of nine genotypes could be singled out individually. Image analysis using scanned images of flowers of desi types successfully complemented the morphological descriptors to establish genotypic identity based on differences in the petal colour intensity and venation pattern. Genetic parameters for all the quantitative traits revealed less environmental influence on the characters expression thus, signifying their utility in the varietal characterization. Seven agro-morphological traits were used to assess the variability using Ward’s Minimum Variance Cluster Analysis. Thirty three cultivars from both types were grouped into four cluster each, however, none of the clusters contained genotypes with all the desirable traits, which could be directly selected and utilized.

Comparative foliar studies in saline sand and fresh water soil - grown Trigonella foenum - graecum Linn. plants

Vegetable markets in Mumbai sell “methi” at two stages of growth, the full grown vegetative to flowering stage and another at two cotyledonary-leaves stage. The latter are commonly grown in the sandy beaches of Mumbai whereas the former are the regular soil-grown ones. The beach grown Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plants are watered with saline beach- well waters whereas the soil-grown ones are watered with regular fresh water. The research work focused on studying the impact of this difference in growing conditions on many growth parameters, viz., morphology, anatomy and biochemical analyses of the sand and soil-grown plants in addition to sand, soil and water analyses. Current paper deals with the impact of these different growing conditions on some foliar parameters viz., anatomy, stomatal index, palisade ratio and venation patterns, in the two types of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plants.

A remarkable insect from the Pennsylvanian of the Joggins Formation in Nova Scotia, Canada: insights into unusual venation of Brodiidae and nymphs of Megasecoptera

The discovery of a new megasecopteron, Brodia jogginsensis sp. nov., is reported from the Joggins Formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. The new species diagnosis is based on the unique pattern of hind wing venation bearing three anterior branches of MP and pectinate CuP with four posterior branches. Its occurrence in Langsettian deposits of the Maritimes Basin correspond well with other Pennsylvanian Brodiidae known from the Coal Measures of the UK and Mazon Creek in Illinois, USA. Based on our re-examination, we propose to transfer the genus Pyebrodia, with P. martinsnetoi Brauckmann & Herd, 2003, described as a putative member of Brodiidae, into Palaeodictyoptera family incertae sedis as it lacks most of the diagnostic features of Brodiidae. The holotype of Eubrodia dabasinskasi Carpenter, 1967, housed in a private collection, was supplemented by the description of an additional specimen housed in The Field Museum, Chicago. The fossil record of Brodiidae is reviewed and additional remarks concerning the wing morphology and the function of specialized structures, such as reinforcements in the form of a specialized crossvein between A1 and CuP, are given. Putative nymphs of Brodiidae and development of wings in Megasecoptera are discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:741846CB-FAD0-4103-90D3-2896D8909E94

NET: a new framework for the vectorization and examination of network data

BackgroundThe analysis of complex networks both in general and in particular as pertaining to real biological systems has been the focus of intense scientific attention in the past and present. In this paper we introduce two tools that provide fast and efficient means for the processing and quantification of biological networks like Drosophila tracheoles or leaf venation patterns: the Network Extraction Tool (NET) to extract data and the Graph-edit-GUI (GeGUI) to visualize and modify networks.ResultsNET is especially designed for high-throughput semi-automated analysis of biological datasets containing digital images of networks. The framework starts with the segmentation of the image and then proceeds to vectorization using methodologies from optical character recognition. After a series of steps to clean and improve the quality of the extracted data the framework produces a graph in which the network is represented only by its nodes and neighborhood-relations. The final output contains information about the adjacency matrix of the graph, the width of the edges and the positions of the nodes in space. NET also provides tools for statistical analysis of the network properties, such as the number of nodes or total network length. Other, more complex metrics can be calculated by importing the vectorized network to specialized network analysis packages.GeGUI is designed to facilitate manual correction of non-planar networks as these may contain artifacts or spurious junctions due to branches crossing each other. It is tailored for but not limited to the processing of networks from microscopy images of Drosophila tracheoles.ConclusionThe networks extracted by NET closely approximate the network depicted in the original image. NET is fast, yields reproducible results and is able to capture the full geometry of the network, including curved branches. Additionally GeGUI allows easy handling and visualization of the networks.

Ceratopetalum (Cunoniaceae) fruits of Australasian affinity from the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco flora, Patagonia, Argentina.

Background and AimsRadially symmetrical, five-winged fossil fruits from the highly diverse early Eocene Laguna del Hunco flora of Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina, are named, described and illustrated. The main goals are to assess the affinities of the fossils and to place them in an evolutionary, palaeoecological and biogeographic context.MethodsSpecimens of fossil fruits were collected from the Tufolitas Laguna del Hunco. They were prepared, photographed and compared with similar extant and fossil fruits using published literature. Their structure was also evaluated by comparing them with that of modern Ceratopetalum (Cunoniaceae) fruits through examination of herbarium specimens.Key ResultsThe Laguna del Hunco fossil fruits share the diagnostic features that characterize modern and fossil Ceratopetalum (symmetry, number of fruit wings, presence of a conspicuous floral nectary and overall venation pattern). The pattern of the minor wing (sepal) veins observed in the Patagonian fossil fruits is different from that of modern and previously described fossil Ceratopetalum fruits; therefore, a new fossil species is recognized. An apomorphy (absence of petals) suggests that the fossils belong within crown-group Ceratopetalum.ConclusionsThe Patagonian fossil fruits are the oldest known record for Ceratopetalum. Because the affinities, provenance and age of the fossils are so well established, this new Ceratopetalum fossil species is an excellent candidate for use as a calibration point in divergence dating studies of the family Cunoniaceae. It represents the only record of Ceratopetalum outside Australasia, and further corroborates the biogeographic connection between the Laguna del Hunco flora and ancient and modern floras of the Australasian region.

Fabrication and testing of silicon-based microchannel heat exchanger inspired by leaf venation pattern for electronic cooling

Fabrication and testing of silicon-based microchannel heat exchanger inspired by leaf venation pattern for electronic cooling

Fabrication and testing of silicon-based microchannel heat exchanger inspired by leaf venation pattern for electronic cooling

Microchannel heat sinks (MCHS) provide an efficient means to dissipate large heat flux. The task of fabricating MCHS becomes challenging due to availability of large number of newer materials and processes. In this work, tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) etching and LASER machining methods for fabricating the microchannels are compared with respect to dimensional accuracy, the profile of channel, surface roughness, aspect ratio, material compatibility, cost and thermal performance. TMAH etching results in trapezoidal cavity instead of the rectangular cavity, finest surface finish (8 nm), and is suited for batch fabrication. While, LASER machining results in small taper profile (10o to vertical surface), rough surface (2.83 μm), and better dimensional accuracy and is suited for job production. Experimental results show that both MCHS exhibit similar thermal performance at lower flow rates. At higher flow rates, however, LASER fabricated MCHS have 25% higher thermal performance than TMAH etched channels.