Integrative taxonomy clarifies the evolution of a cryptic primate clade

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 27, 2024

Abstract Global biodiversity is under accelerating threats, and species are succumbing to extinction before being described. Madagascar’s biota represents an extreme example of this scenario, with the added complication that much its endemic cryptic. Here we illustrate best practices for clarifying cryptic diversification processes by presenting integrative framework leverages multiple lines evidence taxon-informed cut-offs delimitation, while placing special emphasis on identifying patterns isolation distance. We systematically apply entire taxonomically controversial primate clade, mouse lemurs (genus Microcebus , family Cheirogaleidae). demonstrate diversity has been overestimated primarily due interpretation geographic variation as speciation, potentially biasing inference underlying evolutionary diversification. Following a revised classification, find crypsis within genus explained model morphological stasis imposed stabilizing selection neutral process niche Finally, limits defining evolutionarily significant units, provide new conservation priorities, bridging fundamental applied objectives in generalizable framework.

Language: Английский

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How not to describe a species: lessons from a tangle of anacondas (Boidae: Eunectes Wagler, 1830)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 201(4)

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

Abstract A recent revision of the anacondas (Serpentes: Boidae: Eunectes), with description a new species green anaconda, generated extensive publicity, but also provoked considerable controversy due to inadequacies evidence used and errors in nomenclature. We here use case this problematic publication to: (i) highlight common issues affecting delimitations, especially an over-reliance on mitochondrial DNA data, reiterate best practices; (ii) reanalyse data available for establish true current state knowledge lines further research; (iii) analyse nomenclatural history status genus. While our analysis reveals significant morphological variation both yellow anacondas, denser sampling informative nuclear markers are required meaningful delimitation Eunectes. Tracing name-bearing types establishes Trinidad as type locality Boa murina Linnaeus, 1758 allows identification extant lectotype species. Finally, we emphasize responsibility journals authors ensure that published taxonomic work meets burden substantiate descriptions named compliance rules zoological

Language: Английский

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A splendid banana enigma: Phylogenomic assessment of Vietnamese Musa splendida and Musa viridis populations shows that they are conspecific

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 20(2), P. e0318252 - e0318252

Published: Feb. 11, 2025

Species delimitation is essential to study and conserve biological diversity. It traditionally based on morphological trait variation observed in one or a few specimens. Nevertheless, such assessments may not sufficiently take intraspecific into account, misidentifying morphotypes as separate species. The use of high-throughput sequencing data alongside taxonomic studies substantially improve the accuracy assessments. Musa genus, commonly known for comprising wild relatives banana varieties, consists about seventy described However, status multiple species uncertain due typification errors lack high-quality M . splendida viridis from northern Viet Nam only differ each other color their male flower bracts, which red pinkish-red pink Consequently, has been debated. Here, we studied genetic relationships between 121 plants using (DArTseq) identified 51,188 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that individuals genetically clustered principal component analysis (6 clusters), fastStructure (four groups), ASTRAL-III consensus phylogenetic tree (nine clades) population origin rather than by taxon identity. In addition, strong signal an isolation-by-distance pattern populations was observed. Plants were more closely related same region regions. Hence, propose treat synonym

Language: Английский

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Fish databases for improving their conservation in Colombia

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Feb. 13, 2025

Progress in the acquisition of massive sets molecular data and bioinformatic capabilities for their processing have revolutionised species identification, filling gaps crucial areas such as taxonomy, phylogenetic inference, biogeography, even biodiversity conservation. Advanced DNA sequencing metabarcoding uncovered previously hidden diversity, although effectiveness is highly dependent on accuracy reference databases at local regional scales. The compilation information freshwater fishes from Magdalena River basin an important milestone improving our knowledge genetic taxonomic diversity a endemic region Neotropical context. Here, we share 1,270 specimens representing 183 species, cross-referenced with complete collecting catalogue information, along high resolution photographs voucher when alive. This collection multiple sources based fish specimen records not only contributes to future research systematics ecology, but also conservation decisions one South American rivers highest level endemism.

Language: Английский

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Deforestation-induced Hybridization in Philippine Frogs Creates a Distinct Phenotype With an Inviable Genotype

Heredity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 16, 2025

Language: Английский

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A new gecko (Phyllodactylidae: Homonota whitii group) from the Diaguita highlands, Argentina, with an updated phylogeny for the genus

Zoologica Scripta, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 1, 2025

Abstract The South American Transition Zone (SATZ) connects the Neotropical and Andean regions, stretching from western Venezuela to northern Chile central‐western Argentina. In Argentina, northwestern Altoandina Cuyana province includes arid semi‐arid ecosystems, particularly Diaguita District, spanning Catamarca, La Rioja San Juan. This mountainous region, including Sierra de Famatina Cordillera Frontal los Andes, hosts species adapted extreme conditions. Despite its biodiversity, region's endemicity phylogenetic uniqueness remain poorly understood, especially as these ecosystems face growing climate threats, such heatwaves. Geckos (Order Gekkota) are one of oldest lizard clades, with divergences over 150 million years ago. Particularly, genus Homonota (Phyllodactylidae) is endemic southern cone America, primarily in also found Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia Uruguay. As part a broader investigation on geckos this advance their systematic study, we generated data two mitochondrial 12 autosomal loci across 14 species, along comprehensive morphological dataset meristic measurements scale counts. Detailed analyses were conducted within an integrative assessment framework. Consequently, describe new biogeographic district representing northernmost member H. whitii group. inhabits region known for micro‐endemism, further highlighting area important biodiversity hotspot dryland ecosystems. Additionally, provide updated molecular hypothesis genus, offering insights into evolutionary history SATZ.

