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Amphisbaena mertensii is a worm lizard species from South America. Because of its subterranean lifestyle,data on its biology are scarce. In this paper, we present the first record of A. mertensii as prey of a bird, the wood rail Aramides cajaneus. We also review the geographic range of this species, reporting it for 114 localities from west-central Brazil to northeastern Argentina. We update the range of precloacal pores in A. mertensii from 5–8 to 4–8, and report the largest individual of this species with a 458 mm snout-vent length.

Rhododendron are popular ornamental plants that are well-known for forming mycorrhizal associations with ericoid fungi, but little is known about how host traits influence their microbiome more broadly. This study investigated leaf, root, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil bacterial and fungal community structure for 12 Rhododendron species, representing four taxonomic clades with different leaf habits. Samples were collected when ephemeral hair roots colonized by ericoid mycorrhizae were absent, and microbial community structure was compared to leaf and root morphology for the same plants. Root morphology and the fungal communities of roots and rhizosphere soil were primarily structured by host ancestry. Leaf bacterial and fungal communities were even more distinct across clades than for roots or rhizosphere, and microbial communities of leaves and bulk soil were similarly structured by clade-wise differences in leaf morphology, suggesting a role for Rhododendron leaf litter in belowground microbial community structure. This work sheds new light on host traits influencing microbial community structure of ericaceous plants, showing a strong influence of ancestry, but also that different host traits drive bacterial and fungal communities across different plant compartments, suggesting future work on factors that drive similarity among close relatives in the non-ericoid microbes associating with Rhododendron.

Spodoptera exigua (Hubner, 1808) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a significant agricultural crop pest in Indonesia, causing significant economic losses in recent years. This species' ability to survive on a wide variety of host plants provides an adaptive advantage for survival in the environment, which is facilitated by its high mobility, fecundity, and capability to acquire resistance to a broad spectrum of chemical pesticides. It is well-established that knowledge of diversity and evolutionary origins facilitate the development of disease management strategies. In the present study, we report the morphology, diversity and phylogeny analysis of S. exigua from North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The specimen from Rurukan have a body size and other segments that are longer than in Langowan and Modoinding. Dendrogram analysis shows that the similarity distance based on morphology ranges from 1-25%, which forms four clusters, where the specimen from Rurukan is separated from the rest of the specimens. The phylogeny of S. exigua from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, based on CO1 (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) gene fragment, which is juxtaposed with CO1 data of the allied species from many geographical locations. A total of twenty-five isolates representing Indonesia, Japan, Germany, Thailand, India, UK, USA, Spain and Australia were compared. Nineteen sequences of S. exigua retrieved from GenBank were selected as references based on previous published phylogenic trees. The twenty-four isolates were scattered in two distinct clades indicating S. exigua is polyphyletic, but S. exigua from North Sulawesi, Indonesia is monophyletic. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2022; 5(1.000): 136-147]

The Pocadius-complex (Nitidulidae: Nitidulinae) from Korea is reviewed. A total of nine species are recognized, including four new records in Korea: Atarphia cincta Jelinek, Jia & Hajek, 2012, Atarphia fasciculata Reitter, 1884, Pocadites corpulentus Reitter, 1884, and Pocadites rufobasalis Reitter, 1884. Descriptions, photographs of external morphology, biological information, and a key to all Korean species are provided.

Molecular data have transformed approaches to trematode taxonomy by providing objective evidence for the delineation of species. However, although the data are objective, the interpretation of these data regarding species boundaries is subjective, especially when different markers conflict. Conserved markers can lead to an underestimation of richness and those used for finer species delineation have the capacity to inflate species recognition, perhaps unrealistically. Here we examine molecular and morphological evidence for species recognition in an especially confusing system, the lepocreadiid genus Preptetos Pritchard, 1960 in acanthuriform fishes of the tropical Indo-west Pacific. We consider species boundaries within this genus based on combined data (ITS2 and 28S rDNA; cox1 mtDNA and morphometrics) for substantial new collections. Delineation of species using only morphological data suggest fewer species than analysis of the sequence data; the latter suggests the presence of potential cryptic species and analysis of different markers suggests the presence of differing numbers of species. We conclude that an integrative interpretation creates the most satisfying taxonomic hypothesis. In the light of the new data, we have chosen and propose a model of trematode species recognition that demands reciprocal monophyly in the most discriminating available molecular marker plus distinction in morphology or host distribution. By invoking these criteria, we distinguish eight species in our new tropical Indo-west Pacific collections. Six of these are new (Preptetos allocaballeroi n. sp., Preptetos paracaballeroi n. sp., Preptetos pearsoni n. sp., Preptetos prudhoei n. sp., Preptetos quandamooka n. sp. and Preptetos zebravaranus n. sp.) and we continue to recognise Preptetos cannoni Barker, Bray & Cribb, 1993 and Preptetos laguncula Bray and Cribb, 1996. Notably; two of the new species, P. allocaballeroi n. sp. and P. paracaballeroi n. sp., are morphologically cryptic relative to each other. Our criteria lead us to recognise, as species, populations with unvarying morphology and similar host relationships but which may have a complex population structure over their range. In our view, this paradigm has the capacity to render tractable the interpretation of the species status of the huge trematode fauna of the tropical Indo-west Pacific.

