Search Results (3,936)

In taxonomy, qualitative methods are commonly used to analyze morphological characters, which can lead to dramatic changes in higher taxa. Geometric morphometrics (GM) has proven to be useful for discriminating species in various taxonomy groups. However, the application of geometric morphometrics in supraspecies classification is relatively scarce. In this study, we tested the controversial two subgenera classification of Chaetocnema with geometric morphometrics; a total of 203 Chaetocnema species representing 50% of all known species from around the world were selected for the analysis. We analyzed the shape of the pronotum, elytron, head, aedeagus, and spermatheca. The results showed that the two traditional subgenera distinctly differed from each other; therefore, we propose using two subgenera arrangements to facilitate the understanding and taxonomy of the Chaetocnema species (especially in the Oriental, Palearctic, and Nearctic regions). Additionally, the morphological diversity of the abovementioned structures of Chaetocnema was analyzed, and it was found that the highest morphological diversity was in the spermatheca, which was greater than that in the aedeagus. Our research demonstrated that GM could be useful for detecting morphological delimitation of the supraspecies taxa. It also showed that GM methods are applicable to insects as small as 2 mm in body size. Full article

Research on potentially adverse effects of wind farms is an expanding field of study and often focuses on large raptors, such as golden eagles, largely because of their life history traits and extensive habitat requirements. These features render them sensitive to either fatality (collision with turbine blades) or functional habitat loss (avoidance through wariness of turbines). Simplistically, avoidance is antagonistic to collision; although, the two processes are not necessarily mutually exclusive in risk. A bird that does not enter a wind farm or avoids flying close to turbines cannot collide with a blade and be killed. In the USA, collision fatality is implicated as the typical adverse effect. In Scotland, avoidance of functional habitat loss appears more likely, but this depends in part on the habitat suitability of turbine locations. Previous Scottish studies have largely concentrated on the responses of GPS-tagged non-territorial golden eagles during dispersal. Several arguments predict that territorial eagles may have lower avoidance (be less wary) of turbines than non-territorial birds. Hence, we contrasted the responses of GPS-tagged non-territorial (intruding) and territorial eagles to the same turbines at 11 operational Scottish wind farms. We show that territorial eagles rarely approached turbines, but, as in previous Scottish studies of non-territorial birds, the spatial extent of avoidance depended on the habitat suitability of both turbine locations and their wider surroundings. Unexpectedly, we found that territorial eagles were apparently as wary as intruding non-territorial conspecifics of the same turbines. Our results show that regardless of age or territorial status, Scottish golden eagles largely avoided wind turbine locations, but this avoidance was conditional, in part, on where those turbines were located. Responses to turbines were also strongly dependent on birds’ identities and different wind farms. We speculate on how widespread our findings of avoidance of turbines by golden eagles are elsewhere in Europe, where there appear to be no published studies showing the level of collision fatalities documented in the USA. Full article

As a follow-up to the project “Springs in the Bavarian National Parks as Indicators of Climate Change (SpringNPB)”, a standard methodology for using springs as sentinel environments of climate change was transferred to the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve and other Bavarian middle-elevation mountain ranges. We studied diatoms from fifteen springs selected in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (9) and Steigerwald Nature Park (6). A total of 127 species belonging to 40 genera were found sampling 3 microhabitat types (lithic materials, hygrophilous or aquatic vegetation, and surface sediments). The cumulative percentage of endangered species according to the Red List was 41.5%. These very shaded, low–medium conductivity, low-discharge forest springs are fed by small surficial aquifers. As a consequence, the discharge fluctuates widely, and some springs even occasionally fall dry. Our results could contribute to the use of diatoms as indicators of discharge variability/desiccation in springs: springs affected by discharge variability have lower diatom species richness and distinct diatom communities; diatom indicators and metrics can be validated using invertebrates; larger databases will be necessary to identify the most suitable diatom indicators. Full article