Language: Английский

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Phylogenomic species delimitation of studfishes (Fundulidae: Fundulus): evidence for cryptic species in agreement with the central highlands vicariance hypothesis

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 5604(3), P. 309 - 328

Published: March 13, 2025

The Central Highlands ecoregion of the eastern United States represents a hotspot freshwater biodiversity, with replicated patterns vicariant speciation east and west Mississippi River. Previous phylogeographic investigation studfishes (Fundulus subgenus Fundulus) revealed evidence for in Highlands, but data were limited to small number gene sequences generated Sanger sequencing. We used double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) improve resolution better characterize population genetic variation. Our sample design included individuals from Fundulus catenatus species group (F. catenatus, F. bifax, stellifer) two outgroup taxa julisia rathbuni). Phylogenetic analyses support monophyletic complex sister relationship Mobile Basin bifax stellifer). Population genomics delimitation tests provide three species-level subdivisions catenatus. describe as Tennessee River its drainages, caddo sp. nov., Ouachita cryptocatenatus occupying remainder range. Modally, was characterized by fewer left pectoral rays (16 vs. 17). nov. had modally anal (15 16) lateral scale rows (13 14). higher dorsal 14) caudal geographic distribution is likely result multiple pre-Pleistocene vicariance events congruent Vicariance Hypothesis well separate, possibly subsequent, dispersal events. Overall, results this study corroborate previous biogeographic history endemic rivers ecoregion. improved genomic variation among studfish populations will guide future studies morphological conservation plans rare biodiversity hotspot.

Language: Английский

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Species Delimitation and Cryptic Diversity in Rheotanytarsus Thienemann & Bause, 1913 (Diptera: Chironomidae) Based on DNA Barcoding

Insects, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(4), P. 370 - 370

Published: April 1, 2025

The genus Rheotanytarsus Thienemann & Bause, 1913 (Diptera: Chironomidae) currently includes more than 120 recognized species worldwide, but precise species-level identification based solely on morphology remains challenging. Pronounced morphological differences among life stages and the time-consuming inefficiency of rearing larvae further complicate life-stage matching in this genus. In study, we assessed diversity by integrating examination DNA barcoding, analyzing 911 barcodes from newly collected samples a public database. Based these results, constructed relatively complete life-history framework. Our results show that belong to 69 putative species. maximum intraspecific divergence reached 7.35% R. pentapoda, average minimal interspecific distance was 11.44%. Substantial certain complexes suggests presence cryptic Therefore, resolve potential issues, extensive sampling specimens geographically distant regions—supplemented nuclear ecological data—are required.

Language: Английский

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An updated survey of molecular diversity in Madagascar's velvet geckos, genus Blaesodactylus, with description of a new species from the island’s arid West

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 5620(2), P. 230 - 254

Published: April 8, 2025

Madagascar velvet geckos, genus Blaesodactylus, are classified in six species distributed over low-elevation sites across most of Madagascar. Based on DNA sequences one mitochondrial and two nuclear-encoded gene fragments obtained from numerous newly collected tissue samples, we provide an updated review their molecular variation. Our genetic screening confirms extended distribution B. ambonihazo, so far only known its type locality Ankarafantsika, now reaching northwards to the Sahamalaza Peninsula. Compared previously available data, also verify minor range extensions boivini (southeastwards Bezavona), antongilensis (northwards Marojejy Massif), sakalava complex. Samples assigned according current taxonomy fell into sister lineages differing by about 8.5% pairwise distances 16S rRNA gene, lack haplotype sharing CMOS various subtle but consistent differences body proportions scalation. We conclude that lineage occurring South Madagascar, encompassing locations south Morombe, corresponds sensu stricto based morphological characters name-bearing type; describe West north Morombe as a new species, ganzhorni sp. nov.

Language: Английский

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Disparity among venom components, and morphometrics in Centruroides baergi Hoffmann, 1932, a medically relevant scorpion species from Mexico

Toxicon, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 108370 - 108370

Published: April 1, 2025

Centruroides baergi is a scorpion species distributed in the biogeographical province of Balsas Basin Mexico. Health officials have reported acute envenomation human populations living on western side this scorpion's range, but none eastern region. This disparity toxicity suggested that there may be two distinct species. We used different approaches, including venom analysis and morphometric specimens from both regions, to test our hypothesis. performed chromatographic, electrophoretic, mass spectrometry identify known β-toxins involved intoxication. The most remarkable finding was absence Cb3 β-toxin population. Consequently, LD50 population lower than analyzed linear ratio body measurements with parametric nonparametric statistics limits. These analyses indicated all putative C. are significantly similar, suggesting they represent single Unexpectedly, scorpions center study area, Suchixtlahuaca, previously identified as baergi, showed significant morphological composition differences. provided empirical evidence an abrupt change highly toxic peptides around 98th meridian limits east

Language: Английский

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