Well-supported Monophyletic Group Research Articles

Paraphyly and budding speciation in the hairy snail (Pulmonata, Hygromiidae).

Delimitation of species is often complicated by discordance of morphological and genetic data. This may be caused by the existence of cryptic or polymorphic species. The latter case is particularly true for certain snail species showing an exceptionally high intraspecific genetic diversity. The present investigation deals with the Trochulus hispidus complex, which has a complicated taxonomy. Our analyses of the COI sequence revealed that individuals showing a T. hispidus phenotype are distributed in nine highly differentiated mitochondrial clades (showing p-distances up to 19%). The results of a parallel morphometric investigation did not reveal any differentiation between these clades, although the overall variability is quite high. The phylogenetic analyses based on 12S, 16S and COI sequences show that the T. hispidus complex is paraphyletic with respect to several other morphologically well-defined Trochulus species (T. clandestinus, T. villosus, T. villosulus and T. striolatus) which form well-supported monophyletic groups. The nc marker sequence (5.8S–ITS2–28S) shows only a clear separation of T. o. oreinos and T. o. scheerpeltzi, and a weakly supported separation of T. clandestinus, whereas all other species and the clades of the T. hispidus complex appear within one homogeneous group. The paraphyly of the T. hispidus complex reflects its complicated history, which was probably driven by geographic isolation in different glacial refugia and budding speciation. At our present state of knowledge, it cannot be excluded that several cryptic species are embedded within the T. hispidus complex. However, the lack of morphological differentiation of the T. hispidus mitochondrial clades does not provide any hints in this direction. Thus, we currently do not recommend any taxonomic changes. The results of the current investigation exemplify the limitations of barcoding attempts in highly diverse species such as T. hispidus.

Two newly recognized species of Hemidactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the Arabian Peninsula and Sinai, Egypt

A recent molecular phylogeny of the Arid clade of the genus Hemidactylus revealed that the recently described H. saba and two unnamed Hemidactylus species from Sinai, Saudi Arabia and Yemen form a well-supported monophyletic group within the Arabian radiation of the genus. The name ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ is suggested for this clade. According to the results of morphological comparisons and the molecular analyses using two mitochondrial (12S and cytb) and four nuclear (cmos, mc1r, rag1, rag2) genes, the name Hemidactylus granosus Heyden, 1827 is resurrected from the synonymy of H. turcicus for the Sinai and Saudi Arabian species. The third species of this group from Yemen is described formally as a new species H. ulii sp. n. The phylogenetic relationships of the members of ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ are evaluated and the distribution and ecology of individual species are discussed.

Molecular systematics of the tribe Hedysareae (Fabaceae) based on nrDNA ITS and plastid trnL-F and matK sequences

This study represents the molecular phylogeny of the tribe Hedysareae using nrDNA ITS and plastid trnL-F and matK sequence data. The molecular analyses united nine Hedysaroid genera in a well-supported monophyletic group (tribe Hedysareae). The tribe is circumscribed here as comprising Alhagi, Corethrodendron, Ebenus, Eversmannia, Hedysarum, Onobrychis, Sulla, Taverniera, and Greuteria. Our analyses revealed that Caragana and allies form a well-supported clade, the so-called Caraganean clade, which is weakly allied with the Hedysareae. Within the Hedysareae, Alhagi is the first diverging lineage followed by Sulla clade and a large assemblage of the other Hedysaroid genera. Ebenus and Taverniera were monophyletic. All analyses showed that Hedysarum is not monophyletic in the present circumscription. Most members of the genus with the inclusion of Sartoria hedysaroides were gathered in a single clade. The two other Hedysarum species (H. membranaceum and H. argyreum) were sister taxa and placed in a clade with Eversmannia subspinosa and Corethrodendron. Onobrychis was retrieved as a weakly supported clade. On the basis of the present sequence data together with non-molecular characteristics, we transferred H. aculeolatum to Sulla and S. hedysaroides to Hedysarum as well as elevated H. membranaceum and H. argyreum to the new generic rank named as Greuteria Amirahmadi & Kaz. Osaloo. A diagnostic key to the genera of the tribe is provided.

