Article
Biology
Henry Jahn, Joerg U. Hammel, Torben Goepel, Christian S. S. Wirkner, Georg Mayer
Summary: An antagonistic hemolymph-muscular system is crucial for soft-bodied invertebrates. Onychophorans (velvet worms) serve as key relatives of arthropods and tardigrades to understand the evolution of their circulatory system. The circulatory system of velvet worms was studied using various methods, revealing a complex organization and potential similarities with arthropods.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Svante Martinsson, Christer Erseus
Summary: The article provides a historical overview of the methods and data used for species delimitation of clitellate worms from the mid-1970s to present. It also discusses the taxonomical treatment of cryptic species and recommends describing and naming them when possible, while also looking towards the future prospects and further development of the field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caitlin M. Baker, Rebecca S. Buckman-Young, Cristiano S. Costa, Gonzalo Giribet
Summary: RNA sequencing and phylogenomic analysis were used to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships within the phylum Onychophora, revealing a well-supported phylogeny for the family Peripatopsidae with signals of Gondwanan vicariance. However, the family Peripatidae in the Neotropical region showed unstable relationships largely due to amino acid-translated sequence data. Discordant phylogenetic signal between genes may indicate a rapid, mid-Cretaceous radiation in the group.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Bog, Maho Inoue, Anja Klahr, Joerg Fuchs, Yuri Ivanenko, Kiyotaka Hori, Karsten Horn, Martin Schnittler, H. Wilfried Bennert
Summary: Hybridization was found to occur frequently in the genus Diphasiastrum in the Russian Far East, with 16 out of 22 samples showing hybrid characteristics. The analysis of nuclear markers revealed predominantly uniparental hybridization, with some instances of backcrossing. Samples of D. alpinum from the Far East showed differences compared to European samples, suggesting possible cryptic speciation.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Paulo E. A. S. Camara, Fabio Leal Viana Bones, Fabyano Alvares Cardoso Lopes, Fabio S. Oliveira, Cristine Chaves Barreto, Diego Knop Henriques, Larissa Paraguassu Campos, Micheline Carvalho-Silva, Peter Convey, Luiz Henrique Rosa
Summary: Trindade Island, the most recent volcanic component of Brazilian territory, has experienced severe damage to its native vegetation due to human influence. However, after the eradication of goats and other feral animals, the island's vegetation has been recovering, and even rediscovery of endemic species previously considered extinct has been made. Using high throughput sequencing, this study reveals a rich and complex diversity of microorganisms, invertebrates, and plants in the recovering native forest of Trindade Island.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lukas Zangl, Elisabeth Glatzhofer, Raphael Schmid, Susanne Randolf, Stephan Koblmueller
Summary: Snow scorpionflies are active in winter to avoid predators and facilitate dispersal. This study fills some research gaps in snow scorpionflies by generating a DNA barcode database and characterizing morphological diversity. The study revealed potential cryptic species within the genus Boreus.
Article
Ecology
Rachel M. Binks, Dorothy A. Steane, Margaret Byrne
Summary: Genetic studies are finding hidden taxa that contribute to global biodiversity, with this study on Eucalyptus salubris revealing two distinct lineages exhibiting strong genome-wide divergence but high gene flow within each. The lineages show evidence of reproductive isolation and ecotypic adaptive processes, suggesting they should be recognized as separate species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Otero, Pablo Vargas, Mario Fernandez-Mazuecos, Pedro Jimenez-Mejias, Virginia Valcarcel, Irene Villa-Machio, Andrew L. Hipp
Summary: This study reveals a history of recurrent progenitor-derivative speciation within the genus Iberodes. The coastal lineage is suggested to have derived from the inland widespread Iberodes linifolia through ecological differentiation during the Late Pliocene, while the more recent differentiation in the coastland is proposed to have occurred due to geographical isolation and niche shifts. This research provides a model for distinguishing speciation via ecological differentiation between peripheral narrow endemics and a widespread ancestor.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alina Baczkiewicz, Jean Diatta, Maria Drapikowska, Patrycja Rodkiewicz, Jakub Sawicki, Monika Szczecinska, Katarzyna Buczkowska
Summary: The study verifies the role of mineral elements in biological speciation within A. pinguis cryptic species, highlighting the preference of different genetic lineages for specific ecological sites. Calciphilous and acidophilous A. pinguis species are influenced by varying mineral concentrations, which may attract them to different environments from a distance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenneth K. Askelson, Garth M. Spellman, Darren Irwin
Summary: Analysis of genomic variation reveals high differentiation among white-breasted nuthatch populations, suggesting the existence of at least three species. It also shows evidence of introgression between a ghost lineage and a current population, contributing to differentiation.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Caragh A. Herringe, Eliza J. Middleton, Kelsey C. Boyd, Tanya Latty, Thomas E. White
Summary: In a study on the velvet worm Euperipatoides rowelli, it was found that larger foraging groups were faster and more efficient in consuming prey, but also experienced heightened aggression among conspecifics. These results suggest the presence of both benefits and costs to group living in this species, potentially influencing the maintenance of social foraging behavior.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Gemma. E. E. Collins, Monica. R. R. Young, Peter Convey, Steven. L. L. Chown, S. Craig Cary, Byron. J. J. Adams, Diana. H. H. Wall, Ian. D. D. Hogg
Summary: This study investigates the genetic diversity and distribution of free-living terrestrial mites in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. The results reveal high genetic divergence due to geographic isolation, highlighting the need for further sampling in understudied areas to uncover additional diversity.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Amanda Xuereb, Quentin Rougemont, Xavier Dallaire, Jean-Sebastien Moore, Eric Normandeau, Berenice Bougas, Alysse Perreault-Payette, Ben F. Koop, Ruth Withler, Terry Beacham, Louis Bernatchez