During an investigation of a natural sandy beach on Jeju Island, South Korea, a species of marine nematode belonging to the rare genus Manunema was discovered and is now being reported. Up until now, no molecular sequences of this genus have been available, and its position within the nematode system has been a subject of dispute. Currently, Manunema is classified within the order Plectida, either as the only genus of the family Peresianidae in the superfamily Haliplectoidea or directly as a genus of the family Leptolaimidae. Here, we report on the discovery of Manunema cf. proboscidis Gerlach, 1957, which was found off Jeju Island, South Korea. We also conduct an in-depth investigation of its peculiar morphology, with a particular focus on the reproductive system type observed within the species. Additionally, we examine the phylogenetic relationship of the genus using 18S rRNA sequences. Partial mtCOI, nearly complete sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene as well as a partial 28S (D2–D3 region) gene are provided. Morphologically, the presence of tubular precloacal supplements (shared by superfamily Leptolaimoidea and not Haliplectoidea) and antidromously reflected ovaries of females in Manunema (shared by the order Plectida and not Desmoscolecida) may have taxonomic significance. Our phylogenetic trees based on 18S rRNA also reflected this, including Manunema in a well-supported monophyletic clade of the family Leptolaimidae. Full article

A new species, Fragilaria shirshovii sp. nov., is described on the basis of molecular and morphological investigations. Cells were isolated from the surface levels of desalinated water masses in the zone of mixing river and marine waters in the Gulf of Ob. The morphology of this species is analyzed with light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The valves of F. shirshovii sp. nov. are fusiform to almost linear. The frustules are linked together in the central part, forming double comb-shaped colonies. The axial area is narrow and linear, with a distinct rounded or rectangular fascia in the center. Ghost striae are present on the central area. Areolae are not discernible in LM. Apical pore fields are composed of small pores and closed papillary outgrowths. The lips of the rimoportula are well pronounced and the striae are uniseriate. Phylogenetic analysis based on partials 18S rRNA and rbcL genes infers the species F. shirshovii sp. nov. as a member of Fragilariaceae. The species most resembling F. shirshovii sp. nov. are F. crotonensis, F. pararumpens, F. bidens and F. perminuta. The differences between F. shirshovii sp. nov. and close taxa are discussed. This work is a pioneer investigation of Fragilariaceae taxa from the freshwater ecosystems of the Siberian Arctic using a combination of morphological and molecular tools. Full article

The spotted sleeper, Odontobutis interrupta, is a fish species endemic to Korea and shows potential as an aquaculture species. Nevertheless, the population size of this species has declined significantly in recent years. To characterize the population structure and genetic diversity of O. interrupta in Korea, we analyzed four microsatellite loci in twelve populations from four major river systems. The provenance of the population was investigated to discern the origin of the translocated populations. The genetic diversity of the microsatellite ranged from 0.440 to 0.756, showing a high level of diversity similar to that of other freshwater fishes. However, mitochondrial DNA analysis exhibited low genetic diversity (H_d: 0.000–0.674, π: 0.00000–0.00159). The F_ST values of microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA ranged from 0.096 to 0.498 and −0.046 to 0.951, suggesting genetic admixture among populations. All populations exhibited an effective population size of <100; therefore, preservation efforts to prevent inbreeding depression would be required. The genetic structure could be divided into unique genotypes from the Seomjingang and Geumgang Rivers. However, genetic admixture was observed in all populations, rendering it impossible to distinguish them. Our findings provide fundamental but significant genetic insights pursuant to devising conservation strategies for O. interrupta. Full article

The Western Balkan’s Vjetrenica Cave in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for high richness of subterranean species. However, the data on its fauna have been published only in monographs printed in a small number of copies, making them hardly accessible to the wider scientific community. To overcome this issue, we compiled the data from published monographs with the data from our own recent field surveys. Further, as they are connected via water channels or small crevices in bedrock, we defined the Vjetrenica Cave System as a system comprising Vjetrenica and Bjelušica Caves and Lukavac Spring. Altogether, 93 troglobiotic, i.e., obligate subterranean aquatic (48) and terrestrial (45), taxa were reported for the system, verifying the Vjetrenica Cave System as the second richest locality in subterranean biodiversity in the world. The global uniqueness of the system is also reflected in the fact that as many as 40 troglobiotic species were described from the system. Finally, we reviewed the factors endangering this unique subterranean community and questioned whether it will withstand human-induced changes and pressures due to infrastructural development in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Full article