A century of paraphyly: A molecular phylogeny of katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) supports multiple origins of leaf-like wings

The phylogenetic relationships of Tettigoniidae (katydids and bush-crickets) were inferred using molecular sequence data. Six genes (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, Cytochrome Oxidase II, Histone 3, Tubulin Alpha I, and Wingless) were sequenced for 135 ingroup taxa representing 16 of the 19 extant katydid subfamilies. Five subfamilies (Tettigoniinae, Pseudophyllinae, Mecopodinae, Meconematinae, and Listroscelidinae) were found to be paraphyletic under various tree reconstruction methods (Maximum Likelihood, Bayesisan Inference and Maximum Parsimony). Seven subfamilies – Conocephalinae, Hetrodinae, Hexacentrinae, Saginae, Phaneropterinae, Phyllophorinae, and Lipotactinae – were each recovered as well-supported monophyletic groups. We mapped the small and exposed thoracic auditory spiracle (a defining character of the subfamily Pseudophyllinae) and found it to be homoplasious. We also found the leaf-like wings of katydids have been derived independently in at least six lineages.

Diversification history of Adesmia ser. psoraleoides (Leguminosae): Evolutionary processes and the colonization of the southern Brazilian highland grasslands

A molecular phylogeny is used to analyze the diversification history of Adesmia ser. psoraleoides, and its implications for understanding the historical assembly of the grasslands in the highlands of southern Brazil. All species of A. ser. psoraleoides were sampled, including multiple accessions for each species, plus representative species of the rest of Adesmia covering its geographic distribution. Phylogenetic analyses were based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences, and a plastid matK phylogeny was dated. A. ser. psoraleoides is a well-supported monophyletic group, nested within the series bicolores, muricatae, subnudae, longisetae and candidae. The stem of A. ser. psoraleoides is c. 11Mya, but most extant species diversified c. 3–5Mya, suggesting that the flora of the subtropical grasslands of southern Brazil was assembled recently, co-incident with the expansion of other tropical grassland systems globally.

A multigene phylogeny reveals that Ochroconis belongs to the family Sympoventuriaceae (Venturiales, Dothideomycetes)

Ochroconis is a genus of ascomycete fungi that includes oligotrophic saprobes and some opportunistic species causing infections in vertebrates. The most important of these opportunists is the neurotropic species Ochroconis gallopava, which occurs in birds and occasionally in immunocompromised humans. Other Ochroconis species have been isolated from superficial infections of cats, dogs and fish. In their natural environment, these species are found in litter, soil, and on moist surfaces. Some thermophilic species have been isolated from hot springs, industrial effluents, and self-heated plant material. Although their ecology and epidemiology has been investigated, their classification within the ascomycetes is still unknown. Here, the phylogenetic placement of Ochroconis is investigated using a four-gene phylogeny (nuLSU, nuSSU, mtSSU and RPB2). The results show that Ochroconis and its recently described sister genus Verruconis belong to the order Venturiales (Dothideomycetes) and are nested within the Sympoventuriaceae, a family recently erected for a group of plant-saprobes or -pathogens sister to the Venturiaceae. They form a well-supported monophyletic group together with five species of the anamorphic genus Fusicladium isolated from leaf and needle litters.

Evolution and homologous recombination of the hemagglutinin-esterase gene sequences from porcine torovirus.