Genital morphology reveals rapid diversification among species, and species-specific divergence in genital morphology may result in reproductive isolation and promote speciation. Natural selection against maladaptive hybridization may cause species-specific genital divergence. In this context, divergence in mating traits is expected to be greater between sympatric populations than between allopatric populations in a pair of species, known as reproductive character displacement (RCD). However, there are few examples of RCD in the genital morphology of closely related species. Additionally, processes leading to RCD have rarely been inferred. In this study, we examined RCD and its underlying mechanisms by focusing on species-specific genital morphologies of closely related Ohomopterus ground beetle species. A morphological analysis showed patterns of RCD in species-specific genital parts in both sexes. Interspecific hybridization was confirmed by a mate choice experiment and by a population genetic analysis indicating extensive interspecific gene flow, suggesting that reinforcement is the most plausible process underlying the observed RCD. We found variation in the degree of displacement in contact zones, which may correspond with the ongoing process of genital evolution and speciation. Our results provide support for the lock-and-key hypothesis of genital evolution in closely related Ohomopterus species.

Two-dimensional (2D) dynamic image analysis (DIA) is gaining acceptance in geotechnical engineering research. Three-dimensional (3D) DIA extracts features from 8–12 projections of a particle and thus it is believed to verge on the true particle morphology. DIA is fast, efficient and convenient for characterising thousands of particles quickly; nevertheless, it captures shapes that are fundamentally different from the 3D morphologies reconstructed using micro-computed tomography (μCT). In DIA, particle features are interpreted using external images of a particle, which fail to account for differences in imaging perspectives. In addition, 2D and 3D shape descriptors are influenced by differences in dimensionality projection owing to variations in definition, dimensionality and perspectives of the particle images employed, which causes them to differ from their 3D counterparts. In this study, the sand particle size and shape descriptors obtained using both DIA and μCT are compared for three natural sands having wide granulometries. Three-dimensional DIA offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, while providing adequate representation of Feret dimensions, sphericity and convexity. However, the study demonstrates that 3D roundness is difficult to characterise using DIA and that shape measurements of complex irregular calcareous sands obtained from 3D DIA are not comparable to those obtained using μCT.

The blenniids of the genus Scartichthys are one of the most common fishes of Central and South American Pacific coastal reefs. This being said, Scartichthys spp. remain difficult to identify in the field, and identification is particularly challenging across the c. 6000 km where three of the four currently accepted species are known to occur in sympatry. A reason for this is that the main taxonomic characters from traditional taxonomy are indeed elusive. In addition, at the same time, species can display multiple colour patterns in the field, depending on their ontogenetic stage, habitat association and reproductive behaviour. Overall, molecular characterization is warranted to help address these issues. In this study, the authors have used a novel approach to revise the genus by combining colouration, morphological and molecular data of representative specimens of the four currently valid species and seven described colour patterns. From this, the authors show that only three of the four species should be considered as valid; Scartichthys gigas (Steindachner, 1876), Scartichthys variolatus (Valenciennes, 1836) and Scartichthys viridis (Valenciennes, 1836), whereas Scartichthys crapulatus (Williams, 1990) should be synonymized with S. viridis. In the same way, the analyses in this study show that one of the colour patterns attributed so far only to S. gigas is characteristic of the juvenile stages of S. viridis. The time-calibrated phylogeny of this study shows that this genus is relatively young and that the estimated time of divergence between S. gigas and S. viridis is c. 1.71 Ma. In comparison, the Desventuradas and Juan Fernandez Islands endemic S. variolatus diverged c. 1.95 Ma. The results of this study help to clarify the taxonomy of Scartichthys.

Models of complex word recognition can be separated into two wide groups: symbolic and connectionist. Symbolic models presume the existence of an explicit morphological representation of individual words; connectionist models do not and consider morphological effects to be a by-product of interaction between phonological, orthographic and semantic information. This study aimed to test whether there are explicit mental representations of inflected lexical units in the mental lexicon. Accordingly, the method of inflected suffix morphological and semantic priming of nouns in the Serbian language was used. In the morphological priming condition, the prime and the target shared the same inflectional suffix. In Experiment 1 overt priming was used, while in Experiment 2, masked priming. The results showed no significant effects of inflected suffix morphological priming, while significant semantic priming effects were recorded. The results obtained in this research are in line with predictions of the connectionist models.

Premise of research. Root allocation and morphology can be influenced by nutritional symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. In the presence of AM fungi, plants could alter root allocatio...

