Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucas Vieira Lima, Alexandre Salino, Michael Kessler, Germinal Rouhan, Weston L. Testo, Caio Suzart Argolo, Thais Elias Almeida
Summary: In this study, we investigated the monophyly of genera in the Gleicheniaceae family using extended sampling and genomic data. The results confirmed the monophyly of most genera, except for Sticherus. We also found that while most Gleicheniaceae genera originated during the Mesozoic, some genera showed diversification in the Neogene and Quaternary periods. Our findings suggest the importance of reticulation and polyploidy in this diversification process, and identify Rouxopteris and Stromatopteris as evolutionary relics.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Alexey A. Kotov, Petr G. Garibian, Eugeniya Bekker, Derek J. Taylor, Dmitry P. Karabanov
Summary: This study investigated the phylogeography, rates of evolution, and taxonomic status of different clades within the Daphnia curvirostris complex, revealing an eastern Palaearctic clade with at least four species having diagnostic morphological characters. Convergent morphological characters were also detected within the complex, providing insights into species boundaries. Divergence time estimates suggested an ancient origin for the Daphnia korovchinskyi group, but were complicated by the limited number of calibration points.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Di Chen, Bing Huang, Yves Candela
Summary: This paper presents a list of all species of the trimerellidae family for the first time, discussing some of them. The diagnostic morphological characteristics of trimer-ellids are platforms and vaults, which are important for generic classification. The study selected 19 genera of trimerellidae and coded 30 characters for analysis. The results show that platforms and vaults become more prominent in younger genera.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Julius Jeiter, Erik Smets
Summary: Comparative morphology has been the primary source of information for systematic studies, but with the molecular revolution, DNA-based classification has become the main approach. However, this paper highlights the importance of morphology in the era of molecular phylogenetics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vladislav Susoy, Aravinthan D. T. Samuel
Summary: This study describes a case of behavioral plasticity in the nematode C. elegans. The male performs parallel mating on agar plates, but performs spiral mating in liquid media. Spiral mating improves with experience and does not require long-term environmental changes.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Reza Zahiri, Jeremy D. Holloway, Jadranka Rota, B. Christian Schmidt, Markku J. Pellinen, Ian J. Kitching, Scott E. Miller, Niklas Wahlberg
Summary: In this study, a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the family Euteliidae was conducted to clarify deep divergences and evolutionary relationships. The analysis utilized a dataset consisting of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA loci and applied model-based phylogenetic methods. The results revealed two subfamilies, Euteliinae and Stictopterinae, and two tribes, Stictopterini and Odontini. Taxonomic revisions were needed as several genera were found to be polyphyletic. New genera were described and taxonomic changes were established. The study also provided insights into the divergence times and larval hostplants for the family.
SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Anastasiia Lunina, Dmitry Kulagin, Alexander Vereshchaka
Summary: Hymenodora is a poorly studied branch of pelagic shrimp. Based on morphological and genetic analysis, we found that Hymenodoridae consists of Hymenodora and Sclerodora and is supported by mouthpart morphology. We propose a new classification and provide a key to Oplophoroidea families. Only one morphological character can confidently identify Hymenodora gracilis and Hymenodora glacialis complexes. However, when incorporating seven morphological characters and using statistical analyses, all cryptic lineages can be distinguished. Evolutionary characteristics of Hymenodoridae are linked to deep-sea feeding adaptations, membranous carapace reinforcement, and passive defense.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Juan Marcos Mirande, Clarianna M. M. Baicere-Silva, Julio C. O. Santana, Irani Quagio-Grassiotto
Summary: This study presents the most comprehensive dataset of sperm and spermiogenesis features in the Neotropical fish family Characidae and uses them as a third source of data for phylogenetic analysis. The results show that reproductive characters are more variable than general morphology and DNA, and provide synapomorphies for nodes without morphological synapomorphies, justifying their use in phylogenetic analyses.
Article
Zoology
Yuan-Biao Lu, Yi-Xuan Zhang, Jie-Xin Zou
Summary: The taxonomic status of the freshwater crab Cryptopotamon anacoluthon is clarified, confirming its position in the genus Sinolapotamon through morphological comparisons, geographical information, and phylogenetic analysis. A new species of Sinolapotamon, Sinolapotamon cirratum sp. nov., is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This new species is distinguished from its relatives by a unique combination of characters in its carapace, third maxilliped, anterolateral margin, and male first gonopod. Phylogenetic analysis using partial COX1, 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA genes also supports its status as a new species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucia Sainz-Escudero, E. Karen Lopez-Estrada, Paula Carolina Rodriguez-Flores, Mario Garcia-Paris
Summary: High morphological plasticity and mismatch between molecular and morphological evolution rates in populations of brine shrimp have hindered the classification of taxonomic entities within Artemia for centuries. Using new complete mitogenomes, a phylogenetic hypothesis for Artemia has been proposed, revealing five evolutionary units. Evidence of gene flow and internal deep nuclear structuring within certain clades suggest the existence of additional evolutionary units within the taxa.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tammy Iwasa-Arai, Silvana G. L. Siqueira, Juliana L. Segadilha, Fosca P. P. Leite
Summary: This study conducted the first survey on the biodiversity of Peracarida from Trindade Island in Brazil, revealing new species and suggesting an Indo-Pacific origin for the genus based on phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses. A comparison with the closest Abrolhos Archipelago showed a high percentage of endemic species on Trindade Island.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. Elizabeth Arnold
Summary: An intriguing new study uses newly generated metagenomes to study the evolution of fungi, specifically focusing on lichens, which are one of the most species-rich and fascinating manifestations of symbiosis.