The objective of the present study was to gain new insights into the evolution, homologous recombination, and selection pressures imposed on the porcine torovirus (PToV), by examining the changes in the hemagglutinin–esterase (HE) gene. The most recent common ancestor of PToV was estimated to have emerged 62 years ago based upon HE gene sequence data obtained from PToV isolates originating from Spain, South Korea, Netherlands, Hungary, and Italy and using the HE gene of Bovine torovirus isolates Niigata1 (AB661456) and Niigata3 (AB661458) as outgroups. The HE gene sequence data segregated all the PToV isolates into two well-supported monophyletic groups; however, various isolates from Spain, Italy, and South Korea did not segregate geographically suggesting very recent translocation of the viruses to these localities. Evidence of recombination was observed between two South Korean isolates that partitioned into two distinct subclades. Data further suggest that most of the nucleotides in the HE gene are under negative selection; however, changes within codon 237 showed an evidence of positive selection.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11262-013-0926-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mitochondrial Phylogenomics of Modern and Ancient Equids

The genus Equus is richly represented in the fossil record, yet our understanding of taxonomic relationships within this genus remains limited. To estimate the phylogenetic relationships among modern horses, zebras, asses and donkeys, we generated the first data set including complete mitochondrial sequences from all seven extant lineages within the genus Equus. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic inference confirms that zebras are monophyletic within the genus, and the Plains and Grevy’s zebras form a well-supported monophyletic group. Using ancient DNA techniques, we further characterize the complete mitochondrial genomes of three extinct equid lineages (the New World stilt-legged horses, NWSLH; the subgenus Sussemionus; and the Quagga, Equus quagga quagga). Comparisons with extant taxa confirm the NWSLH as being part of the caballines, and the Quagga and Plains zebras as being conspecific. However, the evolutionary relationships among the non-caballine lineages, including the now-extinct subgenus Sussemionus, remain unresolved, most likely due to extremely rapid radiation within this group. The closest living outgroups (rhinos and tapirs) were found to be too phylogenetically distant to calibrate reliable molecular clocks. Additional mitochondrial genome sequence data, including radiocarbon dated ancient equids, will be required before revisiting the exact timing of the lineage radiation leading up to modern equids, which for now were found to have possibly shared a common ancestor as far as up to 4 Million years ago (Mya).

Evolution of a Pathogen: A Comparative Genomics Analysis Identifies a Genetic Pathway to Pathogenesis in Acinetobacter

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emergent and global nosocomial pathogen. In addition to A. baumannii, other Acinetobacter species, especially those in the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (Acb) complex, have also been associated with serious human infection. Although mechanisms of attachment, persistence on abiotic surfaces, and pathogenesis in A. baumannii have been identified, the genetic mechanisms that explain the emergence of A. baumannii as the most widespread and virulent Acinetobacter species are not fully understood. Recent whole genome sequencing has provided insight into the phylogenetic structure of the genus Acinetobacter. However, a global comparison of genomic features between Acinetobacter spp. has not been described in the literature. In this study, 136 Acinetobacter genomes, including 67 sequenced in this study, were compared to identify the acquisition and loss of genes in the expansion of the Acinetobacter genus. A whole genome phylogeny confirmed that A. baumannii is a monophyletic clade and that the larger Acb complex is also a well-supported monophyletic group. The whole genome phylogeny provided the framework for a global genomic comparison based on a blast score ratio (BSR) analysis. The BSR analysis demonstrated that specific genes have been both lost and acquired in the evolution of A. baumannii. In addition, several genes associated with A. baumannii pathogenesis were found to be more conserved in the Acb complex, and especially in A. baumannii, than in other Acinetobacter genomes; until recently, a global analysis of the distribution and conservation of virulence factors across the genus was not possible. The results demonstrate that the acquisition of specific virulence factors has likely contributed to the widespread persistence and virulence of A. baumannii. The identification of novel features associated with transcriptional regulation and acquired by clades in the Acb complex presents targets for better understanding the evolution of pathogenesis and virulence in the expansion of the genus.