Seas and oceans are contaminated by persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are released into the environment by human activities. The chemical-physical properties of POPs induce high persistence and toxicity in marine organisms from the lowest to the highest trophic levels. Phyto- and zooplankton are at the base of the food chain, and they can adsorb and accumulate these xenobiotic compounds. Therefore, all planktophagous species, including the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), are susceptible to ingesting these contaminants during feeding. From October to December, whale sharks migrate along the north-west coast of Madagascar in search of dense patches of plankton. During scientific expeditions to the whale sharks’ foraging areas in the waters of the island of Nosy Be (which is in the north-west of Madagascar), plankton samples were taken. In these samples, the presence and levels of some chlorinated xenobiotics (HCB, DDT and its metabolites, and PCBs) were evaluated in order to estimate the possible impact of whale shark diet on organochlorine (OC) accumulation. The fresh plankton biomass sampled from this region did not seem to be sufficient for the sustenance of the animals, which suggests that the daily contamination input of Rhincodon typus individuals, depending on their plankton diet, is minimal. Full article

In the present study, the biology of the pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus in the artificial lake of Aoos, located in northwestern Greece, was investigated. The samplings of the pumpkinseed were conducted from the shore using a portable electrofishing device over a 4-month period (July 2021–October 2021). A total of 581 specimens were caught, with an average length of 62 mm. The sex ratio of female to male was estimated to be 1.0:1.7, and the percentage of mature specimens was estimated for all of the months to be above 52%, matching the highest percentage in July (57.4%). The b value of the length–weight relationship ranged from 3.16 in September to 3.31 in July. The value of the L∞ and K was estimated to be equal to 119 mm and 0.36 years⁻¹, respectively, and the value of φ′ was equal to 3.707. The total mortality was estimated to be equal to 1.63 ± 0.48 y⁻¹ (R² = 0.96), and the natural and fishing mortalities were 0.83 and 0.80, respectively. The maximum age was 6 years, and the theoretical maximum age was 8 years. In the current study, the value of the L∞ was estimated to be near the European average but significantly lower than the North American one, whereas the value of the K was slightly higher than the European average. The small size of the specimens obtained in Aoos Springs was most likely owed to the combined impact of the investigated lake’s high altitude and low food availability, resulting in a limited factor for species expansion. Full article

Cyanobacteria represent a cosmopolitan group of oxyphototrophic bacteria. Although free-living cyanobacteria thriving in aquatic habitats as well as cyanobacteria in terrestrial symbiotic systems (lichens) have been extensively studied in Finland, the diversity of terrestrial rock-inhabiting cyanobacteria is overlooked. As part of an ongoing effort to study terrestrial epilithic cyanobacteria from Finland, we isolated two Pseudanabaena-like cyanobacterial strains and characterized them using a polyphasic approach. Although the two strains were firmly placed within the Pseudanabaena clade in the 16S rRNA phylogenetic analyses, relationships among species were better resolved when phylogenetic analyses were based on a concatenate alignment of 16S rRNA gene and 16S–23S Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. In addition, 16S–23S ITS percent dissimilarity proved to be more useful for species discrimination in Pseudanabaena compared to secondary structures of conserved 16S–23S ITS domains (D1–D1′, box B, V2 and V3 helices). Considering morphological, molecular and ecological information, we describe P. epilithica sp. nov. and P. suomiensis sp. nov. under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. Neither toxins nor antimicrobial metabolites were detected during LC-MS analysis or antimicrobial susceptibility testing, respectively. Lastly, our phylogenetic analyses revealed that many Pseudanabaena strains are misidentified and highlight the need for taxonomic revision in this poorly studied cyanobacterial genus. Full article

Chalcopteryx rutilans Rambur, 1842 (Polythoridae, Odonata) is a species widely distributed in central Amazonia. Due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, it is a bioindicator species used to evaluate the environmental conditions of streams in federally protected areas. By sequencing C. rutilans mitogenome, we report the first whole mitogenome from the Polythoridae family and the first from an Odonata species endemic to South America. The entire mitogenome has 15,653 bp and contains 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and two rRNA genes. The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome is 42.7%, T: 25.5%, C: 19.4%, and G: 12.4%. The AT and GC skews of the mitogenome sequence were 0.249 and −0.220, respectively. C. rutilans was recovered as a sister to Pseudolestes mirabilis Kirby, 1900 (Pseudolestidae), demonstrating the absence of mitogenomes of species from multiple families in the current literature. Mitogenome data from this study will provide useful information for further studies on the phylogeny and conservation of Polythoridae. Full article