Background/Aim. Analyses of the cephalometric value of profile radiographs are very important for orthodontic diagnosis and planning of therapy. These values differ morphologically depending on ethnic and racial affiliation. The aim of this study was to confirm variations of cephalometric norms and the extent of their value and, according to them, confirm the harmony concept of craniofacial morphology among the young Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija. Methods. This retrospective study comprised 183 profile radiograms of patients from Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia, aged 8?33, from which Class I was ascertained among 82 patients (53 female and 29 male). Five cephalometric angles were measured and analyzed. Pearson?s correlation coefficient was used to define the strength of correlation between the five variables. Bivariable linear regression was used to form harmonious combinations of individual values in the insight of craniofacial harmonious form. Multiple regression and standard error were used to form a harmonious schema. Results. Linear regression equations were used to define cephalometric floating norms. They helped us form a harmonious box and harmonious schema of craniofacial norms of the participants. The ex-tent of harmonious value for orthognathic profile of our examinees varies for sella nasion subspinale (SNA) angle from 78? to 81?, for sella nasion supramentale (SNB) angle from 75.1? to 78.1?, for maxillary line ? nasion sella line (NL-NSL) angle from 11.5? to 5.5?, for nasion sella basion (NSBa) angle from 134.7? to 125.8?, and for mandibulary line ? nasion sella line (ML-NSL) angle from 40.5? to 30.6?. Conclusion. Cephalometric floating norms that describe the individual craniofacial pattern among the young Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija, determined and defined by five cephalometric variables, and presented in the form of a harmonious box and harmonious schema and can accurately determine the craniofacial pattern.

Observational evidence from a heavy precipitation event of the 2020 extreme mei-yu season is presented here to reveal a symbiotic relationship between mei-yu rainfall and the morphology of the mei-yu front. The two influence each other through dynamical and thermodynamic feedbacks and evolve in a coherent way to generate cyclic behaviors. Specifically, an intense and band-shaped mei-yu front leads to symmetrical instability in the lower atmospheric layer and convective instability in the middle atmospheric layer, forming a rainband along the front. The mei-yu front and its associated instability subsequently weaken as a result of rainfall, and the front is bent by the process of tilting frontolysis. Deep convective instability in the middle and lower layers develops in the warm, humid prefrontal area, and triggers isolated heavy rainfall replacing the original rainband south of the bent front. This warm sector precipitation then strengthens the front through tilting and diabatic heating frontogenesis. A stronger front recovers its initial band shape, and the associated rainfall also resumes the form of a rainband along the front. Analyses of potential energy associated with instability, water vapor convergence, and cross-frontal circulation are carried out to illustrate key processes of this mei-yu front–rainfall cycle. The implications of this symbiotic relationship for simulating and predicting extreme rainfall associated with mei-yu fronts are presented.

The spermathecae and egg morphology of Stenozygum coloratum (Klug, 1845) were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy, and their external morphology was characterized in detail (egg chorion surface, operculum, and aero-micropylar processes, and spermatheca morphology). Eggs barrel-shaped; operculum round and the hatching line can be easily distinguished in the scanning electron photograph. The egg batches usually consist of 12 eggs. Because of the thick egg chorion, embrionic development was not visible from the outside. The eggs of S. coloratum are usually laid in two rows and are glued to the Capparis spinosa (Capparacea) plants. The egg burster is highly sclerotized, thick and T shaped. It is clearly observed in the hatched egg. Egg-burster is remains attached with the inside lateral surface of the egg. The well-marked operculum intersects the ring of 18–20 short pipe shaped micropylar projections that are found between the tubercles around the hatching line. In S. coloratum, the spermathecae has a semi-oblong spermathecal bulb. The spermathecal duct, pumping region, dilation of spermathecal duct and distal and proximal ducts. The pumping region has distal and proximal flanges. The balloon-like median spermathecal dilation has sclerotized rod and is narrowed distally and tipped. The proximal area of the spermathecal duct is close to the vagina opening. Two V-shaped sclerites and two ring sclerites are localized on the genital chamber (vagina) wall in to which opens the spermathecae. Egg and spermathecae structures in insects differ from species to species. In this study, spermathecae and egg structures of this species, which have not been studied before, were examined in detail, and it was aimed to contribute to systematic and taxonomic studies.

Data from previous literature were used to compile a checklist of the of north African hydraenid beetles. Members of Hydraenidae are mostly 0.5-3 mm in length and genitalia of different species under the same taxonomic group are almost indistinguishable. The external morphology of several taxa, e.g., Ochthebiinae, is largely variable. Mostly all the described genera or subgenera are with uncertain relationships in addition to the presence of many assigned but undescribed species. Here we summarize the recorded species of family Hydraenidae in the north Africa. The species distribution in the Palearctic region is provided. According to the analysis of literature a total of 15, 15, 61, 39 species were recorded in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia respectively. The genus Ochthebius was represented by 15, 13, 36, 16 species, while Hydraena by19, 1, 15, 12 species, and Limnebius species was represented by 3,1, 12, 6 species in Algeria Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia respectively.