Three New Loxophyllum Species (Ciliophora: Pleurostomatida) from China with a Brief Review of the Marine and Brackish Loxophyllum Species

Recent studies indicate that there is a high diversity of pleurostomatid ciliates in the coastal waters of China. Here, three new congeners of Loxophyllum, L. caudatum sp. n., L. rugosum sp. n., and L. chinense sp. n., are described following observations of live cells and protargol-impregnated specimens. All three species usually have two macronuclear nodules and prominent warts along the dorsal margin formed by clustered extrusomes. In addition, L. caudatum sp. n. is characterized by its long conspicuous tail, dot-like cortical granules, 4 or 5 left and 9 or 10 right kineties, and a single subterminal contractile vacuole. Loxophyllum rugosum sp. n. is distinguished by possessing three prominent ridges on the left side, 7-11 right and 5-7 left kineties. Loxophyllum chinense sp. n. is characterized by having several contractile vacuoles distributed along the ventral margin, 13-18 right and 6-8 left kineties. The small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence similarities among six congeners range from 96.46% to 99.94%. Phylogenetic trees based on the SSU rDNA sequences indicate that all Loxophyllum spp. form a well-supported monophyletic group. A brief review of the marine and brackish Loxophyllum species is supplied and one new combination, Litonotus multiplicatus (Kahl 1931) comb. n. (basionym Loxophyllum multiplicatum Kahl 1931), and one new name, Litonotus dragescoi nom. n. (basionym L. fasciolatus Dragesco 1966), are suggested.

Molecular phylogeny of Astragalus section Alopecuroidei (Fabaceae) and its allies based on nrDNA ITS and three cpDNAs, matK, trnT-trnY and trnH-psbA sequences

The phylogeny of sect. Alopecuroidei and its closely related sections within Astragalus was reconstructed. A total of forty species of sect. Alopecuroidei and its related sections, as well as two species of Oxytropis as outgroups were included in the analyses using nrDNA ITS and three cpDNAs: matK, trnT-trnY and trnH-psbA, separately and in combination. The analyses revealed that sect. Alopecuroidei with the inclusion of sects. Laxiflori and Christianpohysa as well as, Astragalus caraganae of sect. Astragalus form a well-supported monophyletic group. Astragalus sect. Laxiflori and sect. Christianophysa should be reduced as a synonym of sect. Alopecuroidei. A. caraganae (sect. Astragalus) is nested within sect. Alopecuroidei and well allied with Astragalus turbinatus (sect. Alopecuroidei). Thus, this species should be transferred to sect. Alopecuroidei. The present results indicate that, the majority of the previously proposed subdivisions of sect. Alopecuroidei are not monophyletic. The phylogenetic study presented here does not support the monophyly of sect. Astragalus. It seems that the position of subsect. Chronopus as proposed within sect. Astragalus in some previous taxonomic treatments, is artificial. We suggest elevating the rank of this subsection to section, i.e. sect. Chronopus.

Phylogenetic Relationships in the North American GenusPseudemys(Emydidae) Inferred from Two Mitochondrial Genes

Abstract Pseudemys turtles are an important component of southeastern North American aquatic ecosystems, but the relationships within the genus are poorly understood. Convergent morphology and apparent hybridization have complicated the identification of species boundaries and have resulted in numerous conflicting taxonomic treatments. We used mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the control region and cytochrome-b gene to address 1 ) the monophyly of currently recognized subgeneric clades (the cooters and the red-bellies), and 2) relationships within these two groups. A total of 91 specimens representing 8 Pseudemys and 3 outgroup taxa were sampled, and 36 distinct haplotypes were recovered. Pseudemys forms a well-supported monophyletic group, but relationships among species were not well resolved, such that support for the two subgeneric groupings was lacking. Furthermore, most taxa do not appear to be monophyletic, with the exception of P. gorzugi (Rio Grande Cooter) and P. texana (Texas Cooter), sugge...

MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF ANTARCTIC PRASIOLA (PRASIOLALES, TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE) REVEALS EXTENSIVE CRYPTIC DIVERSITY(1).