Summary: This study evaluated the current conservation units (CUs) for Coho salmon in Canada using a large genomic dataset and compared patterns of genetic variation using neutral and outlier loci. The results suggest that the current CU boundaries are generally appropriate, but there may be a need for refinement in certain areas.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Jelmer W. Poelstra, Jordi Salmona, George P. Tiley, Dominik Schussler, Marina B. Blanco, Jean B. Andriambeloson, Olivier Bouchez, C. Ryan Campbell, Paul D. Etter, Paul A. Hohenlohe, Kelsie E. Hunnicutt, Amaia Iribar, Eric A. Johnson, Peter M. Kappeler, Peter A. Larsen, Sophie Manzi, JosE M. Ralison, Blanchard Randrianambinina, Rodin M. Rasoloarison, David W. Rasolofoson, Amanda R. Stahlke, David W. Weisrock, Rachel C. Williams, LounEs Chikhi, Edward E. Louis Jr, Ute Radespiel, Anne D. Yoder
Summary: Mouse lemurs are cryptic primates found throughout Madagascar, with a recent surge in recognized species leading to concerns of oversplitting. Research in northeastern Madagascar with high microendemism and predicted habitat loss revealed marked differences among mouse lemur lineages, supporting the recognition of an undescribed lineage as a separate species. The rapid evolution of reproductive isolation in sympatric lineages suggests a complex evolutionary history in the mouse lemur clade.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jiayu Wu, Yutian Lu, Hei Gao, Mingshu Wang
Summary: The factors affecting urban vitality and heritage areas are different and vary across cities. By combining Big Data methods with urban morphological elements, a quantitative and replicable framework for heritage adaptation can be established.
COMPUTERS ENVIRONMENT AND URBAN SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Margaretha D. Hofmeyr, Flora Ihlow, Pierre Fouche, Savel R. Daniels
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2020)
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Theo Busschau, Werner Conradie, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: The phylogeographic structure of the forest thread snake in South Africa shows similarities to other forest-living taxa, with cladogenesis driven by late Miocene climatic shifts. Analysis revealed multiple putative species within the species complex, with morphological differences between forest and grassland species.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Neil Cumberlidge, Julia B. Soma, Ellen M. Leever, Savel R. Daniels
JOURNAL OF CRUSTACEAN BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Savel R. Daniels, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, Vanessa Muianga, Julian Bayliss
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Savel Regan Daniels, Nicola C. James, Gavin Gouws
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evelyn M. Raphalo, Mary L. Cole, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: The study investigated the phylogeny and population genetic structure of several species within the terrestrial snail genus Gittenedouardia in South Africa. The results revealed deep genetic structure and diversification timing within the genus, suggesting the presence of undescribed diversity and the need for taxonomic revision.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Neil Cumberlidge, Katelyn M. Ahles, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: The taxonomy of three species of freshwater crabs from Angola has been revised in this study, with updated diagnoses, illustrations, and distribution maps provided. The conservation status of these three species is also discussed.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Evelyn M. Raphalo, Mary L. Cole, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: South Africa harbors a diverse terrestrial snail fauna, but the alpha taxonomic diversity is poorly understood. DNA barcoding analysis reveals potential cryptic diversity among several terrestrial gastropod genera, highlighting the need for further taxonomic revision studies.
INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ligia R. Benavides, Savel R. Daniels, Gonzalo Giribet
Summary: The study used phylotranscriptomics and deep Sanger sequencing to better understand the relationships, divergence times, and species ranges of the arachnid order Ricinulei. Results support the monophyly of the three recognized genera and further division into two or three deep clades, shedding light on their evolutionary history and biogeography.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Savel R. Daniels, Aaron Barnes, Hannes Marais, Gavin Gouws
Summary: Sampling of remote inland aquatic habitats in South Africa has led to the discovery and description of two new endemic freshwater crab species. Phylogenetic evidence derived from DNA sequence data and morphological and ecological data confirm the evolutionary distinction of the two novel species, suggesting the presence of more undiscovered species in remote mountainous areas of South Africa.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Aaron Barnes, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: In this study, two new species of Opisthopatus velvet worms from South Africa were described. The use of DNA sequence data revealed that the species diversity in Opisthopatus had been underestimated. The discovery of new species suggests the presence of unexplored biodiversity in South Africa.
INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Theo Busschau, Adriaan Jordaan, Werner Conradie, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: Comparative phylogeographic studies are lacking for southern African herpetofauna, despite their high diversity. This study statistically compared phylogeographic structure and divergence-time estimates among five co-distributed forest-living herpetofaunal taxa and identified congruent drivers of phylogeographic diversity.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Neil Cumberlidge Fls, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: This study revises the taxonomy of Afrotropical freshwater crabs and provides an updated understanding of their phylogenetic relationships. The large-scale sampling and molecular techniques used in this research help improve the classification system and provide valuable information for species identification and distribution.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Neil Cumberlidge, Julia B. Soma, Ellen M. Leever, Paul F. Clark, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: A new genus of freshwater crab, Crosnautesn. gen., and two species, C. ranomafanan. sp. and C. alainusn. sp., have been described from forested highlands in southeastern Madagascar. The new genus and species can be distinguished from other Malagasy genera based on phylogenetic and morphological characteristics.
JOURNAL OF CRUSTACEAN BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Aaron Barnes, Till Reiss, Savel R. Daniels
INVERTEBRATE SYSTEMATICS
(2020)