The diversity of Asian horned toads is considered highly underestimated and to contain a large number of undescribed cryptic species. In this work, we describe three new species of Boulenophrys from south China, namely, Boulenophrys yaoshanensis sp. nov. from central Guangxi, Boulenophrys yingdeensis sp. nov. from northern Guangdong, and Boulenophrys yunkaiensis sp. nov. from western Guangdong. These three new species can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics and significant genetic divergences. These descriptions increase the number of recognized species of Boulenophrys to 61. In addition, an updated checklist of the Asian horned toads of the subfamily Megophryinae is provided in this study.

In postnatal ontogeny, the topographic relationships of the tongue glands and lymphoid structures in the thickness of the tongue have clear age-related features. In this article, we discuss the features of the glandular-lymphoid relationship in the thickness of the tongue, which is of particular scientific and practical importance for more precise understanding of the mechanisms providing local immunity in the oral cavity.

In this study, comparative palynological characteristics and allergic features of the Salix taxa from Meşelik and Yunus Emre campuses, Eskişehir/Turkey were investigated. Detailed palynomorphological investigation of the pollen grains of Salix taxa were carried out under Light Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was revealed that the pollen grains of investigated taxa were the tricolpatae type and spheroidal shaped. Exine was seen to be tectatae-reticulatae ornamentation. Comparisons which will be made with the collected species and other taxa within the family will make contribution to taxonomy for family.

The distribution of Myrica gale on the coast of the Gulf of Finland is confined to regularly flooded coastal habitats, characterized by milder environmental conditions compared to the uplands and under the residual influence of the Gulf Stream. In Russia, M. gale is located on the northeastern border of the range. The study of the features of the species that contribute to the dispersal in the northern direction, and the properties of the environment that prevent such dispersal, is always of great interest. Growth in colder conditions in comparison with other members of the family, mainly inhabitants of the tropical and subtropical areas, affected the formation of such adaptations as deciduousness, changes in the structure of flowers and bark, as well as the presence of a large number of protective leaf organs. Their quantitative and qualitative analysis made it possible to establish the presence of 4 lignified parchment-like scales that do not fall completely and 6 membranous with partially lignified tops scales that stretch out while unfolding. An attempt was made for the first time to analyze the spatial structure of the shoots of the species. A sympodial growth of shoots and the phenomenon of acrotonia, as well as a spiral formation of lateral shoots, were established. In the structure of the mature generative branch of M. gale there were identified 3 types of shoots: long growth, medium and short, and also their leaf series were analyzed. Leaf series of short and medium shoots are characterized by significant asymmetry compared to leaf series of long shoots and are incomplete. The curves were constructed on the basis of such characteristics of leaf organs as their total number, length along the central vein, including the petioles (if they are presented), and internode lengths. A large number of rudiments of leaf organs determines the gradual formation of the buds, and the imperfection of the structure of the scales reflects the weak protective ability of these organs. Both features indicate the deep ancientness of the species and the difficulty in adapting to cold environmental conditions. Mature generative branches of M. gale are similar in habit to small trees, which is of particular interest in the context of modeling possible directions of adaptation during the spread of species of subtropical origin to more northern regions.

Heritage speakers (HS) have been shown to experience difficulties with inflectional morphology (particularly with irregular morphology) and to frequently overapply regular morphology. The present study seeks to get further insight into the inflectional processes of HS by investigating how these are generalized to nonce words in language production, the first study of this kind for heritage Turkish. We specifically examined morphological generalization processes in the Turkish aorist which – unusual for this language – includes both regular and irregular forms. A written elicited-production experiment containing nonce verbs with varying degrees of similarity to existing verbs was administered to Turkish HS and native monolingually-raised Turkish speakers (MS). We also explored how well a formal model that was trained on a large lexical corpus of Turkish matches the human speakers’ performance. Our main finding is that HS employ both similarity-based and rule-based mechanisms for morphological generalization of the Turkish aorist, with subtle differences to the way these mechanisms are applied by Turkish MS.

Waterfalls can form due to external perturbation of river base level, lithologic heterogeneity, and internal feedbacks (i.e., autogenic dynamics). While waterfalls formed by lithologic heterogeneity and external perturbation are well documented, there is a lack of criteria with which to identify autogenic waterfalls, thereby limiting the ability to assess the influence of autogenic waterfalls on landscape evolution. We propose that autogenic waterfalls evolve from bedrock bedforms known as cyclic steps and therefore form as a series of steps with spacing and height set primarily by channel slope. We identified 360 waterfalls split between a transient and steady-state portion of the San Gabriel Mountains in California, USA. Our results show that while waterfalls have different spatial distributions in the transient and steady-state landscapes, waterfalls in both landscapes tend to form at slopes >3%, coinciding with the onset of Froude supercritical flow, and the waterfall height to spacing ratio in both landscapes increases with slope, consistent with cyclic step theory and flume experiments. We suggest that in unglaciated mountain ranges with relatively uniform rock strength, individual waterfalls are predominately autogenic in origin, while the spatial distribution of waterfalls may be set by external perturbations.