Trebouxiophytes of the genus Prasiola are well known in Antarctica, where they are among the most important primary producers. Although many aspects of their biology have been thoroughly investigated, the scarcity of molecular data has so far prevented an accurate assessment of their taxonomy and phylogenetic position. Using sequences of the chloroplast genes rbcL and psaB, we demonstrate the existence of three cryptic species that were previously confused under Prasiola crispa (Lightfoot) Kützing. Genuine P. crispa occurs in Antarctica; its presence was confirmed by comparison with the rbcL sequence of the type specimen (from the Isle of Skye, Scotland). Prasiola antarctica Kützing is resurrected as an independent species to designate algae with gross morphology identical to P. crispa but robustly placed in a separate lineage. The third species is represented by specimens identified as P. calophylla (Carmichael ex Greville) Kützing in previous studies, but clearly separated from European P. calophylla (type locality: Argyll, Scotland); this alga is described as P. glacialis sp. nov. The molecular data demonstrated the presence of P. crispa in Maritime and Continental Antarctica. P. antarctica was recorded from the Antarctic Peninsula and Shetland Islands, and P. glacialis from the Southern Ocean islands and coast. Such unexpected cryptic diversity highlights the need for a taxonomic reassessment of many published Antarctic records of P. crispa. The results also indicate that marine species of Prasiola form a well-supported monophyletic group, whereas the phylogenetic diversity of freshwater species is higher than previously suspected (at least three separate lineages within the genus include species living in this type of environments).

Molecular phylogeny of the marine dinoflagellate genus Heterodinium (Dinophyceae)

The dinoflagellate genus Heterodinium has unusual morphological characters such as a mid-ventral intercalary plate with a pore, a small plate in the left side of the dorsal epitheca, three antapical plates, and a well-developed anterior cingular list. We obtained the first SSU rDNA sequences from single cells of six species of Heterodinium from Mediterranean coastal and open waters. They included the type species H. scrippsii and H. rigdeniae and representatives of the other subgenera, Sphaerodinium (H. doma, H. milneri, H. globosum) and Platydinium (H. pavillardii). SSU rDNA phylogeny showed that Heterodinium spp. formed a well-supported monophyletic group (100% bootstrap support) composed of two subclades: one comprising H. doma, H. pavillardii, H. globosum and H. rigdeniae, and another comprising H. milneri and H. scrippsii. This whole heterodiniacean clade branched among the poorly resolved short-branching sequences of the lineage comprising groups of Gymnodiniales, Peridiniales, Dinophysales and Prorocentrales. The current classification into subgenera, and even into morphological groups, is not supported by the molecular data. In contrast to previous classifications, our SSU rDNA phylogeny suggests that the genus Heterodinium is divergent from the clade of Gonyaulacales. Accordingly, the supposed homology of pores and plate patterns of Heterodinium and gonyaulacoids may require revision. In Heterodinium, the first antapical and postcingular plates may be interpreted as sulcal plates, suggesting a more typical hypothecal tabulation (5′′′, 2′′′′). Our new data and analysis indicate that the systematic position of Heterodinium is uncertain at present.

Taxonomic and conservation status of the elusive Oecomys cleberi (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae) from central Brazil

The arboreal mouse Oecomys cleberi was described in 1981 based on just one specimen from Distrito Federal in central Brazil, and it has not been recorded ever since. Its taxonomic status as a valid species has been questioned and it is currently listed as Data Deficient in terms of conservation status. Here we used ancient DNA methods to obtain a partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence from the holotype of Oecomys cleberi. Very low levels of genetic divergence (0.6% on average) allowed us to associate sequences from specimens previously identified as O. bicolor to O. cleberi. Comparative analyses of morphological and molecular data confirmed the taxonomic status of O. cleberi as a valid species, and increased our knowledge on its geographic distribution to at least three additional localities in the Cerrado of central Brazil. Cytochrome b sequences of O. cleberi formed a well-supported monophyletic group and diverged 6.8% on average from those of O. bicolor, its sister species from the Amazon. We refined and improved the morphological description of O. cleberi based on the examination of 15 museum specimens, including the holotype, and suggest that other field and museum records of this species may have also been misidentified as O. bicolor. Considering that O. cleberi may be more common and widespread than previously suspected, we suggest the conservation status of Least Concern for this species. However, further studies are needed to understand population trends of O. cleberi, given that it is apparently endemic to the Cerrado biodiversity hotspot.