Article
Zoology
Javier Lobon-Rovira, Aaron M. Bauer, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Jean-Francois Trape, Werner Conradie, Chifundera Kusamba, Timoteo Julio, Garin Cael, Edward L. Stanley, Daniel F. Hughes, Mathias Behangana, Franck M. Masudi, Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Eli Greenbaum
Summary: This study provides a systematic revision of the L. gutturalis species complex in Africa using various approaches, revealing nine well-differentiated species within the complex as well as elevating a subspecies and describing five new species. The study also revisits the L. angularis group and recognizes two subspecies as full species. The diversification of the L. gutturalis subgroup is likely the result of multiple vicariant events driven by the expansion of African savannahs and climate changes.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Andrew V. Z. Brower
Summary: This essay discusses Figure 18 of Hennig's Phylogenetic Systematics, explores different hierarchical patterns, reviews interpretations of the figure, and discusses the pathway from systematic evidence to phylogenetic explanation. The argument highlights that scientific systematic hierarchies are nested sets based on patterns of synapomorphy, and concepts of phylogeny and common ancestry reflect this hierarchical pattern.
Article
Anthropology
Nicholas W. Post, Christopher C. Gilbert, Kelsey D. Pugh, Carrie S. Mongle
Summary: Understanding the phylogenetic relationships among hominins and other hominoid species is crucial in studying human origins. In this study, the researchers used Victoriapithecus and Ekembo as more appropriate outgroups to improve the accuracy of the inferences. The inclusion of fossil outgroups generally strengthened confidence in relationships among extant hominoid and basal hominins.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vannesa V. Catzim, Manuel Elias-Gutierrez, Gabriela Perez-Lachaud
Summary: This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of lady beetle species on the Yucatan Peninsula by using an integrative approach for species identification. The results showed that combining molecular and morphological data can efficiently assist in delineating species and provide important references for exploring and describing lady beetle species.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernando Cortes-Carrasco, Manuel Elias-Gutierrez, Maria del Socorro Garcia-Madrigal
Summary: The study completed the taxonomic status of Holothuriophilus trapeziformis and described its male morphology, providing additional characters to differentiate the species using integrative taxonomy.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lucia Montes-Ortiz, Manuel Elias-Gutierrez, Marcia Maria Ramirez-Sanchez
Summary: A checklist of arrenurids of Mexico is provided, with three new records from the Yucatan Peninsula. Diverse new species of Arrenurus are described using integrative taxonomy. Non-destructive methods allowed for imaging and DNA sequencing of the new species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Waleed Hamza, Anna N. Neretina, Shamma Eisa Salem Al Neyadi, Khaled M. A. Amiri, Dmitry P. Karabanov, Alexey A. Kotov
Summary: This study examines the distribution patterns and formation history of biodiversity in continental waters, focusing on model groups such as Daphnia O.F. Muller (Crustacea: Cladocera). A new species of the D. (C.) sinensis complex is discovered in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, providing insights into the history of these daphniids in the northern hemisphere. Through phylogenetic analysis and mitochondrial gene study, the researchers propose an origin of the D. (C.) sinensis group in Gondwana during the Late Mesozoic era, followed by differentiation in North Africa and the Middle East, and subsequent dispersion throughout Eurasia and Africa during the Miocene and later epochs. The dispersion pattern of the D. sinensis group is comparable to the earlier human migration from Africa through the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East to the rest of Eurasia.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexey A. Kotov, Dmitry G. Seleznev, Petr G. Garibian, Nikolai M. Korovchnsky, Anna N. Neretina, Artem Y. Sinev, Hyun-Gi Jeong, Hee-Min Yang, Wonchoel Lee
Summary: This paper investigates the species composition, structure, and seasonal dynamics of cladoceran fauna in inland water bodies of Jeju Island. The study reveals seasonal changes in species composition and proposes a possible scenario for faunal formation.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alexey A. Kotov, Dmitry P. Karabanov, Kay Van Damme
Summary: Non-indigenous species, such as water fleas, can pose a threat to native ecosystems globally. This review examines the knowledge on non-indigenous species in the Cladocera and their invasiveness potential in different continents. The authors argue that the impacts and occurrence of these species may be higher than previously assumed. Through a critical review of literature, they assess the probability of natural range expansions versus human-mediated introductions and discuss major invasion corridors. The study confirms the presence of non-indigenous cladoceran species in recipient regions and highlights the need for improved environmental monitoring to assess their invasiveness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waleed Hamza, Khaled M. Hazzouri, Naganeeswaran Sudalaimuthuasari, Khaled M. A. Amiri, Anna N. Neretina, Shamma E. S. Al Neyadi, Alexey A. Kotov
Summary: This study reports the complete genome of the water flea Daphnia arabica, which shows genetic differences from other Daphnia species and adaptation to arid environments. Further research will help identify the specific genes that contribute to this adaptation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anna A. Gurina, Roman Y. Dudko, Alexander V. Ivanov, Alexey A. Kotov, Yuri E. Mikhailov, Alexander A. Prokin, Alexander S. Prosvirov, Alexey Y. Solodovnikov, Evgenii V. Zinovyev, Andrei A. Legalov
Summary: Subfossil remains of insects and branchiopods were found in late Pleistocene deposits in Novosibirsk, Russia. The deposits had calibrated radiocarbon dates corresponding to marine isotope stage 2. The insect assemblages were diverse, with a high number of beetle species, including some that were found for the first time in Western Siberia. The ecological composition was dominated by steppe and tundra-steppe species.