Introduction: The three dimensionally affected growth and development of craniofacial structures in CLCP leads to problems dealing with facial appearance, skeletal and dental malocclusion, feeding, airway, hearing, and speech. Objectives: Evaluation and utilisation of fs morphology as a forecast of future growth for growth pattern and skeletal malocclusion in CLCP cases. Methodology: A 30 Cases from Skeletal Class I, III and CLCP will be selected from Department of Orthodontics. Dimensions and area of frontal sinus is evaluated using 3DVT. Parameters are evaluated in sagittal and coronal section. The measurement's dependability will be determined using a reliability test (Cronbach alpha test). Chisquare Test, One Way ANOVA, and Multiple Comparison will be used to do descriptive and analytical statistics. The Tukey Test is a statistical test that is used. Expected Results: Frontal sinus dimensions when observed for Class III will be found greater. Average dimensions will be observed for skeletal Class I cases. Based on the dimensions of frontal sinus observed in cleft lip and palate, we can predict the skeletal malocclusion and growth pattern. Conclusion: The morphology of the fs is evaluated in cleft cases for the upcoming growth pattern and skeletal malocclusion if is known during formulating a treatment plan for the three dimensionally affected jaw bases and craniofacial structure the requirement for later surgical intervention can be prevented.

The object of the study is the methodology of teaching Russian morphology at secondary school. The subject matter of the research is the teaching potential of morphology for building a system of skills necessary for speech activity and the development of learners’ systematic thinking. The study aims to search for methodological factors that can enhance learners’ mental activity in the process of mastering the morphology of the Russian language. Theoretical research methods (analysis, synthesis, systematisation, generalisation of results) in conjunction with practical research methods (modelling the process of teaching morphology, learning process observation) are employed in the study. The paper examines theoretical sources, practices in teaching morphology at school and suggests ways to reverse negative trends in education. The relevance of the problem is highlighted, in the first place, by the fundamental importance of morphology for learners’ personality development. Secondly, it is emphasised by the fact that modern school-leavers lack the system of morphological skills. Lastly, negative trends in teaching this branch of linguistics as part of the school Russian course persist, which also underlines the relevance of the research. The study focuses on the theoretical aspects of the addressed problem and takes into consideration modern knowledge of psychology, psycholinguistics, linguistics, the methodology of teaching Russian. Additionally, the paper presents methods and techniques of teaching such difficult morphological topics as «The Pronoun», «The Participle», «The Numeral». It is concluded that problem-based learning is effective as its implementation will enable teachers to enhance their students’ mental activity in the process of cognition and optimise the outcomes of teaching Russian morphology at secondary school.

Citrus plants, which are mostly cultivated in the southern tropical area of the country, are one of the important economic crops in Iran. Branch canker and dieback of citrus is an ongoing problem for citrus growers located in these areas and has imposed irreparable damage to the citrus production in this region in recent years. Disease symptoms consisted of the blight of vigorously growing shoots and dieback of the branches and rootstock trunks. This study aimed to characterize the citrus dieback pathogen morphologically and phylogenetically, and the species Neodidymelliopsis iranensis Soleimani & Goudarzi, sp. nov., is described and illustrated here. Isolates were derived from collected citrus samples with dieback symptoms. After preparing pure cultures from single spores on oatmeal agar and malt agar, the morphological features of the species were described and their pathogenicity was confirmed on lime (Citrus aurantifolia). Morphologically N. iranensis is easily separated from the other species of Neodidymelliopsis by the size of pycnidia, conidia septation, and NaOH test results. The morphological differences between our isolates and the other known species of Neodidymelliopsis were strongly supported by a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS region, and LSU, RPB2, and TUB2 genes. In the reconstructed phylogenetic tree, N. iranensis formed a well-supported clade with other Neodiddymelliopsis species in the Didymellaceae family, but was separated from all other Neodiddymelliopsis species. The distinct phylogenetic position is supported by differences in morphological features. Consequently, the specificity of the morphological and phylogenetical features of the collected isolates has convinced us to describe Neodidymelliopsis iranensis as a new species.

Lycium (Solanaceae) has more than 100 species in arid and semi-arid parts of the world. In Iran, this medicinal plant is represented by 6 species, on which no palynological study has been conducted. Pollen morphology of 7 taxa are considered for the first time to evaluate the species relationships based on palynological data. Observations were made by use of Scanning electron microscopy on untreated pollen grains. Multivariate statistical analyses were carried out for qualitative and quantitative pollen features in the species studied. Results show that all pollen grains were monad, isopolar, zonotricolporate in prolate and preprolate shape. Exine sculpture was of striate and regulate patterns. Variations in pollen grains are considered to overcome the identification problems in species separation in morphologically similar taxa in this genus in Iran. The importance of pollen features in delimitation in some genera of Solanaceae was previously proven and the present study elucidates that some features as exine sculpture and some quantitative characters are of diagnostic importance in Lycium species native to Iran.