Molecular circumscription and major evolutionary lineages of the fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae).

BackgroundThe fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) is among the most common and species rich fern genera in temperate forests in the northern hemisphere containing 225–300 species worldwide. The circumscription of Dryopteris has been controversial and various related genera have, over the time, been included in and excluded from Dryopteris. The infrageneric phylogeny has largely remained unclear, and the placement of the majority of the supraspecific taxa of Dryopteris has never been tested using molecular data.ResultsIn this study, DNA sequences of four plastid loci (rbcL gene, rps4-trnS spacer, trnL intron, trnL-F spacer) were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Dryopteris. A total of 122 accessions are sampled in our analysis and they represent 100 species of the expanded Dryopteris including Acrophorus, Acrorumohra, Diacalpe, Dryopsis, Nothoperanema, and Peranema. All four subgenera and 19 sections currently recognized in Dryopteris s.s. are included. One species each of Arachniodes, Leptorumohra, and Lithostegia of Dryopteridaceae are used as outgroups. Our study confirms the paraphyly of Dryopteris and provides the first strong molecular evidence on the monophyly of Acrophorus, Diacalpe, Dryopsis, Nothoperanema, and Peranema. However, all these monophyletic groups together with the paraphyletic Acrorumohra are suggested to be merged into Dryopteris based on both molecular and morphological evidence. Our analysis identified 13 well-supported monophyletic groups. Each of the 13 clades is additionally supported by morphological synapomophies and is inferred to represent a major evolutionary lineage in Dryopteris. In contrast, monophyly of the four subgenera and 15 out of 19 sections currently recognized in Dryopteris s.s is not supported by plastid data.ConclusionsThe genera, Acrophorus, Acrorumohra, Diacalpe, Dryopsis, Nothoperanema, and Peranema, should all be merged into Dryopteris. Most species of these genera share a short rhizome and catadromic arrangement of frond segments, unlike the sister genus of Dryopteris s.l., Arachniodes, which has anadromic arrangement of frond segments. The non-monophyly of the 19 out of the 21 supraspecific taxa (sections, subgenera) in Dryopteris strongly suggests that the current taxonomy of this genus is in need of revision. The disagreement between the previous taxonomy and molecular results in Dryopteris may be due partly to interspecific hybridization and polyplodization. More morphological studies and molecular data, especially from the nuclear genome, are needed to thoroughly elucidate the evolutionary history of Dryopteris. The 13 well-supported clades identified based on our data represent 13 major evolutionary lineages in Dryopteris that are also supported by morphological synapomophies.

A contemporary evaluation of the acrasids (Acrasidae, Heterolobosea, Excavata)

Sorocarpic protists are organisms that individually aggregate and work together to form a fungus-like fruiting body (sorocarp). The amoeboid forms are often colloquially referred to as “cellular slime molds” or “acrasids”. We argue the latter term should be used only to refer to members of Acrasidae in Heterolobosea. Here we study the diversity of two Acrasidae genera, Acrasis and the closely similar Pocheina, using a combination of morphological characteristics and small subunit rRNA gene sequences. A total of eight isolates of Acrasis and an example of Pocheina were examined. Acrasis/Pocheina form a well-supported monophyletic group that is the highly supported sister to a clade containing Allovahlkampfia and several other amoebae. Four molecular lineages of Acrasis were resolved, each of which is characterized by a distinctive fruiting body morphology. Each lineage represents a species, two of which are novel, Acrasis kona n. sp. and Acrasis takarsan n. sp. An isolate identified as Pocheina rosea is nested within the clade containing isolates of the taxon Acrasis rosea, into which P. rosea is tentatively subsumed. One member of the tightly knit allovahlkampfid clade was induced to form a simple sorocarp, leading us to include this clade in Acrasidae.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Persea group (Lauraceae) and its biogeographic implications on the evolution of tropical and subtropical Amphi‐Pacific disjunctions