The geographic range of the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) has rapidly been expanding within the United States for the last 150 years. One of the factors contributing to this astounding range expansion is the species’ ability to survive in and colonize human-dominated areas. Despite the fact that armadillos live alongside humans in numerous towns and cities across the Southeastern, Southcentral, and now Midwestern United States, we know relatively little about the behavior and ecology of armadillos in human-developed areas. Here, we used motion-triggered game cameras in over 115 residential yards in the rapidly developing Northwest corner of Arkansas to survey armadillos in a largely suburban environment. Our objectives were to explore trends in armadillo occupancy and daily activity patterns in a suburban setting. We documented armadillos in approximately 84% of the yards surveyed indicating that the species was widespread throughout the environment. We found that the species was more likely to occupy yards surrounded by a high proportion of forest cover. We found no relationship between armadillo occupancy and other land cover or development covariates. Only 2% of nearly 2000 armadillo detections occurred during the day indicating that the species is almost exclusively nocturnal during the summer months when living near humans in the suburban environment, which we suggest is likely an adaptation to avoid contact with humans and their dogs. As the armadillo continues to expand its geographic range to areas where it has not previously occurred, understanding how human development supports and facilitates the spread of this species can elucidate areas where conflict between humans and armadillos might occur allowing for preemptive management or education to mitigate conflict. Full article

Many sessile and tube-dwelling polychaetes can act as ecosystem engineers, influencing the physical–chemical and biological characteristics of their habitats, increasing structural complexity. Thus, they are considered structuring species. In summer of 2021, in southern Sicily (Ionian Sea), benthic assemblages dominated by Ampharetidae Amage adspersa were discovered via an ROV survey at a depth range between 166 and 236 m on muddy horizontal seafloor. Large aggregations of this species (up to 297.2 tubes m⁻²), whose tubes are formed from Posidonia oceanica debris, occurred alternately with tube-free areas. The area was characterized by the sporadic presence of vulnerable sea pens Funiculina quadrangularis (up to 0.08 col. m⁻²) and Virgularia mirabilis (up to 0.16 col. m⁻²), and it was possible to detect signs of trawling as well the presence of marine litter (up to 24.0 items 100 m⁻²). The habitat description, distribution, and density of the tubes of A. adspersa were assessed via imaging analysis. In addition, morphological diagnostic analyses were carried out on some sampled specimens and on their tubes. The acquired data shed new light on how polychaetes can exploit the dead tissues of P. oceanica, contributing to highlight interactions between benthic fauna and seagrass detritus in the marine environment and their ecological role in enhancing the spatial heterogeneity of soft areas of the Mediterranean seafloor. Full article

The growth characteristics and active compounds of plants are influenced by various environmental factors, including light, temperature, soil, and precipitation. These factors interact with each plant in a unique way. In this study, we collected fruit and soil samples from 17 cultivation sites in October 2020 to investigate the relationship among environmental factors, growth characteristics, and active compounds of H. dulcis seed and fruit. We developed an optimized method for quantifying active compounds using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and performed correlation analyses with the surveyed environmental factors. Results showed that the size and fresh weight of H. dulcis fruits were positively correlated with exchangeable Mg, Na, and silt texture proportion in the soil. The temperature was positively correlated with sugar content in the fruits but negatively correlated with fruit weight, and precipitation was negatively correlated with fruit size. Results also showed a positive correlation between the active compounds and growth characteristics such as fruit length, seed number per fruit, and fresh weight. The results of this study can be used as basic data for the cultivation and quality control of H. dulcis fruits. Full article

The Zingiberaceae family boasts remarkable species diversity, with significant implications for conservation and resource management. The objective of this research is to study the diversity and traditional utilization of Zingiberaceae in Nakhon Nayok Province. Through field observations, herbarium specimens, interviews, and surveys, we documented the species, classified them into tribes, genera, and species, and analyzed their distribution across districts. The findings revealed a rich species diversity, encompassing 155 species from 16 genera and 3 tribes. The tribe Zingibereae displayed the highest species diversity (120 species), followed by Alpinieae (23 species) and Globbeae (12 species). These species were found in diverse ecosystems such as dry evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and more. The study also identified the Mueang district as having the highest species count. Additionally, we explored the traditional utilization of Zingiberaceae plants in Nakhon Nayok Province, which encompasses various purposes including ornamental use, rituals, traditional medicine, and more. This research contributes valuable insights into the ecological and cultural significance of Zingiberaceae plants, identifies endangered species requiring conservation measures, and sheds light on the unique plant diversity and cultural heritage in Nakhon Nayok Province. These findings serve as a valuable resource for conservation efforts, sustainable utilization, and future research. Full article