Orchid roots have vital functions for water absorption, nutrient uptake, a place of symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi, adaptation, and survival. The aim of the present study was to investigate root traits in terms of root morphological, anatomical, and mycorrhizal features of a terrestrial orchid, Peristylus goodyeroides in relation to an ecological significance of root traits in survival of seedlings, juveniles, and adults of the orchid. Results showed that some morphological characters (root length and depth), anatomical features (cortical cell size, xylem number and diameter), and mycorrhizal features (peloton size and number) were significantly different between seedlings, juveniles, and adults. In relation to root functional traits, lowest root length, depth, xylem number and diameter, peloton size and number in seedlings can be associated with low capacity in water and nutrient acquisition that might explain low survival of seedlings relative to juveniles and adults. Present study has implication for orchid conservation suggesting high attention in low survival rate of seedlings related to specificity in some of their morphological, anatomical, and mycorrhizal features which can be associated with low capacity in water and nutrient acquisition. It is vital to ensure water availability for seedlings, particularly, during dry seasons to decrease high mortality of seedlings as such high mortality can have adverse impacts on long-term survival of the orchid population.

The activities of social insect colonies are supported by exocrine glands and the tremendous functional diversity of the compounds that they secrete. Many social wasps in the subfamilies Vespinae and Polistinae have two sternal glands-the van der Vecht and Richards' glands-that vary in their features and function across the species in which they are found. Field observations suggest that giant hornets use secretions from the van der Vecht gland to chemically mark targeted nests when workers initiate group attacks on social insect prey. However, descriptions of giant hornets' sternal glands and details about their recruitment behavior are lacking. We describe the morphology of the sternal glands of the giant hornet Vespa soror du Buysson and consider their potential to contribute to a marking pheromone. We also assess the gastral rubbing behavior of workers as they attacked Apis cerana F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. V. soror workers have well-developed van der Vecht and Richards' glands on their terminal gastral sternites, with morphologies that robustly support the synthesis, storage, and dissemination of their secretory products. Observations confirm that the van der Vecht gland is exposed during gastral rubbing, but that the Richards' gland and glands associated with the sting apparatus may also contribute to a marking pheromone. Workers briefly but repeatedly rubbed their gasters around hive entrances and on overhead vegetation. Colonies were heavily marked over consecutive attacks. Our findings provide insight into the use of exocrine secretions by giant hornets as they recruit nestmates to prey colonies for group attacks. ispartof: ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA vol:115 issue:2 pages:202-216 ispartof: location:England status: published

The aim of this study was to investigate and record data on the morphometrical parameters of the skull and mandible in Sharri sheep. We have evaluated 34 skulls (24 females and 10 males) of Sharri sheep (Ovis aries), a local breed of sheep from Northern Macedonia. Fifty-one measurements were evaluated in total: 37 parameters on the skull and 14 parameters on the mandible. The results of the study show that, in general, the morphology and morphometric parameters of the skull and mandible, of Sharri sheep are similar to those of other sheep breeds with few differences. The mean skull length (SL), skull height (SH), distance between two supraorbital foramina (DBTSF), orbital length (OL), mandible length (ML) and Sharri sheep diastema (D) were 247.47 ± 13.12 mm, 104.71 ± 6.21 mm, 50.73 ± 3.44 mm, 41.21 ± 1.99 mm, 185.91 ± 13.33 mm and 45.81 ± 3.73 mm, respectively. The results also show that out of 51 parameters, only 13 show a statistically significant difference between females and males, particularly the distance of akrokranion to opisthion (AO), articular surface length of mandibular condyle (ASL) and anterior limit of the mandibular foramen to cranial border of ramus mandible (RBMFRMRM). The findings of this study are important in many aspects: morphologically, morphometrically and especially clinically, during surgical interventions in the head region. With a lack of information in current literature on the investigated parameters in this sheep breed, the present data are a solid basis for further studies in comparative anatomy with other ruminants and in other areas such as zooarchaeology and animal welfare.