The Persea group (Lauraceae) has a tropical and subtropical amphi-pacific disjunct distribution with most of its members, and it includes two Macaronesian species. The relationships within the group are still controversial, and its intercontinental disjunction has not been investigated with extensive sampling and precise time dating. • ITS and LEAFY intron II sequences of 78 Persea group species and nine other Lauraceae species were analyzed with maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. Divergence time estimation employed Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method under a relaxed clock. • Several traditional genera or subgenera within the Persea group form well-supported monophyletic groups except Alseodaphne and Dehaasia. The divergence time of the Persea group is estimated as ∼55.3 (95% higher posterior densities [HPD] 41.4-69.9) million years ago (mya). Two major divergences within the Persea group are estimated as ∼51.9 (95% HPD 38.9-63.9) mya and ∼48.5 (95% HPD 35.9-59.9) mya. • Persea can be retained as a genus by the inclusion of Apollonias barbujana and exclusion a few species that do not fit into the established subgenera. A major revision is recommended for the delimitation between Alseodaphne, Dehaasia, and Nothaphoebe. We suggest that the Persea group originated from the Perseeae-Laureae radiation in early Eocene Laurasia. Its amphi-pacific disjunction results from the disruption of boreotropical flora by climatic cooling during the mid- to late Eocene. The American-Macaronesian disjunction may be explained by the long-distance dispersal.

Phylogenetic relationships within Pappophoreae s.l. (Poaceae: Chloridoideae): Additional evidence based on ITS and trnL-F sequence data

Historically, Pappophoreae included the genera Cottea, Enneapogon, Kaokochloa, Pappophorum and Schmidtia. Some authors consider this tribe as a well-supported monophyletic group; while other evidences reveals Pappophoreae as polyphyletic, with Pappophorum separated from the rest of the tribe. When the latter happens, it can form a clade with Tridens flavus. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the subfamily Chloridoideae have included few species of Pappophoreae; therefore, further research involving more representatives of this tribe is needed. With the aim of providing new evidence to help clarify the phylogenetic position of Pappophorum and its relationships with other genera of the tribe and the subfamily Chloridoideae, eight new sequences of ITS and trnL-F regions of Pappophoreae species were generated. These sequences were analyzed together with other available sequence data obtained from GenBank, using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference, for individual ( trnL-F or ITS) or combined trnL-F/ITS data sets. All analyses reveal that Pappophoreae is polyphyletic, with Pappophorum separated from the rest of the tribe forming a well-supported clade sister to Tridens flavus.

Phylogenetic relationships of selected European Ennominae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

This study reports the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis of thirty three species of Ennominae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). The aim of this analysis was to determine the phylogenetic affinities of 13 European species not previously studied using these methods. Fragments of seven nuclear genes, elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1D ), wingless (wgl), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein S5 (RpS5) and expansion segments D1 and D2 of the 28S rRNA gene and fragment of one mitochondrial gene, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), were used. In the analysis using Bayesian phylogenetic inference, original gene sequences of the target species were combined with a larger data matrix of 20 species of Ennominae, used in a previous study (Wahlberg et al., 2010, Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 55: 929-938). Most notably, the results indi- cate that the representatives of the genera Cepphis, Plagodis, Pseudopanthera and Selenia form a well-supported monophyletic group which appeared as the sister clade to the rest of the ennomine group of tribes. On the other hand, Crocallis and Opistho- graptis group together with Ennomos. These results conflict with previous tribal subdivisions of the subfamily pointing to the need to reconsider the concepts of Ennomini and Ourapterygini. Within the tribe Macariini, the genus Macaria appears to be more closely related to Itame (= Speranza) than to Chiasmia clathrata. The emerging phylogenetic tree of Ennominae suggests only a limited phy- logenetic inertia in body size making this group a promising target for comparative studies on this central life history trait and its correlates.