Article
Zoology
Petr G. Garibian, Lena V. Andreeva, Alexey A. Kotov
Summary: This article describes the redescriptions of C. dubia s.l. species group and the description of a new species, which improves our understanding of this species group and challenges the current definitions of Ceriodaphnia species groups.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Adrian Cervantes-Martinez, Carlos Alberto Duran Ramirez, Manuel Elias-Gutierrez, Alma E. Garcia-Morales, Martha Gutierrez-Aguirre, Sarahi Jaime, Miroslav Macek, Alejandro M. M. Maeda-Martinez, Fernando Martinez-Jeronimo, Rosaura Mayen-Estrada, Jorge Humberto Medina-Duran, Lucia Montes-Ortiz, Jovanny Fernando Yonatan Olvera-Bautista, Victor Manuel Romero-Niembro, Eduardo Suarez-Morales
Summary: This review examines freshwater zooplankton in Mexico, including rotifers, copepods, and cladocerans, as well as other groups not commonly considered zooplankton. The study aims to integrate dispersed literature on taxonomy and diversity and explain how this knowledge has helped detect exotic and threatened species. The research divides Mexican freshwater zooplankton studies into three historical periods and concludes that knowledge has significantly increased in the past 40 years, although only a small fraction of true diversity has been documented.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dmitry P. Karabanov, Alexey A. Kotov, Elena A. Borovikova, Yulia V. Kodukhova, Xiaowei Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of fifteen single-locus species delimitation methods using a fish species in Lake Plescheyevo, European Russia, as an example. The results showed that all methods only adequately separated genera, and the effectiveness of each method correlated with the number of matches based on Ctax and MatchRatio criteria. The most comparable and synchronous results were obtained from bGMYC, mPTP, STACEY, and ASAP. The high genetic diversity observed supports the usefulness of the polymorphic species concept in conserving biodiversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elena S. Chertoptud, Dmitry G. Seleznev, Petr G. Garibian, Alexey A. Kotov
Summary: The Far East of Russia is a region where boreal and tropical faunas mix, and it is also known for its unique cladoceran endemism. This study compared microcrustacean associations in three large lakes (Khanka, Bolon, and Chukchagir) in the Russian Far East. The associations were identified using the discrete hypergeometric distribution, revealing differences in taxa involved and not involved in species associations among geographic faunistic complexes. The rate of endemism was higher among taxa incorporated into associations. Additionally, the lakes showed distinct clusters of phytophilous and planktonic species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ivan I. Krolenko, Petr G. Garibian, Alexey A. Kotov
Summary: This study explores the colonization history of freshwater Cladocera in the Far East of Eurasia and its reflection in the proportions of endemic/boreal/tropical taxa among different habitat types. The results show a higher proportion of endemic taxa in plankton compared to littoral and benthic zones. In the northern sub-regions, boreal taxa were prevalent, while tropical taxa were prevalent in the southern sub-regions, with a distinct transition zone in between.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
L. V. Andreeva, D. G. Seleznev, P. G. Garibian, A. A. Kotov
Summary: The species composition and faunistic associations of water fleas in the water bodies near the Lena River in Yakutsk have been studied. The study identified distinct groups of taxa that represent the core species in different water bodies and biotopes. The results also show differences in species composition and associations between the water bodies in the Lena River valley and the watershed.
INLAND WATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Dmitry P. Karabanov, Dmitry D. Pavlov, Yury Y. Dgebuadze, Mikhail I. Bazarov, Elena A. Borovikova, Yuriy V. Gerasimov, Yulia V. Kodukhova, Pavel B. Mikheev, Eduard V. Nikitin, Tatyana L. Opaleva, Yuri A. Severov, Rimma Z. Sabitova, Alexey K. Smirnov, Yury I. Solomatin, Igor A. Stolbunov, Alexander I. Tsvetkov, Stanislav A. Vlasenko, Irina S. Voroshilova, Wenjun Zhong, Xiaowei Zhang, Alexey A. Kotov
Summary: This study describes the diversity of non-indigenous and native fish species in the Volga and Kama Rivers in Russia. The dataset includes data from 2001 to 2021 and provides valuable information for studying the distribution of non-indigenous fish species.