[EN] The genus Gastrotheca (Anura: Hemiphractidae) is a group of marsupial frogs particularly diverse in Andean regions. Several taxonomic studies of this genus have been conducted in the humid cloud forests—or Yungas—of the Andean eastern slopes of central Bolivia (departments of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz). Yet, the distinction among three species that occur sympatrically in these forests, G. lauzuricae (proposed as a junior synonym of G. coeruleomaculatus in 2015), G. piperata, and G. splendens, remains unclear since the morphological characters that purportedly support their differentiation are variable and partly shared among them. We have carried out external morphological studies, including multivariate morphometric analyses, to assess how they support the taxonomic status of these three species. We also evaluated characters of the cranial osteology of a sample of six individuals using micro CT-scanning. Principal component and linear discriminant analyses resulted in a great overlap among the putative species. Cranial osteological comparisons did not reveal highly significant differences among them, but suggested that different degrees of hyperossification could be related to the developmental state of individuals. Our results indicate that most morphological and osteological reported differences between the three species likely represent intraspecific variation. Thus, we propose that the three nominal species belong to a single biological entity, for which the name Gastrotheca splendens (Schmidt, 1857) has priority. We also restrict the name Gastrotheca coeruleomaculatus (Werner, 1899) to externally similar congeneric populations from the Yungas forests of department of La Paz, but highlighting the need of a detailed evaluation of their taxonomic identity., [ES] El género Gastrotheca (Anura: Hemiphractidae) es un grupo de ranas marsupiales altamente diverso, especialmente en las regiones andinas. Varios estudios taxonómicos de este género se han llevado a cabo en los bosques húmedos montañosos—o Yungas—de la vertiente oriental de los Andes del centro de Bolivia (departamentos de Cochabamba y Santa Cruz). La distinción entre tres especies que se encuentran en simpatría en estos bosques,G. lauzuricae (propuesta como sinónimo posterior de G. coeruleomaculatus), G. piperata y G. splendens, no está clara, ya que los caracteres morfológicos que supuestamente apoyan su diferenciación son variables y están parcialmente compartidos entre ellas. Mediante estudios de morfología externa—incluyendo análisis morfométricos multivariantes—evaluamos la validez taxonómica de estas tres especies. Además, examinamos la osteología craneal de una muestra de seis individuos con microtomografía computarizada. Los análisis de componentes principales y discriminante lineal mostraron un gran solapamiento entre las supuestas especies, y las comparaciones osteológicas no revelaron diferencias sustanciales entre ellas, pero sí sugieren que los diferentes grados de hiperosificación podrían estar relacionados con el estado de desarrollo de los individuos. Nuestros resultados indican que la mayoría de las diferencias morfológicas y osteológicas descritas para las tres especies probablemente representan variación intraespecífica, por lo que proponemos la existencia de una única entidad biológica, para la que el nombre Gastrotheca splendens (Schmidt, 1857) tiene prioridad. Se establece que el nombre aplicable a las poblaciones similares de Gastrotheca de los Yungas del departamento de La Paz sería Gastrotheca coeruleomaculatus (Werner, 1899), pendiente de posteriores estudios taxonómicos., This paper was financed by projects CGL2014-53523-P and PGC2018-097421-B-I00 (PI, Ignacio De la Riva) of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, partially with funds from the European Union.

Because teeth are the most easily preserved part of the vertebrate skeleton and are particularly morphologically variable in mammals, studies of fossil mammals rely heavily on dental morphology. Dental morphology is used both for systematics and phylogeny as well as for inferences about paleoecology, diet in particular. We analyze the influence of evolutionary history on our ability to reconstruct diet from dental morphology in the mammalian order Carnivora, and we find that much of our understanding of diet in carnivorans is dependent on the phylogenetic constraints on diet in this clade. Substantial error in estimating diet from dental morphology is present regardless of the morphological data used to make the inference, although more extensive morphological datasets are more accurate in predicting diet than more limited character sets. Unfortunately, including phylogeny in making dietary inferences actually decreases the accuracy of these predictions, showing that dietary predictions from morphology are substantially dependent on the evolutionary constraints on carnivore diet and tooth shape. The “evolutionary ratchet” that drives lineages of carnivorans to evolve greater degrees of hypercarnivory through time actually plays a role in allowing dietary inference from tooth shape, but consequently requires caution in interpreting dietary inference from the teeth fossil carnivores. These difficulties are another reminder of the differences in evolutionary tempo and mode between morphology and ecology.

The Adiantum pedatum complex is disjunctly distributed in North America and eastern Asia. In this study, we carried out a detailed morphological study based on 137 specimens representing the biogeographic diversity of this complex. The sequences of eight chloroplast markers of 35 samples were analyzed with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The morphological and phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of a new species of the A. pedatum complex from Japan. We propose the new species as A. japonicum based on the examinations of specimens from Japan and the comparative analyses of the whole complex. This new species can be distinguished from A. pedatum by the erect rhizome and shows significant molecular differences from other species in this complex. A taxonomic description with detailed morphological characters of the new species is presented.

Keeping honey bee colonies in isolated areas can cause inbreeding. The inbreeding over a long period is good for the purity of bee subspecies but also has some negative effects including the low performance of colonies. This study was performed on hybrid honey bee colonies placed in an isolated location for about five years to check the effects of inbreeding on them. The bees were able to mate with each other during this period of time without introducing new bee queens or bee packages. Some morphological characteristics and parameters were studied to test the purity of the bees and the presence of any negative effects due to inbreeding. The results showed the presence of variations between studied colonies without any negative effects on bee morphology, hygienic behavior, bee larvae development, brood rearing activity, and food storing activity. The study highlighted the absence of deleterious effects on honey bees due to inbreeding under isolation conditions. Bal arısı kolonilerinin izole alanlarda tutulması akrabalı üremeye neden olabilir. Akrabalı yetiştirmenin uzun bir süre boyunca yapılması, arı alt türlerinin saflığı için iyidir ancak aynı zamanda kolonilerin düşük performansı da dahil olmak üzere bazı olumsuz etkileri de vardır. Bu çalışma, akrabalı yetiştirmenin etkilerini kontrol etmek için yaklaşık beş yıl boyunca izole bir yere yerleştirilen hibrit bal arısı kolonileri üzerinde yapıldı. Arılar, bu süre zarfında yeni ana arılar veya arı paketleri sunmadan birbirleriyle çiftleşebildiler. Arıların saflığını ve akrabalı yetiştirmeden kaynaklanan olumsuz etkilerin varlığını test etmek için bazı morfolojik özellikler ve parametreler incelenmiştir. Sonuçlar, arı morfolojisi, hijyenik davranış, arı larva gelişimi, yavru yetiştirme aktivitesi ve gıda depolama aktivitesi üzerinde herhangi bir olumsuz etki olmaksızın çalışılan koloniler arasında varyasyonların varlığını göstermiştir. Çalışma, izolasyon koşulları altında akrabalı yetiştirme nedeniyle bal arıları üzerinde zararlı etkilerin olmadığını vurguladı.

Here, I report a new species of the genus Neohagenulus Traver, 1938 from the Dominican Republic. The genus was believed to be endemic to Puerto Rico until now. Neohagenulus hodecekisp. nov. is described at the nymphal stage. Some discussion on the tribe Hagenulini is also provided.

Mecolenus wahlbergi Schoenherr, the sole member of the basal apionine tribe Mecolenini and one of the least known South African weevils, was re-discovered at a new locality at Umtamvuna River separating KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. It was found feeding on leaves of the Broad-leaved Wild-quince Cryptocarya latifolia Sond. (Lauraceae), which is the first record on the biology of this species. The distribution of M. wahlbergi is summarized and mapped, including unpublished records based primarily on the specimens deposited at the Durban Natural Science Museum. Concordance between the distribution of the weevil and its putative host C. latifolia is discussed. The adult morphology of M. wahlbergi is re-described and illustrated.

For rodents, hearing is essential to survival. It enables predator evasion, prey detection, and conspecific recognition; it is also likely to be constrained by the physical environment. The resulting hypothetical link between tympanic bulla morphology and ecology has never been investigated across a broad array of rodent species before. Such link may enable the determination of the ecological affinities of many fossil species only known from partial skulls. In this study, we used geometric morphometrics to quantify the shape of the auditory bulla of 197 specimens representing 91 species from 17 families of extant rodents across four different locomotory modes. We used landmarks and semi-landmarks on the ventral and lateral views of the skull to capture morphological characteristics of the bulla and external auditory meatus (EAM). Our results demonstrate an association between bullar morphology and locomotion in rodents. Bullar shape enables the correct classification of 76% of the species in our training set. Fossorial taxa, in particular, show a characteristic morphology including an asymmetric bulla with a dorsally located and laterally expanded EAM that has a small opening diameter. A phylogenetically informed flexible discriminant analysis shows a weak phylogenetic effect on tympanic morphology. There is no evidence for differences in bullar hypertrophy across locomotory categories. The application of this approach to select fossil rodents from the Oligo-Miocene shows broad agreements with prior studies and yields new locomotory inferences for 14 fossil species, including the first proposed locomotion for members of the family Florentiamyidae. Such results call for the timing of burrowing diversification in rodents to be reevaluated.

Gymnocolea borealis is reported for the first time for Asia from Russia based on the morphological and subsequent molecular-genetic comparison of rbcL cpDNA sequence of the specimen from the Gydansky Peninsula, West Siberian Arctic. An extended morphological description, generalizing the species characters throughout its range, and data on its variation, differentiation and ecology, and photomicrographs are provided. The occurrence of G. borealis growing as separate shoots among dense mire vegetation makes it easy to overlook. Presently known isolated records of G. borealis support its disjunctive circumpolar distribution.

Two new species of Polyptychus, Polyptychus smithi sp. nov. and Polyptychus lucindae sp. nov., are described from West Africa. A comparison is made with their closest congeners, Polyptychus coryndoni Rothschild & Jordan, 1903 and Polyptychus lagnelae Pierre, 2014 respectively from which they differ in features of the wing pattern, genitalia and the COI-5P region of the mitochondrial DNA. Diagnoses are provided together with illustrations of the habitus and male genital morphology.

Based on field investigations and a review of relevant literature and specimens, Agapetes leiocarpa is shown to be conspecific with A. atrosanguinea and thus is reduced as a synonym under the latter. The floral morphology of A. camelliifolia is described for the first time based on living collections from the wild. Revised descriptions, color plates and taxonomic notes of these two species are also provided.